Bill Piedra and a group of students at the King Low Heywood Thomas school in Stamford, Connecticut, are trying to Kickstart a project to build and market what they call the "Ryptide," a 3D printed accessory which attaches to a stock DJI Phantom drone that's capable of releasing a regulation, self-inflating life-ring to aid swimmers or those in distress in the water. The device includes a set of design files which will allow for it to be modified or repaired with a 3D printer, and Piedra says it weighs less than a standard GoPro camera setup. You can read the whole story here: http://3dprint.com/50661/3d-printed-drone-lifeguard/


Below is a close-up look at the Ryptide: