3D Robotics (3DR) has announced Iris — an advanced quadcopter with full GPS-guided autonomous capabilities.

Iris is designed to provide an “out-of-the-box” flying experience that brings the power of professional-grade aerial robotics to the mass market, the company says.

Iris can be controlled by an Android tablet or phone (iOS coming soon) or through a nine-channel radio control transmitter (included). With a mobile app, takeoff and landing can be done with a single touch, and mission planning is as simple as tapping on a map and drawing a path that Iris will follow.

The quadcopter is designed with a wide angle between the front arms to provide a clear view for its onboard camera, an optional GoPro Hero3 that can also be included in the package.

Iris sports a high-performance 32-bit autopilot system built on an ARM Cortex-M4 processor that runs a real-time operating system and uses the latest ST Microelectronics sensors. The flight code represents over four years of professional development and testing in a community of over 40,000 users. Iris also features an integrated power-distribution/motor-control board to reduce weight and increase available payload capacity.

Ready-to-fly Iris packages are currently available for pre-order from 3D Robotics and will begin shipping September 16. These pre-ordered vehicles are intended for developer-level users who are familiar and comfortable with operating multi-rotor vehicles from 3D Robotics. A full consumer release of the product will follow shortly thereafter.

Base price is $659.99.

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