Tello

The Tello is a compact, programmable quadcopter produced by Ryze Technology, a Chinese startup founded in 2015 to bring intelligent aerial devices to the consumer market. Launched globally in 2018 after a strategic partnership with DJI and Intel, the Tello quickly became a benchmark for entry‑level drones, blending affordable pricing with advanced capabilities typically reserved for professional models. Its 100‑gram frame complies with the United States’ FAA Class 1 regulations, allowing unrestricted indoor and outdoor flight without registration. Powered by a 3‑cell Li‑Po battery, the aircraft offers up to 13 minutes of flight time and a stable 720p video stream captured by a 5‑megapixel camera equipped with electronic image stabilization. A key feature is the open‑source programming environment; users can script flight paths using Scratch, Python, or Swift, fostering STEM education and hobbyist creativity. Additionally, the Tello supports Vision Positioning System (VPS) for precise hovering in GPS‑denied environments, and its real‑time telemetry can be accessed via a dedicated mobile app. The drone’s impact extends beyond recreation, serving as a classroom tool that introduces students to robotics, computer vision, and aerial navigation, thereby marking a significant step in democratizing aviation technology.