![Your Next Running Companion Could be a Flying Robot [VIDEO]](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/archives/022empaxRuej4SrxxtCkbue/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1647021032.jpg)
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Did your jogging partner cut out on you at the last minute ... again? If this experiment successful, someday you'll be able to substitute that human running companion with a smart flying robot.
Take a look at the video and you'll see how well this modified Parrot AR.Drone quadcopter keeps up with inventor Chad Toprak. The robot was built by Toprak and his fellow researchers at Exertion Games Lab in Melbourne, Australia.
The Joggobot stays oriented by recognizing special graphics on the runner's shirt, and can be programmed to either synchronize its speed and position with the jogger, or fly ahead at a predetermined speed, making the jogger catch up.
When will we be able to run and frolic with such a cool thing? Toprak says it'll be many years before it's mass-produced, but looking at this video, it seems like it's pretty close to being useful already.
What do you think? Would people in the park where you run think this was nuts?
[via The Age]