November 14, 2018 – Ryze Tech, creator of the Tello mini drone, is launching Tello EDU, a programmable unit that expands the educational opportunities with support for additional programming languages and drone swarms.
Tello EDU is now available worldwide at store.dji.com, apple.com, and in select Apple retail stores worldwide.
It’s found its way into classrooms and camps, where it provides a fun way to learn about physics, engineering, and computer programming.
Companies like Drobots and Droneblocks have been using Tello in hundreds of STEM camps and school programs across the US.
Tello EDU has been built on these strengths. Users can program it with Scratch, Swift, and Python, offering options for beginners and advanced coders. It comes packaged with four Mission Pads, physical waypoints the drone can recognize and respond to. Tello EDU also allows users to access the video stream data and discover more advanced controls like basic gesture controls by coding.
There is still plenty of focus on fun. While it weighs just 87g, the Tello EDU has an HD camera and flying modes for flips and tricks. Tello EDU also has dedicated app with virtual missions to challenge young minds, and there is a “Tello Space Travel” adventure on Apple’s Swift Playgrounds app.
“Tello is an amazing way to get kids energized about learning,” says Robert Elwood, CEO of Drobots, who used Tello as part of his company’s STEM summer camps. “It’s safe, affordable, and accessible, yet it’s also powerful and fun. As an educator, that’s exactly what you’re looking for. Tello EDU will take things to the next level.”
Supports More Programming Languages
Tello EDU supports several programming languages such as Scratch, Swift and Python. Using a basic Scratch editor or the Tello EDU app, users can create missions through block programming. In Apple’s Swift Playgrounds app users can find “Tello Space Travel” lessons that will introduce users to a wider range of coding concepts and activities as they play the role of an astronaut exploring space. With the new SDK 2.0, users can create more advanced functionality, interacting with data from the video stream, creating possibilities like gesture control. This new feature offers students a great opportunity to learn the basics of complex subjects like computer vision.
"Teachers and students have been using our app to code missions for Tello with drag-and-drop languages like Scratch," said Dennis Baldwin, founder of DroneBlocks. Hundreds of schools across the US have already used DroneBlocks to get Tello into the classroom. "We’re really excited about the world of possibilities that will open up with coding languages like Python and Swift. And we are creating a new course just for Tello EDU. "
Learn with Mission Pads and Program a Swarm
Tello EDU will be sold with four Mission Pads, a colorful accessory that allows for a richer programming experience. Users can teach the Tello EDU to recognize its position based on the pads, and can trigger a specific response.
With a WiFi access point, users can program a swarm of multiple drones, instructing them to perform synchronized missions or execute complex choreography. Mission Pads play a key role here, helping drones to keep understand their location and react to commands accordingly.
Powered by DJI Technology with Assist from Intel
Tello EDU is powered by technology from two leading names: DJI and Intel. An Intel® Movidius™ vision processing unit inside helps the vision positioning of Tello EDU, enabling it to hover in place for stability and safety. The flight controller and vision positioning system are derived from the market-leading technology found in DJI’s larger drones.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Ryze and to see the evolution of the Tello series,” said Mario Rebello, Vice President & Country Manager, North America at DJI. “We believe there is a huge opportunity to get more kids interested in science, engineering, technology and math. Drones and robotics let kids mix programming and play.”
“We have seen Tello emerge as a powerful option for bringing STEM education into and outside classrooms around the world,” said Brian Gonzalez, General Manager, Global Education Sector, Intel Corporation. “The combination of new coding languages and advanced software features in Tello EDU is only going to enhance the possibilities for drones and computational thinking in education.”
Price and Availability
Tello EDU will retail for $129 and will be available starting today fromstore.dji.com, apple.com, and select Apple stores around the globe. Tello EDU can be controlled by Tello app, Tello EDU app with smart devices, or Swift Playgrounds on iPad.
The box comes with 1 drone, 2 sets of spare propellers, 4 Mission Pads, 1 battery, and a USB charging cable. Tello EDU is also compatible with the GameSir T1d Bluetooth remote, which is sold separately and is available on store.dji.com.
Watch Tello EDU video here: [size=14.6667px]
Check out “DJI Stories- Inspiring Girls to Pursue STEM” video featuring Tello here:
rikk08 Posted at 11-14 06:00
Another great initiative from DJI, thanks for all the great work you're doing not only with consumers but also for the community
Definitely brilliant. About a month ago I saw the Tello mini-drone at our local electronics and appliances megastore (Clas Ohson). It was the first time I saw it, so was mighty surprised to see the DJI logo on it. So much so as to take a photo
Am having problem now flying the drone. Connecting to the aircraft Mavic air it tells me to update the firmware to 0.0500 when I click update it always goes to fail. I trying any tines by did not get through. Even I try using DJI assistant 2 but aircraft it can't be pick up by the computer and remote as well for update. Is anyone there who can help me. Please
Is the hardware in the Tello EDU different from the Tello? Or will there be a software upgrade (free or paid) to enable the same functionality for the Tello?
sdchew- Posted at 11-20 23:39
Is the hardware in the Tello EDU different from the Tello? Or will there be a software upgrade (free or paid) to enable the same functionality for the Tello?
Same hardware - software update....about sdk 2.0 on Tello...hmmm....wait for christmas ;)
BumblerBee Posted at 11-17 07:04
Definitely brilliant. About a month ago I saw the Tello mini-drone at our local electronics and appliances megastore (Clas Ohson). It was the first time I saw it, so was mighty surprised to see the DJI logo on it. So much so as to take a photo
djiuser_GiZD3vn07XdA Posted at 11-29 01:51
Its looking awesome. I want to know how long battery can survive? Currently I am using which has max 10 min battery life and need to charge 1 hour.
try take out the props guard and you will get 12-13 mins flight time
cartek Posted at 11-21 11:34
Same hardware - software update....about sdk 2.0 on Tello...hmmm....wait for christmas ;)
Hi, is the firmware update on Tello confirm by Christmas? I am waiting for the ap command on Tello.I am working on swarm and have to launch first show in mid January.
djiuser_mISoE7eisbrt Posted at 12-15 08:57
Hi, is the firmware update on Tello confirm by Christmas? I am waiting for the ap command on Tello.I am working on swarm and have to launch first show in mid January.
Good day. The latest firmware version confirmed by Christmas is Tello's dedicated firmware version. Actually, Tello Edu supports swarm mode with the current version. For any further assistance, please do feel free to contact us at :
This situation has filled us with regret, we are sincerely sorry for this issue. In regard to it, could you please offer the order number for further investigation? Thanks a lot in advance.
Hey Master, Tello EDU supports all Tello’s functions and is updated to SDK 2.0. By using with the mission pads, programming is more interesting and accurate. Plus, users can make Tello EDUs fly in formation.
For any further inquiry, do feel free to let me know : )
Hi, just noticed there was a firmware update so I applied the update. I put a fresh battery in first.
It seemed to finish and the LED on the Tello turned off.
I waited about 5 minutes and nothing happened so I turned it back on.
The LED turned green and then blinked red 4 or 5 times quickly and then back off.
It does not appear as a wifi AP and the LED is staying off.
Pushing the on button again does nothing. I have to remove the battery and plug it back in to get the Grenn/flash red sequence again.
What can i do?
I need your help.
Ducaddict Posted at 1-23 11:39
Hi, just noticed there was a firmware update so I applied the update. I put a fresh battery in first.
It seemed to finish and the LED on the Tello turned off.
I waited about 5 minutes and nothing happened so I turned it back on.
Sorry for this. In regard to your concerns, can you try upgrading the drone with the method below?
Step 1 : Power off the drone first
Step 2: Hold the power button with power off for about 5 to 8S until the green led goes off. [ Gotta release it as soon as the green led turns off ]
Step 3: Once succeed, it would flashing red led.
Step 4: Then connect Tello's wifi and redo firmware upgrade. "
Hey Jetta, in regard to your DJI points, would you mind contacting DJI support here : https://www.dji.com/support?site=brandsite&from=nav. Don't hesitate to let me know if you have anything else we can assist.