Some close-up shots require precise camera handling: an octopus hiding in a crack for instance. We’ve got that covered too – simply call iBubble back from your bracelet, grab it, switch to manual mode and use it as a regular underwater camera. Press the switch again, release iBubble and it’ll resume following you. 

Not sure what’s under the boat? If you’d rather scout unknown spots from the comfort of the boat before diving, you’ll love our remote control option. Plug it in, immerse iBubble and see for yourself if it’s worth getting wet.

 

The oceans are an awesome gift nature gave us. As respectful visitors of the underwater world, we want iBubble to be part of the solution. We’re designing a drone with minimal footprint, minimal noise and maximum regard for the marine environment. Not only that – we’ll also give 1% of our sales to nonprofit organizations fighting for cleaner oceans.

* This applies to sales after Indiegogo campaign

General

• Dimensions: 50 x 35 x 25 cm – 20 x 14 x 10 inches
• Weight: About 5 kg – 11 lbs

Performance and operating conditions

• Max depth: 60 m – 197 ft
• Max range from diver: 25 m – 80 ft
• Battery life: 1 hour in standard conditions (10°C - 30°C or 50°F - 86°F water, 15 min lights usage, 1 m/s or 3.2 ft/s max. current)
• Top speed: 1 m/s or 3ft/s

Drone

• Hydrodynamic design with integrated handles for easy transport
• GoPro® compatible (Hero 3 and up)
• Proprietary positioning system (patent pending)
• Inertial measurement unit with 3-axis gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer
• Compatible with GoPro filters 
• Integrated obstacle detection system 
• Depth sensor
• 7 brushless motors for 3D mobility and stability, even in strong currents
• 2 x 1000 lumen lights
• Manual mode switch
• Rechargeable and easily replaceable battery pack (2 x 4S 8000 mAh Li-Po)
• Automatically resurfaces in case of emergency (permanent signal loss, out of battery…) – with optional “diver to iBubble” tether available  
• RC with live video feedback (Explorer’s RC Pack only)
• Easily repairable architecture for authorized dealers 
• Withstands currents of up to 3 knots (1.5m/s or 5ft/s)

Bracelet

• Connected bracelet with embedded camera movements, including “come to me” feature
• Integrated high-visibility display
• Recording start/stop switch

App

• iOS/Android app
• Wireless footage streaming to your smartphone

We started dreaming of iBubble in March 2015. Since then, we’ve refined the idea a lot, both in terms of functionalities and technical specs.

During the product definition stage
We’ve interacted with hundreds of people from the diving community (scuba divers, free divers, underwater movie professionals, scientists…). We’ve gathered user feedback from experts and amateurs. In fact, we’ve leveraged every single opportunity to meet and discuss with our future backers, from huge diving shows to Facebook or face to face meetings. Our motivation was simple: we absolutely needed to know what YOUR dream underwater camera would be. Because we believe that’s the only way to deliver a great product.

On the technical side
We first identified the fields of expertise required to make iBubble work, from hydrodynamics to energy management, via signal processing and embedded software. We then developed a proof of concept (a real-life feasibility test to make sure our technical hypothesis are valid) on the most critical technological breakthrough: underwater positioning. Given that high frequency radio transmission, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth don’t work underwater, we had to find another way to ensure communication between the diver and the drone. We’ve looked at other industries and eventually found a solution mixing the best of marine mammals’ echolocation and computer-based tracking algorithms. For all other required functionalities, we’ve either considered technologies available off-the-shelf, and/or performed preliminary studies to check that we could meet our timeframe, quality and costs expectations. We’ve chosen to develop several prototypes and test our ideas in situ.

• The technical prototype V5 "Beluga" you can see in the videos is our most advanced one in terms of functionalities. This prototype integrates ultrasonic transmitters that allow to detect the diver 360° around it. Thanks to the connected bracelet, the diver can change the camera angle scenarios or ask to resurface at the end of the dive.
  We also implemented a feature that greatly improves the accuracy of the shots: real-time video recognition. This technology opens many possibilities for the future.
  Great work has been done on the fluidity and the precision of the movements. We are now working on the integration of new scenarios such as the 360°.

• The yellow prototype is a design mock-up. We wanted you to have an idea of how cool iBubble will look in the future. Its shape takes into account architecture constraints of all functionalities iBubble will have onboard in a slick, hydrodynamic design. Integrating the different technologies is a time-consuming phase, which should be complete at the end of this calendar year.

Regarding the bracelet
We have already developed its critical functionality: the positioning system’s transmitter. You can see its first prototype handled by our diver in the Technical Prototype V5 video above. How does it work? The transmitter emits a low frequency signal that the drone uses to calculate its position relative to the diver. The antenna, battery and electronics included in this prototype seem bulky, but they are design to meet a >1 km (~1 mile) range requirement. Once they are scaled back to iBubble’s 25m/80ft range, they will fit in a dive computer.

We’ve also worked on the bracelet’s future design and user interface. You can see one of the previous rendering in the pictures below. In the future, it will also integrate a display to make it even simpler. To industrialize this bracelet, we will turn to a well-known dive computer manufacturer. Several of them have approached us, and we’ve decided that it would be more efficient to leverage their expertise. Backers updates will inform you regularly of our progress on this front.

What’s next? The product development
We’ve defined a robust methodology based on our extended experience in consumer goods industrialisation and high-end software development. We’ve already pre-selected key partners for both the development and the production phase. You’ll find the main steps of the industrialization process in the timeline below.

We’ve assembled an A-team of passionate divers, underwater world enthusiasts and people with the skills to turn our idea into reality: embedded software developers, manufacturing & supply chain managers for some of largest manufacturers, mechatronics experts, experienced business model designers and creative innovation marketers. We love what we do and do it well!

Our team members have completed projects ranging from critical software for commercial airliners to France’s best selling electric car or Hexo+, the world’s first autonomous flying camera. We’re also working with partners who are leaders in their fields, whether it’s launching startups or turning Indiegogo hopes into successful industrial projects.

Why are we tooting our horn here? Because launching a product from scratch is a difficult process. And we certainly don’t want to mess it up. Truth be told, we want to go diving with iBubble as much as you do! Delivering a product too late or short on functionality is not an option for us.

1. PURCHASING AND SHIPPING

2. FILMING ANGLES, USES AND MODES

3. ABOUT iBUBBLE: ORIGINS, COST, TIMELINE...

4. TECHNICAL SPECS

5. AFTER THE DIVE

6. ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY

7. WARRANTY

 

1. PURCHASING AND SHIPPING

Where do you ship to?

We will ship to anywhere in the world reachable by a carrier.

How much is shipping?

Shipping is not included for perks including iBubble. Worldwide shipping is $75, regardless of your country. Shipment does not include extra fees from customs, or additional costs associated with your country. For the 25 dollars perk, shipping is included.

Who is responsible for any additional taxes, duties or VAT?

Prices do not include importation taxes. The backer is responsible for them, please check your country's import duties before purchasing.

How does the iBubble deposit perk work?

You simply have to pay $300 now, and the balance before shipping (in May 2018). 

I preordered an iBubble, but I didn’t get a confirmation email. How can I check the status?

Please refer to this article on How to Check if Your Contribution is Successful. If there is still an issue, you may contact us at indiegogo@ibubble.camera.

There was an error with my contribution. What happened?

Please refer to this article on common contribution errors and steps to resolve: Common Contribution Errors.
 

2. FILMING ANGLES, USES AND MODES

What will iBubble do?

iBubble will follow divers underwater, filming quality images autonomously. Several filming modes will be available, including moves impossible for a diver to perform (such as rapid vertical climbs). Divers will easily switch between modes thanks to a convenient control bracelet. iBubble will also feature a manual mode for close-ups. Back to the surface, the divers will produce movies with minimal editing, share them with friends or use them to improve their technique.

Where will iBubble be positioned when filming the diver?

 

The location of the drone will depend on the location of the diver and the filming mode selected.

iBubble's first version will analyze the best angle, keeping the bracelet at the center of the shot. But its wide angle will also capture the surroundings.

 

Which filming modes will be available?

 

• Follow me: the camera remains near the diver and records what he sees. Marine life, corals, shipwrecks…
• 360° selfie: the drone completes a full circle around the diver, keeping the person at the center of the shot.
• Zoom in / Zoom out: smooth transitions between wide-angle views and macro vision.
• Manual mode: the diver takes a hold of iBubble, to record close-up images for instance.

What can I use it for?

iBubble will be useful to:

• bring back memories from your underwater adventures
• share your passion with people on land
• create stunning movies
• analyze your dives and improve your technique
• scout a diving location before your group goes in the water

 

3. ABOUT iBUBBLE: ORIGINS, COST, TIMELINE...

How did you come up with this idea?

iBubble is the brainchild of Kevin Delfour and Xavier Spengler, keen divers, photographers and technology enthusiasts. They were looking for a way to film quality underwater videos without having to deal with heavy and cumbersome equipment. The idea of an autonomous wireless underwater camera imposed itself.

Delfour and Spengler turned to Startup Maker, the startup studio behind Hexo+ (1.3M$ on Kickstarter in 2014). The studio provided a complete business development and marketing support team.

Today, Nicolas Gambini and Benjamin Valtin are respectively CEO and CMO of Notilo+, the company created to support iBubble.

When will iBubble be in customers' hands?

iBubble units will be shipped to customers in May 2018.

Is there already a functioning product?

Between July and December 2015, we’ve developed two technical prototypes to validate the positioning technology closed to the diver. It works well, even if it does not have its final design. By the end of the year, a prototype will integrate the same technology to the design final look, thanks to the funds raised in April.

What's the extend of Guillaume Nery and Julie Gautier’s involvement in the project?

Guillaume Néry is a professional filmmaker as well as a world-class athlete. His partner, Julie Gautier, directed Gravity and other stunning underwater films. We've submitted our idea to them early on. They were taken by it and immediately started contributing to the project. Today, Guillaume Nery is acting as iBubble's ambassador but also helps define technical characteristics, along with Julie Gautier.

 

4. TECHNICAL SPECS

Which cameras are compatible with iBubble ?

For our first version, we are working with GoProⓇ Hero versions 3, 4 and 5.

Tell me about the engines

iBubble is equipped with 7 propellers

• 4 engines sit in the nozzles, at a 45° angle from the central axle. They propulse the drone forward and backward.
• 3 other engines enable upward and downward movements, as well as rotations. They also stabilize the drone.
• Each engine is made of three 2.5” blades which can rotate in both directions.

You say that iBubble will be quiet, can you explain further?

iBubble doesn’t rely on a ballast system, so there are no actual bubbles! In addition to that, the engines are positioned inside the drone, where we’re trying to contain the noise. Our goal is for iBubble to be as discreet as possible. iBubble adapts to the marine environment, not the other way around.

Will iBubble film in low light conditions?

Thanks to integrated LED lights, iBubble will capture quality video, with brightened colors.

How will iBubble react to underwater currents?

This is one of the areas we're focusing on at the moment (along with environmental impact and obstacle avoidance). iBubble is equipped with 8 engines and an inertial unit in order to counteract turbulences. It should be able to go to 3.2 ft/s max and 1.9 knots.

How will the batteries work?

• iBubble is equipped with a battery pack of 2 LiPo (lithium) batteries lasting up to 1h in standard conditions (10 to 30°C / 50 to 86°F, 15 min lights usage, 1 m/s – 3.2 ft/s max. current)
• Battery packs can easily be swapped
• The batteries are encased in a waterproof box

What happens if iBubble runs out of battery?

We are aiming for a 1-hour battery life. When the battery will be nearly empty, iBubble will alert the diver with a set of LED lights. The diver will call iBubble back and hook it on his back. This will be particularly useful for drift dives. Another option will be for iBubble to resurface. This could be useful for longer dives.

What if iBubble loses power or if there is an electrical failure in the water?

When the battery runs out, iBubble will come back to the diver and he will be able to finish the dive with it.  In case of a failure, iBubble is equipped by an emergency system that send it directly to the surface.

How does the signal work underwater?

iBubble “speaks” to the diver via a control bracelet, using Short Baseline (SBL). This is the same low-frequency positioning system used by submarines. We use low power, low frequency signal, which presents no danger to divers or fishes.

How does one carry iBubble on land?

We’re really proud of our design, which takes in consideration feedback from our community of divers. With convenient handles and weighing only 5kg (less than 11lbs), the drone is a breeze to transport on land.

How will you ensure filming quality?

iBubble’s IMU (inertial measurement unit) is very precise and will allow for great stability. The 7 engines also help stabilize the drone. 

Will the images be filtered?

iBubble will be compatible with GoPro camera filters.

 

5. AFTER THE DIVE

I’m done recording. What now?

You will connect your phone, tablet or computer to your iBubble via Wifi or Bluetooth to upload and edit your video!

How should I take care of my iBubble?

Rinse it thoroughly with clear water after each dive and keep it in its case.

 

6. ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY

What will be iBubble's impact on the marine ecosystem?

Like most divers, we love our underwater world. Therefore, preserving it is high on our priority list. We're crafting a drone that will be surprisingly quiet. This way, it won’t disturb and scare away marine life. The communication between iBubble and the diver works on a frequency and intensity marine mammals can’t be disturbed. The camera uses a sonar (also harmless) to avoid obstacles, be they fishes, corals or shipwrecks.

And what about corals?

Used in normal conditions, our drone will be able to avoid obstacles, i.e. corals, fish, shipwrecks, etc.

What if a shark bites iBubble?

The drone’s colors are picked so that they don’t attract predators (i.e. by avoiding strong contrast).

What if 3 divers in the same group have an iBubble?

Each drone responds to its own bracelet. One diver won’t be able to control another diver’s iBubble.

 

7. WARRANTY

Will iBubble come with a warranty?