Chinese drone maker DJI just released a new drone but in this case it’s not something that flies. The company has been hosting robot competitions in China and has released an educational robot called the RoboMaster S1 toy robot tank.

Yes, it’s a drone on four wheels rather than four rotors. The RoboMaster S1 is a camera equipped RC tank but it’s not only via the commands of a mobile app for it to move, owners can do code for it do some movements on its own. While it is geared more for kids in order to motivate them to code and still have fun with toys, it can also be used by big kids themselves too, like us airsofters!

The RobotMaster S1 comes equipped with 31 sensors that can help map its environment, as well as recognize and respond to gestures and sounds. It can also track objects which some of the newer models of DJI drones can do.  It is quite nimble and maneuverable with its wheels that can allow it to move in 360 degrees which you usually see more in tracked vehicles or those cars that are used in drifting minus burning rubber.

Here are the features of the RoboMaster S1:

• 46 Programmable Components
• 6 Programmable AI Modules
• Low-latency HD FPV
• Scratch & Python Coding
• 4WD Omnidirectional Movement
• Intelligent Sensing Armor
• Multiple Exciting Battle Modes
• Innovative Hands-On Learning

But what gets my attention as an airsofter is that the RoboMaster S1 is armed and can fire gel balls. This makes the RoboMaster S1 as a fast moving gel blaster that can be used in robowars. The gel balls are non-toxic and dissolve in water after a few hours. But if you want a more destructive competition with these RoboMaster S1s, why not modify them with even more powerful gearboxes that can shoot more solid 6mm BBs (or 8mm if need be)? The principle of gel blasters which are more in use in Asia, is just like airsoft, except that that the gel beads are softer.

Modding these with more powerful airsoft gearboxes can bring about damage and destruction to this robots. I know that they mainly for educational purposes, but for those who love tinkering with robots or RC toys and airsoft, the RoboMaster can merge both passion into one and can use them for competition. In robowars, the goal is always the destruction of the opposing robot.

Another potential skill to be developed with the RoboMaster S1 is to be able to operate armed drones for military and law enforcement use with the coding experience to make drones work being another plus factor. With drones now fully in use in hotspots around the world, such skill will go a long way.

The RoboMaster S1 is priced at US$499.00 so it will be an expensive toy to destroy.