If you're looking for an autonomous aircraft without the need for registration in the U.S., Paparazzi UAV and 1bitsquared have got you covered. The Lisa/S quad has a takeoff weight of 39g(0.086 lbs.) That's way below the FAA registration limit and still leaves plenty of head-room for payload, approximately 210 grams worth.
Here's a link to the kit: Lisa/S Nano Quadcopter Kit
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... and there is now a companion computer available for 5$ to experiment with in this nano size category; The Rapberry Pi Zero
http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/raspberry-pi-zero-launched-towa...
Nano copters unite!
For those interested in the Lisa/S Nano Copter, TUDelft MAVLab put together a nice tutorial that includes a short autonomous flight clip. Enjoy.
Not to hijack this topic, but this was in june 2014:
https://youtu.be/a6yVU6KhlNU
AutoQuad M4, full autonomous, 42gram, HoTT telemetry, Android GCS/QGroundcontrol etc
Around 7 min @ 1S 320mAh
There are a couple of interesting options in the sub 250g. range.
What about the Hermit Micro FPV racer (getfpv.com) integrated with the new XRACER v1 Autopilot (http://www.auav.co/product-p/xr-v1.htm) " The XRacer V1, the latest next generation PixHawk derivative flight controller.".
Wow, that is incredible. What sort of flight times does it manage? Can it handle any wind? I'm assuming it's for outdoor use given the GPS.
Light drones, under the regulation weight, with same sensors capabilities as the >4kg drones, are the future and the way to go. I expect only large corporations will ultimately have the means and resources to comply with regulations for bigger drones carrying heavy payload (they create and lobby such regulations)
Top notch
Wow, its really great achievement !
Of note, this autopilot was developed in cooperation with TU Delft MAVLab.