Has Canadian Engineer John Tse Developed a Flying Umbrella That Follows Him? Fact Check Reveals Claim Is True
Canadian engineer John Tse has successfully created a prototype of an autonomous, drone-based flying umbrella that follows the user. While the technology is real and documented on his 'I Build Stuff' channel, viral footage shared by Dom Lucre is AI-generated, not an authentic demonstration of Tse's invention. The device remains a prototype with current wind and battery limits.
A claim suggesting that Canadian engineer John Tse has developed an autonomous flying umbrella that follows him around is true. John Tse, known for his "I Build Stuff" YouTube channel, has successfully created a prototype of such a device. The claim comes amid an AI-generated video of John Tse going viral on social media.
The Viral Claim
The claim that Canadian engineer John Tse has developed a flying umbrella that autonomously tracks and follows him has gained traction across various digital platforms. News outlets such as The Times of India, Tomorrow's World Today, and tech360tv reported on Tse's invention, highlighting its hands-free operation and innovative use of drone technology. The claim spread widely, captivating audiences with the prospect of personal, automated weather protection. Did Bhutan Decline Offer From Indian Oil Companies To Buy E20 Petrol? Petroleum Ministry Calls Reports 'Incorrect'.
John Tse Shares How He Built Fully Autonomous Flying Umbrella
Evidence and Development
John Tse, an engineer and filmmaker, showcased his autonomous flying umbrella on his YouTube channel, "I Build Stuff". The device is a functional prototype that utilises drone technology, a time-of-flight depth camera, and a Raspberry Pi. These components enable the umbrella to detect a user, track their movements, and hover overhead, offering protection from rain or sun without requiring the user to hold it. A video from John Tse's YouTube channel confirms the functionality of Tse's invention, noting its ability to autonomously follow its user. Several news websites have also highlighted the hands-free capability and innovative engineering behind the project.
Limitations of the Prototype Made by John Tse
While the flying umbrella successfully demonstrates autonomous tracking, it is currently a prototype with certain limitations. These include battery life constraints and challenges in operating effectively in strong winds. Despite these aspects typical of early-stage prototypes, the core functionality of autonomous following has been clearly demonstrated and widely reported by multiple media outlets, including New Atlas. Did Elon Musk Make a Red Carpet Appearance With Tesla Optimus Robots? Fact Check Calls Claim Misleading.
Is the Viral Video Real?
The claim that Canadian engineer John Tse has developed a flying umbrella that follows him around is true. John Tse has indeed created a functional prototype of an autonomous flying umbrella, which uses drone technology to track and hover over a user, as widely reported by various news and technology publications. However, the viral video shared by X user Dom Lucre is an AI-generated video and not the original clip shared by the Canadian engineer on his official YouTube channel.
Fact check
Canadian engineer John Tse has developed a flying umbrella that follows him around.
The claim is true; John Tse has created a functional prototype of an autonomous flying umbrella.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 06, 2026 05:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
