What is ‘bamboo-copter’, its links to China and Japan; how it inspired modern helicopters

Believed to date back to 500 BC, the gadget has mysterious origins, with its inventor remaining anonymous throughout history

The bamboo-copter is one of the most famous gadgets from the pocket of Doraemon, an iconic robot cat from a Japanese cartoon series who employs futuristic devices to assist a clumsy boy, notably enabling the protagonists to fly.

In fact, this gadget is inspired by a Chinese invention that dates back over a thousand years.

The bamboo-copter was one of the earliest gadgets presented to the boy Nobita Nobi by the robotic cat character from the 22nd century.

It made its first appearance in the manga in 1970. When the protagonists wear it on their heads, it spins and lifts them into the sky.

It was believed to be one of the Doraemon gadgets most likely to become a reality, especially with the invention of devices such as jetpacks.

However, the bamboo-copter had already inspired flight technology nearly a century ago.