Richard Browning | Taking on Gravity | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Richard Browning, founder of Gravity Industries, discusses the creation and development of his Iron Man-like flight system, the Gravity Jetsuit, and how it has disrupted industries and opened up new possibilities.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] ROB LEWORTHY: Hello. Welcome to "Talks at Google." My name is Rob, and I'm absolutely delighted today to be joined by Richard Browning. Richard Browning is the founder of human propulsion technology startup, Gravity Industries, which he founded in March 2017 after inventing, building, and patenting an Iron Man-like flight system, th... Read More

Key Insights

• 👻 The Gravity Jetsuit is powered by jet engines on each arm and one on the back, providing thrust that allows the user to fly.
• ❓ Richard Browning's background in engineering, the Royal Marines Reserves, and his passion for innovation and invention influenced the development of the Gravity Jetsuit.
• ✈️ Gravity Industries focuses on grassroots innovation, disrupting industries through a minimalist approach to human flight.
• 👨‍💼 Marketing, branding, and navigating the commercial aspects of the business are essential for turning an idea into a successful venture.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the Gravity Jetsuit work?

The suit is equipped with jet engines on each arm and one on the back, providing thrust that allows the user to fly. The engines use vectored thrust, similar to how the Harrier aircraft or F-35 flies, to propel the user.

Q: How did Richard Browning come up with the idea for the Gravity Jetsuit?

Browning wanted to reimagine human flight and create a minimalist form of flight. The idea was to be the flying machine rather than sitting inside or on top of one, resulting in the creation of the Gravity Jetsuit. Browning drew inspiration from his background in engineering and aviation, as well as his passion for innovation and invention.

Q: What inspired Richard Browning to create Gravity Industries?

Richard Browning rediscovered a family passion for invention, engineering, and aviation after his career with BP. He took on the seemingly ludicrous idea of reimagining human flight and embarked on a grassroots innovation journey, leading to the formation of Gravity Industries.

Q: How does the training process work for using the Gravity Jetsuit?

Gravity Industries provides training using a safety tether system, which allows individuals to learn to fly within minutes. Training involves using a grated mesh platform with climbing harnesses, where users can gradually adjust to the feeling of the jetsuit's thrust and learn to balance and manoeuvre.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Richard Browning explains how the Gravity Jetsuit works, with jet engines on each arm and one on the back, providing thrust that allows the user to fly.

• He discusses the inspiration behind the invention, which came from his desire to reimagine human flight and create a minimalist form of flight.

• Browning shares his journey from tinkering in a workshop to forming the brand and launching Gravity Industries, highlighting the challenges of entrepreneurship and the importance of branding and marketing.