There's a new way to control drones. That is, if you have an Apple Watch handy.

As reported by Reuters, Taiwan-based technology researchers at PVD+ developed an algorithm that allows them to use the Apple Watch to fly a drone and manipulate its movements with simple hand gestures.

Most drones require a remote that comes with the devices, though some may be controlled by software running on smartphones or tablets. PVD+ researchers, however, flew a Parrot AR Drone 3.0 with only hand gestures while wearing Apple's timepiece. The software they wrote effectively registers how they're tilting their hands or performing other actions, and the drone responds accordingly.

In addition, users can clap to turn on the drone's lights. Based on the letter they write in the air, the colors on those lights will change accordingly.

Though the team has focused on Apple Watch, PVD+ told Reuters that its algorithm will work on any device. The hand-based control (seen in the video below) naturally drew comparisons to The Force; indeed, the team said its tech could manipulate balls like the BB-8 droid from the new Star Wars.

Looking ahead, PVD+ researchers say that they will continue to work on the technology. They told Reuters in an interview that they can only run the drone for 20 minutes before its battery dies. In addition, it doesn't work as well when environmental factors, such as wind, come into play.