DJI has launched a new Local Data Mode that stops internet traffic to and from its DJI Pilot app, providing enhanced data privacy assurances for sensitive government and enterprise customers.
Local Data Mode will be available in the next update on the DJI Pilot app on CrystalSky and for select Android tablets.
When an operator activates Local Data Mode, the app will stop sending or receiving any data over the internet. This adds an additional layer of security for operators of flights involving critical infrastructure, governmental projects or other sensitive missions.
“We are creating Local Data Mode to address the needs of our enterprise customers, including public and private organizations that are using DJI technology to perform sensitive operations around the world,” said Brendan Schulman, DJI’s vice p resident of policy and legal affairs. “DJI is committed to protecting the privacy of its customers’ photos, videos and flight logs. Local Data Mode will provide added assurances for customers with heightened data security needs.”
Since Local Data Mode blocks all internet data, the DJI Pilot app will not be able to detect the location of the user or show map and geofencing information such as No Fly Zones and temporary flight restrictions, nor will it notify drone operators of firmware updates.
Telemetry data on flight logs such as altitude, distance or speed will remain stored on the aircraft even if the user deactivates Local Data Mode.
Whether Local Data Mode is activated or not, photos and videos captured by the user are always stored on the drone’s SD card and are only shared if the user chooses to upload them online to the SkyPixel community, social media or other websites.
When using Local Data Mode, drone operators are reminded that they are solely responsible for the safety of their flight operation and that they understand that features that may enhance and support the safety of their operations, but that rely on internet connectivity, are no longer available.
Drone operators can enable Local Data Mode by opening the DJI Pilot app, clicking on “Activate LDM Mode” and entering a password which will be required to deactivate Local Data Mode when they decide to go online again.
New drones will still have to be activated first by logging into the user’s DJI account with an email and a password. To ensure the drone has the latest firmware, users can download and update it while they have internet connectivity before re-activating Local Data Mode.
The Local Data Mode feature may not be available in locations where an internet connection is required or highly advisable due to local regulations.
Measure, a U.S. provider of drone solutions for enterprise customers, is expanding its drone engineering and equipment sales capabilities with the acquisition of Pilatus Unmanned.
Josh Kornoff, Pilatus Unmanned CEO and a pioneer in the commercial drone industry, will head Measure’s engineering team.
The acquisition marks the latest chapter in Measure’s rapid growth, highlighted by the recent introduction of new solutions and toolkits for the solar and broadcast news industries.
Pilatus Unmanned (previously known as Allied Drones) specialized in drone customization for commercial customers, leveraging Kornoff’s years of experience in designing and fabricating custom drone and payload solutions. Pilatus Unmanned was one of the first enterprise value-added resellers for commercial drone maker DJI.
“Measure is at the forefront of the emerging drone-as-a-service industry and is fundamentally changing the way businesses gather information critical to their operations,” said Kornoff, whose career also includes 15 years as a Hollywood special effects and pyrotechnics supervisor for nearly 1,000 commercials, music videos, television shows and films. “I’m excited to continue pushing the envelope in using drone technology to solve business challenges.”
Kornoff will lead Measure’s drone engineering team out of its new office in Huntington Beach, California, which includes an industrial facility equipped with the machinery, tooling, parts and components for drone customizations.
Kornoff will also serve as Measure’s lead technical advisor and will oversee support programs for toolkit customers.
“This acquisition will accelerate growth and allow us to continue to create groundbreaking solutions for our customers in energy, construction, telecommunications and media,” said Measure CEO and co-founder Brandon Torres Declet. “Expanding our engineering capacity and our ability to provide one-stop shopping for equipment and toolkits will help ensure that we can offer our customers solutions that are truly comprehensive.”
Ultra stable for low jitter and phase noise applications
The RHT1490 series of high-frequency and low-jitter ultra-stable TCXOs are available in frequencies from 50 MHz to 204.8 MHz. It delivers telecommunications-grade stability with a low real mean squared (rms) phase jitter of <200 fs (12 kHz–20 MHz). The platform’s frequency output enables lower system jitter, allowing communication system architects to optimize noise budget and performance. It can serve as a reference clock for SyncE and packet clock requirements (ITU-T G.826x and G.827x). It works with both discrete and integrated IEEE 1588 solutions, providing medium-term stability for low loop bandwidth applications. Its ultra-low noise floor performance, combined with system phase locked loop filtering, helps achieve very low system clock rms jitter numbers required by reference clocks of physical layer devices for high -speed interfaces (40 G and 100 G applications).
The 50-channel 8835 GPS reference clock serves satellite communications, defense and wireless applications. It has extreme power and interoperability options while maintaining GPS accuracy and reliability. Tracking GPS, the clock exhibits a frequency accuracy of <1 x 10-12 and a 1 PPS accuracy with <50 nanoseconds real mean squared. The proprietary oscillator steering discipline algorithm can enhance the rms accuracy of either the double-oven crystal oscillator or optional enhanced rubidium oscillator for greater depths of accuracy. It operates from –30° C to +60° C with a terminal node controller GPS receiver port.
The Algiz 8X ultra-rugged tablet computer is built for field workers who require a powerful, portable computer for mobile tasks. It offers communication features such as LTE and dual-band WLAN, along with an 8-inch projective capacitive touchscreen for outdoor use. Enabling glove mode or rain mode allows for operation in changing weather. The chemically strengthened glass survives an impact test in which a 64-gram steel ball is dropped on the screen 10 times from a height of 1.2 meters. The Algiz 8X has optional active capacitive stylus. Built-in features include Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB; u-blox GPS and GLONASS; WLAN a/b/g/n/ac; BT 4.2 LE; a rear-facing 8-MP camera with autofocus and LED flash; and 4G/LTE.
The X-52 entry-level machine control system for excavation features the new intuitive MC-X1 controller, compatible with all brands and models of excavators. Its reliable and rugged TS-i3 tilt sensors detect the precise positioning of the boom, stick and bucket at all times. Later this year, the X-52 will be upgradeable to a full 3D system with GNSS. The X-52 not only allows operators to work faster and with better accuracy, but also promotes a safer work site by keeping grade checkers out of the trenches. The system is designed to pair with the GX-55 touchscreen control box to offer sunlight-readable indicate grade reference in any climate.
Integrated display and keypad for configuration without controller
The Precis-TX204 receiver is a light-weight, rugged, all-in-one GNSS receiver with a built-in centimeter-accuracy RTK engine, onboard storage and versatile connectivity. The built-in battery can support up to 10 hours of continuous field work. Up to 16-GB SD card support makes field work easier, and the rugged enclosure enables the receiver to work in harsh environment. The receiver is designed for infrastructure applications such as providing differential data or logging observations; centimeter-level position and velocity information; precise tracking for internet of things; precise navigation for UAV and robotics. It supports GPS L1 and L2, and BDS B1 and B2.
The CMA-6024 aviation GPS/SBAS/GBAS sensor, featuring an embedded VHF data broadcast (VDB) receiver, is a complete, self-contained, fully certified, precision approach and navigation solution certified to Design Assurance Level A (DAL-A). Designed as an easy-to-integrate solution for all aircraft, the plug-and-play standalone unit requires no specialized installation or integration support. The new CMA-6024 provides a navigation solution that is fully compliant with automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP). The CMA-6024 includes SBAS Localizer Performance/Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LP/LPV) and GBAS GNSS Landing System (GLS) GAST-C/D precision approach guidance for all aircraft. Built on the success of the CMA-5024, the CMA-6024 is the next step forward, adding a complete GBAS/GLS solution. All CMA-5024 receivers can be upgraded to a CMA-6024.
Alternative to paper logs streamlines fleet management
The GPS Insight Hours of Service solution has a feature set designed to streamline fleet management and ensure Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compliance. Hours of Service bundles an Android tablet hardwired to a GPS tracking device. The ruggedized Electronic Logging Device (ELD) tablet features an intuitive user interface to ensure ease of use for all drivers. The management portal is web-based, secure and accessible via PC, tablet and smartphone. Features include messaging between drivers and dispatch; audible and visual directions using designated truck-specific routes; and e-logs combined with GPS monitoring, alerting and reporting. The GPS Insight Hours of Service Solution offers a simple alternative to paper logs and provides many benefits beyond compliance.
Rugged platform designed for aerial inspection, data collection
The Matrice 200 drone series (M200) is built for professional users to perform aerial inspections and collect data. The folding body is easy to carry and set up, with a weather- and water-resistant body for field operations. It offers DJI’s first upward-facing gimbal mount, for inspecting the undersides of bridges, towers and other structure. It is compatible with DJI’s X4S and X5S cameras, the high-powered Z30 zoom camera and the XT camera for thermal imaging. A forward-facing first-person-view camera allows a pilot and camera operator to monitor separate images on dual controllers. Obstacle avoidance sensors face forward and up and down, and it has an ADS-B receiver for advisory traffic information from nearby manned aircraft.
PCI Geomatics’ STAX UAV image alignment and analysis tool.
Designed to ease image alignment
The STAX UAV image alignment and analysis tool provides automated tools for aligning and analyzing UAV imagery without a full photogrammetric software suite. STAX was built to address the challenges of collecting and aligning multiple UAV surveys of the same location over time. By automating the alignment process, UAV operators can reduce or eliminate the use of ground control points that are traditionally installed and measured in survey sites. Relative corrections can be applied by using one of the surveys in a stack as a reference. Alternately, a highly accurate reference image of similar resolution over the area of interest can be used to automate the image alignment process. Once multi-pass UAV surveys have been aligned, customers can accurately make comparisons between surveys to measure changes over time or perform feature extraction. STAX provides tools to calculate vegetation indices as well as visualization and basic cartographic capability. Stacked data sets
can be exported for deeper analysis.
Enables long-endurance missions for very small UAVs
The miniature, lightweight BlackRay 72Ka terminal enables long-endurance missions for very small UAVs. The ultra-compact airborne SATCOM terminal for unmanned aircraft systems delivers exceptional throughput for its size. Tactical, long-endurance unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are commonly used to gather and send intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information to ground stations in real time. Reliable, high-performance satellite communications are crucial for ensuring uninterrupted broadband connectivity in beyond line-of-sight missions. Weighing less than 5 Kg, the BlackRay 72Ka combines high performance and throughput with minimal footprint.
Long endurance aircraft equipped for military applications
The carbon-fiber HyDrone 1800 is designed for use in tough conditions. The drone is wind-resistant, rain-resistant, cold-resistant and lightweight. Its hydrogen fuel-cell technology provides a flight endurance of 4 hours — 50+ hours when combined with MMC tethered technology. The HyDrone 1800 achieves extended flight time while maintaining altitude limits of 4,500 meters with a payload capacity of up to 5 kg. Constructed for safety and durability, an auxiliary lithium battery starts the fuel cell and provides a backup power source. Hydrogen drones can be flown in extreme temperatures from –10° C to 40° C. Payloads include a thermal imaging camera, low light camera, laser equipment or zoom camera, making the system suitable for many military applications such as intelligence gathering, border patrol, aerial fire support, laser designation or battle management services to tactical military operators. MMC also offers packaged solutions in target acquisition and reconnaissance technology (ISTAR).
DJI has updated the capabilities of its largest drone series by introducing the Matrice 600 Pro, which offers improved flight performance, a more powerful battery charging system and better loading capacity for industrial equipment, cinema cameras and other professional aerial applications.
The M600 Pro’s A3 Pro flight controller comes with triple modular redundancy and diagnostic algorithms that compare sensor data from three sets of GNSS units, which enhances precision control while improving overall safety. Vibration damping balls have been added to the flight controller’s redundant IMU module and main controller, absorbing more shake and reducing more noise.
The compatibility with D-RTK GNSS makes the A3 Pro withstand magnetic interference and provides centimeter-level accuracy, which makes it suitable for industrial applications.
“The M600 Pro is DJI’s most advanced platform for aerial cinematographers and commercial users. With its simple and easy setup system, triple redundancy and improved stability, the platform offers an unparalleled experience for professional users,” said Aaron Zhao, Senior Product Manager at DJI.
DJI’s E2000 Pro dust-proof propulsion system simplifies maintenance and its active cooling motors ensure that operation is reliable for extended periods of time.
The M600 Pro is compatible with DJI’s Zenmuse camera series, the Ronin-MX gimbal and DJI Focus. It supports a payload of 6 kilograms, meaning it can carry a range of cameras from Micro Four Thirds systems to the RED EPIC.
The M600 Pro has been optimized for transportation and comes with pre-installed arms and antennas. When folded, the platform is smaller than the standard M600. The M600 Pro comes with an updated battery charging hub, enabling users to charge the six intelligent batteries at the same time and thereby reducing overall charging time.
DJI, maker of unmanned aerial vehicles, and DroneSAR, an Irish tech start-up for search and rescue, on Thursday announced a new search and rescue app that seamlessly integrates a drone’s unique aerial perspective on life-and-death searches into incident management software, ensuring rescue crews can use drones effectively to save lives.
DroneSAR can stream live images and video, from a regular or thermal imaging camera, to an incident command center as well as other rescue teams on the ground. The software can tag the GPS coordinates of a victim and automatically transmit them by email or SMS, enabling ground crews to reach victims more quickly. Completed search patterns are all recorded and logged for easy handover to oncoming rescue crews.
The app takes into account various types of terrain, allowing the drone to fly patterns to survey an area faster and more effectively. Flight paths can be adjusted for any terrain including hills, mountains, trees or flat land. The software allows users to choose an automatic aerial search pattern based on variables such as altitude, field of view, battery life and probability of detection. By organizing the process of data collection and providing a framework to manage and analyze it, DroneSAR ensures drones can be used methodically as part of a rescue protocol, allowing personnel to work more safely and effectively.
“From understanding on how to use the technology, to communicating findings and data, to figuring out the most appropriate tactical approach, first responders can benefit greatly from this software app on our DJI hardware,” said Romeo Durscher, director of Education at DJI. “Many of the tasks and strategies deployed during a search and rescue operation can get sped up with automation, helping to reduce the time it takes to find a victim and save lives.”
The software was developed based on research done by DJI in conjunction with the European Emergency Number Association and Ireland’s Donegal Mountain Search and Rescue team. The groups found that while a five-person rescue team on foot needs an average of two hours to find a victim in one square kilometer, a drone can do the job in 20 minutes or less while taking additional active steps to achieve a successful rescue.
“Our aim is to save lives,” said Oisin McGrath, co-founder and CEO of DroneSAR. “Our software will reduce risk to search teams and reduce search time. If we can save just one life, that is mission success for us at DroneSAR.”
Drone-maker DJI has partnered with UAV software company Propeller Aero to launch an integrated solution to reduce costs, improve safety and drive operational efficiency in the construction and mining industries.
The partnership integrates DJI’s commercial-grade aerial platform, the Matrice 100, with Propeller’s cloud-based software specifically designed for surveying and inspection.
The solution provides enterprises and commercial UAV operators a simplified, quick and efficient way to automate operations and access data. It will enable businesses to accurately perform site measurements and volumetrics and share data seamlessly with just a few clicks, the companies said.
Rory San Miguel (left) and Francis Vierboom, co-founders and CEOs of Propeller Aero, display the new Aeropoints product. (Photo: Propeller Aero)
Sydney Start-Up. Propeller Aero was founded in 2013 in Sydney, Australia, when Rory San Miguel and Francis Vierboom first got hooked on drone technology. They wanted to bring drones to industries like mining and construction, where they thought the technology was really going to “grow up.”
They set about joining Australia’s regulated drone industry by applying for their drone pilot licenses. While waiting for the paperwork, they created an online app to share data from their trial flights.
Figuring out the best ways to process, visualize and use UAV data ended up being more exciting to San Miguel and Vierboom than actually flying the drone.
Propeller Aero provides cloud-based software that streamlines data processing and simplifies the way data is used and shared. The software package provides web-based geospatial data processing, analytics and instant volumetric calculations for a range of professional applications. It has been adopted by commercial drone operators and enterprise clients in 60 countries.
Deploying UAVs for surveying and inspection can reduce costs, minimize workplace hazards and improve operations, especially for businesses that operate in quarries, construction sites and asset infrastructure.
“Being from Australia, Propeller Aero has had the considerable advantage of developing alongside the industries that have been using commercial UAVs since 2002,” said Michael Perry, DJI’s director of strategic partnerships.
DJI’s Matrice 100. The Matrice 100 platform has DJI’s technology built in, including GPS, the flight controller, the propulsion system, DJI Lightbridge, a dedicated remote controller and a rechargeable battery. The system automatically manages complex tasks required for flight.
DJI and Datumate have begun offering a drone, software and app package that fully automates and expedites site surveys.
Tailored for professional surveying jobs, the DJI-Datumate Site Survey Solution simplifies the surveying and mapping processes, while maintaining superior accuracy. Shenzhen-based DJI is the world’s top aerial-imaging company. Israel based Datumate is a leader in automated “field-to-plan” surveying solutions.
The DJI-Datumate Site Survey Solution is a comprehensive and professional package of imagery and mapping tools that help surveying, construction, inspection and infrastructure companies quickly generate a working model, site visualization, analytics and plan.
The solution includes “Triple D” bundles of DJI Drone, DatuFly tablet app for an automated and expeditious aerial photography, as well as DatuGram 3D photogrammetry software that converts aerial and ground images to high-precision, geo-referenced 2D maps and 3D models.
“New drone regulations expedite the adoption of drones in a wide range of surveying related applications,” said Paul Xu, DJI’s director of enterprise solutions. “We believe that DJI-Datumate Site Survey Solutions offer a professional and cost-effective end-to-end solution for the surveying, infrastructure-mapping and inspection markets.”
DatuFly software generates a flight and image-taking plan for the DJI Drone, based on the best practice requirements of DatuGram 3D photogrammetry, ensuring survey-grade accuracy, high quality and quick results.
“We are excited to partner with DJI to automate and digitize the entire field-to-plan process. Our mutual solution brings site visualization and analytics quickly to the office, keeping field and office work effortless and safe,” said Datumate CEO Tal Meirzon. “DJI-Datumate Site Survey Solutions are an important step forward in professional surveying, construction infrastructure-mapping and assets inspection.”
DJI-Datumate Site Survey Solutions are available globally from the DJI online store, as well as through DJI and Datumate dealers.
Epson, providers of the Moverio augmented reality (AR) smart eyewear platform, is partnering with DJI, maker of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The companies are creating new solutions for the Epson Moverio smart glasses and DJI’s suite of products and software development kit (SDK) that enhance the safety, productivity and capabilities of UAVs for both hobbyists and professionals.
As one of the first initiatives of the partnership, DJI will optimize the DJI GO app for the Epson Moverio BT-300 AR smart glasses, shipping late Q4.
With the app and the Moverio glasses, drone pilots will be able to see crystal clear, transparent first-person views (FPV) from the drone camera while simultaneously maintaining their line of sight with their aircraft. The DJI GO app works with the DJI Phantom, Inspire and Matrice series flying platforms as well as the Osmo handheld gimbal and camera.
The two companies will co-market the Moverio BT-300 as a compatible DJI accessory. The Epson smart glasses will be available for purchase on DJI.com while the DJI GO app will be available for download from the Moverio Apps Market.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJNJOw34p_o
The Epson/DJI partnership arrives as newly streamlined FAA regulations for UAVs have taken effect, making it easier for businesses to expand the use of drones for a variety of aerial photography and videography purposes. Construction, real estate, insurance, agriculture, emergency response, conservation, academic research, film and video production and numerous other fields that benefit from UAVs have embraced the relaxed rules. However, the FAA has maintained the rule that UAVs must remain within the visual line-of-sight (VLOS) of the remote pilot, reinforcing the relevance of the Epson and DJI partnership.
“The Moverio BT-300 marks an impressive advance in performance for the platform and will make flying and filming safer and help users stay in compliance with federal regulations,” said Michael Perry, director of strategic partnerships, DJI. “We are excited to see the incredible applications that can be built with the BT-300 and the recently relaunched DJI SDK — the possibilities truly are endless.”
DJI maintains a 70 percent market share of the $2 billion consumer drone market, and its aerial platforms are used by two-thirds of businesses approved by the FAA to operate commercially. More than 600,000 UAVs are expected to be in use in 2017.
“We believe this partnership with DJI will revolutionize how UAV pilots operate their aircraft in this fast-growing industry, now and into the future,” said Eric Mizufuka, product manager, New Ventures for Epson America. “In addition to validating Epson’s investment in its Moverio line, this is the first time AR smart glasses will be widely available for a mass-market consumer application, marking an historic milestone in the evolution of the category.”
In addition to making drone piloting safer, the goals of the partnership include providing pilots and film-makers with new AR tools for enhanced productivity when using a UAV. Epson and DJI will also work together to create entirely new experiences for the fast-growing number of UAV hobbyists and businesses, as well as conduct joint sales and marketing efforts worldwide.
Launching its first-generation smart glasses in 2011, the Epson Moverio BT-300 represent the world’s lightest binocular, transparent smart glasses with an OLED display. Combining breakthrough silicon-based OLED digital display technology and Android OS 5.1, the Moverio BT-300 enables truly transparent mobile AR experiences.
The Epson Moverio BT-300 will be available in late Q4 and may be pre-ordered at Epson.com/Moverio. Epson will be demonstrating the DJI GO app on the Moverio BT-300 in booth No. 81 at InterDrone 2016, which is being held Sept. 7-9 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Stabilized system turns smartphones into intelligent motion cameras
Drone-maker DJI has launched the Osmo Mobile, an extension for smartphones that turns them into intelligent, precision camera systems.
Using DJI’s signature three-axis gimbal stabilization and SmoothTrack™ technology, the Osmo Mobile enables smartphone users to shoot effortless, high-quality photos and videos on the go.
In combination with the DJI GO App, cinematic photos and videos can be live streamed or shared instantly on various social media channels. DJI’s ActiveTrack function allows users to simply tap the screen to automatically create perfectly framed shots of objects in motion. Users no longer have to choose between directing a shot or taking part in it.
“DJI continues to revolutionize the way we capture and share memories,” said Frank Wang, DJI CEO and founder. ” The Osmo Mobile combines the best of DJI’s beloved Osmo smart stabilization technology with the robust DJI GO app. This is a breakthrough, allowing smartphone users unprecedented control of and creative possibilities for their devices.”
The Osmo Mobile’s three-axis stabilization technology increases precision down to 0.03 degrees of accuracy. In combination with DJI’s SmoothTrack technology, which compensates for shaking and small movements, the Osmo Mobile makes it easy for anyone to capture smooth, cinematic shots.
By using the trigger control, users can access various modes, as well as switch between the phone’s front and rear cameras. Camera settings, such as ISO, shutter speed and white balance are reachable directly onscreen.
The Osmo Mobile is compatible with most recent smartphone models, including the iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone 6s Plus, the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Huawei Mate 8. It should accommodate any Android or iOS smartphone with a width between 2.31 and 3.34 inches.
Features of the Osmo Mobile include:
Three-axis stabilization
Intelligent SmoothTrack
User-friendly DJI GO App with powerful functions (including ActiveTrack, Motion Time lapse, Live Stream, Panorama, Long Exposure, Camera Settings)
Trigger control (double-tap for re-center, triple-tap to change between front and rear-end camera, long press for locking gimbal direction)
Different operation modes (Standard, Portrait, Flashlight and Underslung)
Measure, a United States’ commercial operator of drones, and DJI, manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles, are partnering to pair advanced UAV technology with operational excellence so commercial enterprise customers can achieve their most demanding business goals.
“Our partnership with DJI allows Measure to enhance technical capability and scale business operations across all verticals,” said Measure CEO Brandon Torres Declet. “This alliance will allow our companies and franchisees to be the vanguard of innovation for commercial UAV operations, using DJI’s proven technology and our experienced pilots.”
“Businesses increasingly recognize that having a knowledgeable and experienced operator at the controls is key to using UAV technology most effectively,” said Jan Gasparic, Strategic Partnerships and Business Development, DJI.
“Measure’s application-specific pilot training and deep knowledge of flight regulation allows them to set the standard for commercial UAV operations in the field,” Gasparic said. “We are looking forward to expanding our successful relationship with Measure, allowing more businesses to perform critical functions faster, safer, more efficiently and at a lower cost.”
Alongside the service collaboration, Measure and DJI will assist organizations to develop and deploy UAV operations in the fields of agriculture, energy and media. Organizations will now have a comprehensive partner to explore demanding operations such as spraying with DJI’s Agras MG-1 agricultural drone, or broadcasting live directly from a UAV to a newsroom. This partnership demonstrates Measure and DJI’s commitment to fostering a vibrant commercial ecosystem to accelerate the economic growth and innovation of the drone industry.
Drone-maker DJI and Shapeways, a 3D printing service and marketplace, are challenging designers to create unique 3D printed accessories for drones to improve search-and-rescue products and make it easier to help save lives.
DJI wants to encourage creativity and enable its customers to design their own products through its Software Development Kit. Since 2013, drone enthusiasts have used Shapeways to create add-ons for their personal drones and offer them for sale in the Shapeways marketplace.
DJI’s Phantom 4 with its integrated camera and long range can be used as a search drone. DJI said the challenge is to make it the “ultimate rescue drone.”
For instance, severe weather and rough waters are classic hallmarks of ocean rescue, complicating an already challenging rescue operation — finding a person or a vessel in a large area of water.
By adding 3D-printed accessories that can improve a drone’s visibility, carry payloads and land on water, first responders could cover more area, cutting response times while monitoring difficult waters.
“This challenge means more lives could be saved with fewer first responders put at risk,” said Eli Morgan Harris, DJI business development director. “The 3D-printed drone modification products developed through this challenge could make a huge difference — even save lives.”
In Europe, the POSEIDRON UAV took top honors in the 2015 European Satellite Navigation Competition with its remote-controlled multicopter built to support maritime search-and-rescue services.
PrecisionHawk and DJI announced during the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International’s Xponential show an exclusive partnership for the agriculture market with a complete agricultural analytics solution. The solution links DJI’s drone hardware to PrecisionHawk’s drone software platform, DataMapper.
“Farmers need real-time information about their crops, their fields and their harvests, and DJI and PrecisionHawk are working together to give them what they need,” said Michael Perry, DJI’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. “We are excited to make collecting and analyzing aerial data easier and more cost-effective than ever, because putting this technology within reach of working farmers will help them as well as everyone who relies on the crops they produce.”
DJI’s UAV platforms, such as the Matrice M100 and M600 series, allow for extensive customization, providing the flexibility to monitor crops, carry advanced sensors or accomplish other tasks specific to each mission.
The combined package will also include the new DataMapper Inflight app for data collection and a one-year subscription to DataMapper for data management and analysis.
The pairing of industry-leading UAV hardware with the best-in-class analytics platform enables agriculture professionals to concentrate on identifying crop stress and maximizing yields.
“This partnership is bringing the best of both worlds to the agriculture industry,” said Pat Lohman, VP Partnerships at PrecisionHawk. “By combining our strengths — DJI’s world-renowned hardware and PrecisionHawk’s seamless software tools that bridge the gap from flight to geospatial data analysis — we are effectively eliminating any major barriers to entry and allowing the industry to begin adopting this technology in their everyday workflows on a broader scale.”
With the DataMapper Inflight app, a user can easily create a flight plan and autonomously collect geospatial data. The images are viewable within DataMapper where they are processed into 2D and 3D maps and ready for further analysis. Users also have access to DataMapper’s library of analysis algorithms that provide detailed information around the major decisions a farmer makes throughout the season: optimizing inputs, reacting to threats, improving variable rate, increasing efficiency of crop scouting and estimating yield.
“We believe that in order to promote widespread adoption of this technology we need to build products and partnerships that empower the user,” Lohman continued. “In an effort to do so, the DataMapper Inflight app is now compatible with the entire line of DJI hardware to make it easier and more accessible than ever to collect actionable, aerial data.”
The new DataMapper Inflight app is now available for download on Android and coming soon on iOS.
