Key Takeaways
- DJI and Microsoft announce a pioneering partnership aimed at integrating AI and machine learning into drone technology.
- A new software development kit (SDK) for Windows enables extensive customization and control of DJI drones for various industrial applications.
- The alliance leverages Microsoft Azure for advanced data analytics, turning aerial imagery into actionable insights.
- Developers can create innovative solutions across sectors, including agriculture, public safety, and construction.
DJI and Microsoft Team Up: A New Era for Drone Technology in Enterprise
Revolutionizing Industrial Applications with Real-Time AI Capabilities
In an exciting development for industries worldwide, DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, has formed a strategic partnership with Microsoft Corp. This collaboration aims to usher in advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities to DJI’s drones, enabling businesses to leverage cutting-edge commercial drone technology along with edge cloud computing solutions.
A Focus on Developer Empowerment
As part of this partnership, DJI is set to unveil a software development kit (SDK) for Windows. This significant step extends the reach of commercial drone technology to an expansive developer community—nearly 700 million Windows 10 users globally. With this new SDK, developers can craft applications that allow for the customization and control of DJI drones, facilitating a range of industrial applications, from remote monitoring to real-time data transfer.
Harnessing the Power of Azure
DJI has chosen Microsoft Azure as its designated cloud computing partner to exploit Azure’s top-tier AI and machine learning technologies. This collaboration aims to transform massive datasets collected from aerial imagery and video into actionable insights that can benefit businesses worldwide. The potential applications span various sectors including agriculture, construction, and public safety, where optimized drone technology can significantly enhance operational efficiency.
Innovative Solutions for Real-World Challenges
Scott Guthrie, Executive Vice President of Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise Group, highlights this partnership as a monumental leap forward into what he refers to as the “intelligent edge.” He emphasizes DJI’s leadership in commercial drone technology and Azure’s role as a preferred cloud platform for businesses. The synergistic capabilities created by these technologies are poised to redefine productivity standards across diverse industries.
Expanding Developer Horizons
The new SDK empowers Windows developers to design applications that can control DJI drones for autonomous flying, as well as facilitate real-time data streaming. The SDK also accommodates third-party payload integrations, from multispectral sensors to custom robotic components, thus broadening the utility of drones in enterprise contexts. This leap in functionality allows developers to innovate at a level previously unseen in the drone industry.
Real-World Applications: A Focus on Precision Farming
DJI and Microsoft are already collaborating on advancing agricultural technology through Microsoft’s FarmBeats solution, which integrates data from both aerial and ground sensors. This data is analyzed using AI models running on Azure IoT Edge, providing farmers with actionable insights for monitoring crops, livestock, and soil health. By combining DJI drones with sophisticated sensor technology, FarmBeats can detect various factors affecting crop yield, including moisture levels and crop stress.
Intellectual Property and Future Collaborations
As this partnership unfolds, DJI will gain access to the Azure IP Advantage program, which offers vital protections against intellectual property risks associated with cloud technology. For Microsoft, this collaboration underscores the importance of intellectual property in nurturing a healthy technology ecosystem, complementing existing partnerships in emerging domains such as connected vehicles and wearable technologies.
Availability and Access
The Windows SDK will be available as a beta preview for attendees of the Microsoft Build conference and is slated for broader release later in the year. Interested developers can find more information about the SDK and DJI’s full suite of developer tools at developer.dji.com.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) is committed to enabling digital transformation in this new era characterized by intelligent clouds and edges, empowering every individual and organization to achieve their fullest potential.
Media Contacts
For inquiries, please reach out to Michael Oldenburg, DJI Senior Communication Manager, North America – michael.oldenburg@dji.com
Chelsea Pohl, Microsoft Commercial Communications Manager – chelp@microsoft.com
