Key Takeaways from the RISE Conference
- DJI showcased its latest Software Development Kit (SDK) aimed at fostering innovation in the UAV industry.
- Partnerships with developers highlighted the integration of DJI technology in various sectors such as mining, agriculture, and civil engineering.
- Live demos of VR capabilities and advanced obstacle avoidance technology captivated attendees.
- Thought-provoking discussions on the future of drones in industry took place, with insights shared by industry leaders.
Inspiring Innovation at the RISE Conference in Hong Kong
DJI had the honor of participating in the inaugural RISE conference held in Hong Kong, where an impressive array of over 500 startups from across Asia gathered to share their groundbreaking ideas. Leading technology firms and venture capitalists from around the globe, including giants such as Amazon, Google, and Stripe, were in attendance, alongside influential Asian companies like SoftBank and Sequoia Capital China. This vibrant atmosphere provided a perfect backdrop for innovation and collaboration.
DJI’s Representation
Representing DJI at the event were Andy Pan, Vice President of Ecosystems, and Romeo Durscher, Director of Education. Their participation underscored the company’s commitment to fostering relationships within the tech community and beyond.
Revolutionizing UAV Technology
One of the standout moments was when Pan elaborated on the significance of DJI’s recently launched SDK (Software Development Kit). This tool is not just a means of enhancing developer collaboration; it empowers commercial UAV operators to innovate and design their own bespoke aerial systems using the versatile Matrice 100 platform paired with DJI’s advanced Guidance navigation system. This approach has already led to UAV adaptations across diverse sectors, ranging from mining to agriculture, civil engineering, and architecture.
Engaging Demos from Spark Aerial
DJI also collaborated with their friends from Spark Aerial to demonstrate the creative potential of the SDK. The highlight was an application that connects the Inspire 1 drone with virtual reality goggles, allowing users to not only view the live camera feed but also control the drone’s flight via head movements. This cutting-edge demonstration showcased how DJI technology can redefine user interaction with UAVs.
Advanced Obstacle Avoidance Demonstration
Another exciting demonstration featured Radley Angelo from Spark Aerial and Romeo Durscher working in tandem to showcase the robust obstacle avoidance capabilities of the Matrice 100 when integrated with the Guidance system. Attendees were amazed as the Matrice 100 navigated a staged flight and seamlessly detected and avoided obstacles, even stopping in its tracks when prompted by a simple arm signal from Durscher.
Informed Discussions on Industry Trends
After their main stage presentation, the DJI team participated in a series of insightful discussions with prominent media outlets such as BBC Asia and Reuters. They also engaged in a roundtable entitled Drones in Industry, which featured collaborators from Spark Aerial and DroneDeploy. This dynamic discussion explored future prospects in the drone sector and how different industries are currently utilizing, or can harness, UAV technology to enhance their operations.
Exploring Uncharted Territories
During the second day of the conference, Romeo Durscher took to the stage once again to unveil a stunning video recorded in the Son Doong cave—the world’s largest cave—crafted through collaborative efforts between DJI and ABC for a segment on Good Morning America. This visual journey showcased DJI’s Phantom 3 and Inspire 1 drones in action, seamlessly weaving through the expansive cave system.
Transforming Mapping Solutions
The final highlight of DJI’s conference journey was a collaborative session with DroneDeploy, which demonstrated how their custom application transforms DJI products into comprehensive 3D mapping solutions. Using this innovative app, an off-the-shelf Phantom 3 or Inspire 1 can generate intricate 3D maps within minutes of capturing the necessary footage, all without the need for additional hardware or extensive training.
Overall, the RISE conference provided a rich platform for DJI to share insights, inspire creativity, and foster connections with others captivated by UAV technology. It was an invaluable experience that resonated with attendees and showcased the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the drone industry.