DJI and uAvionix Team Up for Enhanced Drone Safety
Key Takeaways:
- DJI and uAvionix have announced a collaboration to develop an ADS-B-based collision avoidance kit for drones.
- This partnership aims to enhance drone integration into the national airspace while prioritizing safety.
- Drone developers will be empowered to utilize real-time air traffic information through this innovative technology.
In an exciting development for drone safety, DJI, the global leader in unmanned aerial vehicles, has partnered with uAvionix Corporation, a pioneering manufacturer of collision avoidance technology for aircraft and drones. Announced on Wednesday, this collaboration brings to life an ADS-B-based collision avoidance developer kit that aims to facilitate the integration of drones into the national airspace, ensuring safer skies for all.
Safety at the Forefront
“DJI and uAvionix possess a shared commitment to safety, fueled by the profound improvements that real-time air traffic data can offer developers using our software development kit,” remarked Darren Liccardo, DJI’s VP of Engineering. He emphasized that with this new capability, DJI developers will be able to process ADS-B data seamlessly aboard the drone itself, bridging the gap between technology and safety.
Advanced Technology for Safer Flights
At the heart of this initiative are uAvionix’s “Ping” sensors, which are celebrated for being the most compact and lightweight ADS-B-based hardware available for unmanned systems. The Ping ADS-B receiver equips drones with the ability to detect nearby aircraft, allowing them to initiate collision avoidance maneuvers when necessary. This interaction is made possible through the DJI Onboard Software Development Kit (SDK), which provides developers with a flexible framework to tap into the drone’s flight control systems. Developers can create tailored applications utilizing Ping ADS-B data for collision avoidance that meets a range of needs.
Paul Beard, the Founder and CEO of uAvionix, expressed enthusiasm for their collaboration, stating, “Aligned with the DJI Onboard SDK, our aircraft avoidance technology will yield a comprehensive understanding of potential airspace conflicts.” This collaboration between DJI and uAvionix is expected to generate vital momentum towards the safe integration of drones within national airspace.
Proactive Measures for Situational Awareness
Integrating Ping ADS-B technology into collision avoidance systems can offer vital protection in various scenarios, such as when a drone pilot becomes unaware of their surroundings, flies too close to other aircraft, or accidentally enters restricted airspace. When a drone is equipped with the uAvionix ping2020 transceiver, it can actively broadcast its position to both nearby aircraft and air traffic control, facilitating smoother integration into the national airspace. Furthermore, the uAvionix Ping transmitter network complements existing radar systems, providing manned aircraft pilots with early warnings about nearby drones.
Leading the Charge in Drone Safety
With its long-standing commitment to safety advancements in the consumer drone industry, DJI has continually set high standards. Notably, three years ago, the company introduced geofencing technology to help prevent drones from unintentionally operating in prohibited areas. Earlier this year, DJI launched the Phantom 4, marking it as the first consumer drone equipped with integrated obstacle avoidance technology. This latest partnership with uAvionix further underlines DJI’s dedication to innovation and safety, combining the expertise of both companies as leaders within their fields.
For more information, please reach out to:
Adam Lisberg, DJI Corporate Communications Director, North America – adam.lisberg@dji.com
Adam Paugh, uAvionix Director of Business Development – info@uavionix.com
