Key Takeaways from DJI’s Latest Drone Application Development Tools
- DJI enhances its software ecosystem for drone application development.
- The new software advancements simplify drone operation for developers.
- Innovative tools include Mobile and Onboard Software Development Kit (SDK) upgrades.
- The DJI AirWorks conference showcases the growing enterprise drone industry.
- Developers are encouraged to create bespoke solutions that can transform sectors like agriculture, construction, and public safety.
DJI Unveils Software Innovations for Growing Drone Industry
December 1, 2016 – In an exciting development for the drone industry, DJI, the world’s foremost manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles, has unveiled significant upgrades to its software ecosystem on the opening day of the inaugural DJI AirWorks conference in San Francisco. These enhancements empower developers to create custom applications that will streamline drone operations across an array of professional fields.
The announcements were made amidst a gathering of innovators, where thought leaders discussed the applications of drone technology in various industrial settings. The newly opened software solutions aim to encourage developers to collaborate and construct tailored applications that cater to their unique business needs or to deliver standardized solutions across entire sectors.
“Drones are reshaping industries ranging from agriculture to public safety,” stated Michael Perry, DJI’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. “The innovations we have seen so far only scratch the surface of their potential to enhance operational efficiency and safety while reducing costs.” DJI’s goal is to assist developers in implementing novel drone features, thereby fostering the creation of next-generation applications.
Software Development Kit Enhancements
The company introduced notable advancements to both the Mobile and Onboard Software Development Kits (SDKs), providing tools for developers to engineer unique solutions for enterprise purposes. New features include user interface libraries designed to expedite mobile app development and a comprehensive onboard trajectory planning framework, which enables developers to deploy complex missions seamlessly. Additionally, DJI presented Ground Station Pro, a new application for planning and generating both 2D and 3D maps using drone technology.
Darren Liccardo, DJI’s Vice President of Engineering, Systems and Applications, expressed enthusiasm about the additions, stating, “Our Onboard SDK now includes a library of new software building blocks, allowing developers to create accurate trajectories and process lidar data effectively. This means they can design solutions that plan complex paths while ensuring safety by monitoring for obstacles in real-time.”
User-Friendly Development Tools
The introduction of user interface libraries to the Mobile SDK aims to significantly cut down development time for app creators. These common elements can be reused, allowing developers to allocate their focus on innovative applications instead of replicating standard interface designs.
“Our goal is to streamline the development process for everyone,” noted Robert Schlub, DJI’s Vice President of Research and Development. “By providing reusable interface components, we empower developers to quickly bring their ideas to life, integrating our drone technology into their workflows.” This initiative could catalyze the creation of countless original solutions, further propelling the drone industry forward.
A Showcase of Innovation
The AirWorks conference is set to highlight presentations from major industry players along with emerging startups, celebrating the maturation of the enterprise drone sector. Discussions will navigate four core themes: industry/inspection, public safety, agriculture, and mapping/surveying. One standout highlight is AutoModality, the winner of DJI’s $100,000 SDK Challenge, which developed an innovative autonomous flight solution enabling drones to take off and land from moving vehicles for disaster response efforts.
For more information about DJI’s enterprise solutions and ongoing initiatives for developers, visit DJI Enterprise.
