DJI Introduces Innovative Drone Traffic Management Solutions
Leveraging Existing Technology for a Safer Skies
**Key Takeaways:**
- DJI asserts that current technologies can effectively manage drone traffic without the need for new infrastructure.
- The company emphasizes the use of onboard anti-collision technologies for safe navigation.
- A proposed electronic identification framework offers a streamlined way for drones to communicate their information locally.
- DJI seeks to balance privacy concerns with necessary regulation in expanding drone usage.
September 23, 2017 — At the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Drone Enable conference in Montreal, DJI, a pioneer in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, unveiled its vision for managing and monitoring drone traffic. DJI believes that by utilizing existing technology and local communication protocols, a robust traffic management system can be established without the need for costly equipment or comprehensive databases for tracking every drone flight.
“The rapid growth of drone usage across various sectors has brought great societal benefits, but it has also led to challenges regarding safety and identification in busy airspaces,” explained Walter Stockwell, DJI’s Director of Technical Standards. He added, “Rather than investing in untested technologies, DJI advocates for leveraging the tools we have at our disposal today, allowing for a safer, more efficient airspace without requiring all drone flights to be logged in a government database.”
Harnessing Onboard Technology for Navigation
In one of the white papers presented at the conference, DJI proposes that unmanned traffic management (UTM) systems can operate without a centralized flight path control center. Instead, DJI suggests that drones coordinate their routes and sidestep obstacles using onboard anti-collision technologies found in many commercial drones. These include systems for obstacle detection and communication via radio transmitters and receivers.
The white paper articulates a forward-looking perspective: “We envision a future where drones can autonomously navigate safely, steering clear of obstacles and other aircraft in most scenarios.” DJI contends that this decentralized approach reduces system complexity and risks while sidestepping the need for significant investments in ground infrastructure, making the approval process for these technologies quicker than that for more extensive UTM systems.
Electronic Identification Framework
DJI also presented an updated version of its proposal for an electronic identification framework specifically for small drones. This system would allow drones to transmit their registration information, along with speed, direction, and location, using existing command-and-control radio or Wi-Fi connections. Instead of mandating all drones to transmit this data to a central server — a process vulnerable to privacy concerns — DJI suggests that local sensors could collect the necessary information from drones as they enter sensitive airspace or if complaints arise.
In Stockwell’s words, “Subjecting drones to an industry-wide mandate for tracking and documenting their every use sets a concerning precedent. A model reliant on mass surveillance is unfounded.” The proposed solution focuses on enabling concerned citizens to relay identification numbers to authorities, equipping them with the necessary tools to investigate without breaching drone operator privacy.
Testing and Implementation
Furthermore, DJI has developed a practical system that adheres to these principles. This system detects the radio signals emitted by DJI drones, allowing authorities to access registration numbers and monitor drone activities efficiently. Because the technology is adaptable, it can be utilized with drones from various manufacturers, including hobbyists. Since April 2017, DJI has been running tests at two international airports to evaluate the system’s effectiveness.
“DJI’s initiatives reflect a commitment to creating an environment where the drone sector, regulatory bodies, and the public can collectively harness the benefits of drone technology,” stated Stockwell during his presentation at the ICAO conference. “We are poised to collaborate with various stakeholders to realize these goals while ensuring privacy and reducing the risks associated with centralized tracking systems. Our mission is to unlock true potential for drones in everyday applications.”
