Key Takeaways from DJI’s AirWorks 2017 Conference
- Introduction of the FlightHub platform for streamlined drone management.
- Enhanced SDK tools promising to inspire innovative drone applications.
- Launch of customizable DJI Wind series drones to cater to specialized industry needs.
- Strategic partnership with Menlo Park Fire Protection District to enhance emergency responsiveness.
- Investment in AutoModality to further the development of autonomous drone technology for infrastructure inspections.
DJI Unveils Innovative Technology to Boost Enterprise Drone Usage at AirWorks 2017
Key Developments in Drone Management Software, Developer Tools, and Emergency Response Capabilities
November 7, 2017 – At its annual AirWorks user conference in Denver, DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging, unveiled groundbreaking advancements aimed at empowering businesses across various sectors to integrate drones into their everyday operations. The event underscored the company’s commitment to enhancing enterprise solutions.
During an engaging keynote, DJI highlighted the launch of the FlightHub platform, an innovative drone operations management system, along with significant improvements to its Software Development Kit (SDK). Two new customizable drones from the Wind series were also introduced, providing advanced capabilities tailored to specific commercial needs.
DJI further announced a collaborative alliance with the Menlo Park Fire Protection District in California. This partnership aims to explore novel methods for enhancing emergency response through drone technology and was complemented by an investment from DJI’s SkyFund into the autonomous drone firm AutoModality. This strategic move is anticipated to accelerate the development of systems designed for autonomous bridge inspections.
FlightHub: A Unified Drone Management Solution
The DJI FlightHub is described as a pioneering web-based service tailored for companies to efficiently manage drone operations. This all-in-one platform allows businesses to securely handle real-time drone activities, manage flight data, and coordinate drone fleets and pilot teams, enhancing operational efficiency in the expanding enterprise drone landscape.
Empowering Developers with New Tools
DJI continues to set the stage for innovation through its enhanced SDK, which has catalyzed over 2.7 million activations since its inception. Particularly geared towards developers, the new tools enable access to the onboard vision system, fostering the creation of unique autonomous drone applications. The unveiling of the DJI Wind 4 and DJI Wind 8 drones, both designed for easy customization, will further empower developers to tackle complex tasks with specialized payloads while ensuring performance in challenging conditions.
Collaboration for Emergency Response
The partnership with the Menlo Park Fire Protection District solidifies DJI’s commitment to using drone technology as a crucial asset in emergency scenarios. Acting as a Solution Development Partner, the district will work with DJI to test customized drone solutions that could revolutionize procedures surrounding emergency preparedness and responses, thus potentially saving lives and safeguarding property.
Investing in Future Drone Technologies
Through a collaborative investment with Accel via their SkyFund initiative, DJI has taken a significant step by funding AutoModality. The focus will be on developing an autonomous bridge inspection system that allows for thorough infrastructure evaluations without requiring personnel to enter hazardous zones. This advancement is set to redefine safety and efficiency standards within the inspection sector.
Michael Perry, DJI’s North America Managing Director, welcomed an impressive gathering of professionals from the drone ecosystem, from hardware and software developers to service providers. “Every day drones are being applied globally for essential tasks, ranging from search and rescue missions to various inspection tasks across sectors including agriculture and infrastructure,” he noted. “AirWorks serves as a vibrant platform for these industries to come together, exchange ideas, and discover innovative drone applications.”
AirWorks 2017 featured an array of presenters and hands-on workshops, not only highlighting current drone applications but also discussing the future trajectory of the commercial drone industry. Attendees engaged in lively discussions led by prominent figures, addressing evolving trends and regulations that influence drone usage across numerous sectors. For more in-depth information about the event and future drone applications, interested parties can visit enterprise.dji.com/airworks.
To stay updated on DJI’s latest announcements and developments, further details can be found at dji.com/newsroom.
