Image: DJI
DJI, always at the forefront of drone development have revealed yet another revolutionary concept. They have created an open platform where developers can custom make solutions for a range of commercial drone applications.
This development applies to Payload SDK and works via an SDK and SkyPort adapter. Operators will be able to integrate payloads, sensors and even third-party cameras to the DJI Matrice 200 Series drones. The announcement was made soon after the launch of the DJI Zenmuse XT2 (more on that later). Again, this opens up a host of new possibilities and opportunities for commercial drone operators.
Head of Enterprise Partnerships at DJI, Jan Gasparic had the following to say, “Our new Payload SDK makes it possible for any manufacturer to create a payload specific to their customers’ needs that will work seamlessly with DJI’s aircraft. We believe these two advances will not only strengthen DJI’s leadership in the commercial drone industry, but will also provide a powerful, flexible and standardized platform which customers from different industries can build upon.”
Essentially DJI has simplified the process with the gimbal port adaptor, the DJI Skyport. With the addition of a circuit board and access to the API’s, developers can control third-party add-ons the same way one can with DJI products. It uses the DJI power supply and will allow commercial operators to see all data collected in real time. The process is faster, easier and much more effective. This is exciting news for a number of industries and opens the door for rapid advancement in commercial drone applications.
DJI Zenmuse XT2
As mentioned, the exciting and powerful new XT2 was revealed at the same time as the above announcement. It combines a 4K camera with machine intelligence technology, DJI’s excellent stabilization and the FLIR Tau 2 thermal sensor. The result is groundbreaking technology that gives vital information from aerial data in real time. The opportunities are astounding.
Image: Medium
The Machine Intelligence makes use of advanced computer vision algorithms and a range of processors to quickly distinguish what is important in real-time. This eliminates lengthy waiting periods of processing the data after the footage is taken. Results and insights are available immediately. This will save time, money and in many cases, lives.
There are also temperature parameters that can be pre-determined to instantly alert you if the relevant objects fall out of the temperature range that has been set. Heat Track allows the XT2 to instantly focus in on the hottest object in range when required. The FLIR MSX® overlays the image on a thermal data stream for instant data interpretation.
Even small temperature differences, invisible to humans, can be revealed by the FLIR thermal sensors. Applications for this technology include recovery of people in disaster situations, firefighting and crime fighting. It can also detect flaws or damage to buildings or equipment and roof inspections.
DJI continue to drive the commercial drone industry with practical and innovative technology.
SOURCE: DJI