Recently we spoke to DJI about the thinking behind its new Mavic Pro drone. In part two of our interview with the company we asked about some of the new anti-drone regulations and fears around the devices that are making headlines around the world, and how DJI plans to combat these attitudes.
What are some of the challenges in drone design that most people might not aware of?
Both the external, but especially the internal design, have been at the heart of DJI’s innovative products since the very beginning.
We are committed to bringing the very best aerial cameras to market that are not just iconic flying devices but provide the best user experience possible.
Our DJI Mavic Pro was the first drone that moved away from our traditional shape and we were able to overcome the challenge of producing a foldable drone while incorporating a small but strong camera which didn’t sacrifice picture quality.
A great challenge is to miniaturize the whole aircraft while maintaining its powerful performance and especially it’s structural integrity.
The Mavic Pro is portable like never before, due to his foldable arms, and a solid aerial platform at the same time.
On user forums, many drone photographers talk about how a desired feature in drones would be the ability to launch it by tossing it in the air. Is this a development we could see in the future?
Innovation is at the heart of everything that DJI creates and there are many directions to explore in the drone market. DJI is committed to bringing the safest aerial cameras to market that both address and go beyond the user’s need.
If there is demand for a product then DJI will certainly consider this in future developments. DJI already develops tailor made products for particular industry sectors such as the Zenmuse FLIR, an infrared camera used by firefighters.
How does DJI respond to (or intend to combat) the often negative or fearful attitude towards drones?
Civilian drones are redefining industries. Professionals in filmmaking, agriculture, conservation, and infrastructure – to name just a few – are learning to use drones to bring new perspectives to their work and help them accomplish feats safer, faster, and with greater efficiency than ever before.
As the global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative drone and camera technology for commercial and recreational use we feel that it is our responsibility to not only create the safest, innovative aerial photography devices but also educate people about the many benefits drones bring to society.
Is DJI concerned about tightening legislation on drone use?
DJI is also working on ensuring that the rule and regulations for drone use is balanced and proportionate. We have specialists in our team who help educate the public on how to create the environment for flying drones within the safest conditions.
Drones are here to stay and DJI is committed to make its use safer while educating and developing state of the art technology such as no fly zones (over sensitive sites), but also, obstacle avoidance, return to home systems and so on.
How does DJI help potential drone owners, and existing users, ensure that they stay within the law?
Drone owners must follow their local legislations while flying their drones just like a car driver must follow the traffic rules. DJI assists drone owners with app-based tutorials, Youtube videos on safety matters and by including safety leaflets like the Dronecode in our packaging.
As manufacturers, DJI provides the best and safest possible drones available on the market and organize NPE Events (New Pilot Experience), where users will be able to get familiar with our products and how to operate them safely.
What does DJI make of the ban on drones in Sweden? Do you think that could spread to the UK and the rest of the world?
The situation in Sweden is very country-specific and actually a good example of how regulation needs to be updated as technology develops.
When the current Swedish law on surveillance equipment was written in the 1970s no-one would have thought about flying cameras 40 years later.
Even in Sweden there is a to a large degree agreement in all parts of society that the law should be changed as quickly as possible to allow for use of drones; hence we do not expect that the current situation will spread.
Will DJI be offering any flight courses or training for owners in the UK?
The DJI network in the UK is very active and offer regular New Pilot Experiences. You may ask your local partners for more information.
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