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The use of cutting-edge drone technology is revolutionizing the major challenges facing the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem. Wild elephant conservation in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem has become more cost-effective, scalable and innovative with the new protection of Autel Robotics drones.

How are drones transforming conservation in East Africa?

Located in southwestern Kenya, the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem is one of East Africa’s most famous nature reserves. It is home to a variety of large game species, experiences annual migrations, and is also one of the most important ecotourism destinations.

The Greater Masai Mara ecosystem has long faced various ecological challenges, from increasing human-elephant conflict to the ongoing threat of poaching, as well as habitat loss and fragmentation.

To address the long-standing and increasing ecological challenges, conservation teams have adopted drone technology. The Autel Robotics EVO MAX 4N night vision drone is a key tool in the revolution of animal conservation.

How do drones monitor and protect African elephants?

Drone surveillance and reconnaissance

Drones can provide aerial views of the life habits of a variety of large wild animals, especially African elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeests, giraffes and other animals, capturing extraordinary footage of these iconic animals while giving researchers more insights.

Drones’ aerial perspective can also quickly identify poaching threats and develop forward-looking plans. Focus observations on some endangered animals to prevent bushmeat poaching.

Drone night operations

Infrared, thermal imaging, starlight sensors and night vision drones provide unparalleled capabilities for wildlife monitoring, especially nocturnal species that are active at night. In the anti-poaching operations of night vision drones, infrared technology can detect the heat signatures of animals and humans, making it easier to spot poachers in low light conditions. By patrolling protected areas from above, drones can quickly identify and track suspicious activities, allowing for more effective intervention and arrests.

Alleviating human-wildlife conflicts

With the expansion of human activities, especially the increase in farmland, conflicts between wildlife and humans have become more frequent. Elephants and other large animals enter farmland and cause losses, and farmers try to drive or harm these animals, leading to increased conflicts between the two sides.

Traditionally, people have used torches, bees, chili fencing, and even helicopters to manage these problems. However, these methods are often costly, labor-intensive, and have limited effectiveness. Later, the buzz of recreational drones could scare away elephants, but it became clear that more advanced industrial drones were needed to patrol large areas.

How does Autel EVO MAX 4N change the conservation of African elephants?

With the help of the EVO MAX 4N drone, rangers can take active and effective daytime and nighttime actions, providing cost-effective, scalable and innovative solutions to some of East Africa’s most pressing challenges.

EVO Max 4N brings unparalleled advantages to conservation work: night operations, extended flight time, open platform integration, durability and adaptability.

Starlight night vision: Autel Evo Max 4N’s starlight sensor and thermal imaging capabilities significantly improve nighttime surveillance, and the zoom function allows the drone to detect illegal actions of targets without alerting poachers, preventing poaching of wild elephants in advance.

Ultra-long flight time: The EVO MAX 4N drone can support 42 minutes of flight, the battery supports hot swapping, and the deployment of the drone nest can also quickly charge the drone, allowing the drone to cover a wider range.

Support for third-party integration: Autel’s open platform interface allows potential integration with tools such as EarthRanger, facilitating real-time data aggregation and analysis.

Durability and adaptability: Autel drones are designed to withstand harsh conditions, with an IP43 protection rating, and perform well in rugged environments such as dense jungles to arid savannahs in East Africa.

The unparalleled advantages of the EVO Max 4N make it an ideal choice for conservation teams to expand their range of operations, especially night tracking, anti-poaching missions and human-wildlife conflict management.

EVO MAX 4N night vision drone expands protection in Africa

The EVO MAX 4N night vision drone has achieved phased victories in wildlife protection work in the Masai Mara ecosystem. The EVO Max 4N drone has also been deployed to Tanzania, where cooperation with the government and private sector is helping to alleviate human-elephant conflicts and address broader ecological issues.

Drone wildlife conservation work plans to integrate drones into carbon monitoring and data collection for sustainable development projects in the future.

Conclusion

Autel Robotics drones are changing the way wildlife conservation is done, providing cost-effective, scalable and innovative solutions to some of the challenges of East Africa’s unique wildlife and ecosystems.

From managing human-wildlife conflict to preventing poaching, advanced tools such as the Autel EVO MAX 4N night vision drone are reshaping the future of conservation with each flight, striving to create an ecosphere on Earth where humans and wildlife can thrive together.

As we know, Turkey is one of important international grain exporter. To enhance agricultural productivity and promote green farming, it is actively adopting agricultural drone technology and supporting local production. EFT, as a global drone solution provider, develop with local Turkish drone companies, offering comprehensive agri drone solutions and component support to advance agricultural drone technology and promotes the drone applications for local fields. 

Since the highly anticipated launch of DJI Dock 2 and the advancements it brings, it has captured the attention of enterprise users, DSPs, and system integrators.

Its compact size, easy portability, and improved efficiency, combined with the upgraded abilities of supported drones like the DJI Matrice 3D and Matrice 3TD, are expected to enhance applications like mapping and surveying, among other applications.

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While multiple third-party applications and products support the DJI Dock 2, FlytBase stands out by providing a comprehensive platform that leverages its potential and makes it enterprise-ready. In this blog, we will learn how FlytBase now helps you deploy fully automated, secure docked drone operations for enterprise applications with DJI Dock 2.

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Top 5 reasons to choose FlytBase for your DJI Dock 2 operations

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FlytBase seamlessly integrates with DJI Dock 2, providing an enterprise-grade drone autonomy software solution that includes workflow integration, flight automation, fleet management, flight safety measures, and robust data security features for efficient drone operations. Following are some of the reasons why you should choose

 

1. Flinks: Flinks, short for FlytBase Links, are connectors that help integrate the FlytBase platform with a wide range of external software apps and hardware devices. Users can fully automate enterprise drone workflows with pre-built Flinks or create custom ones with FlytBase APIs and SDKs.

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2. Flight safety and compliance: FlytBase ensures comprehensive drone safety with a range of features, including custom pre-flight checklists, collision avoidance, and configurable failsafes. Users can also create geofences and 2D No Fly Zones (NFZ) to maintain secure operations. Additionally, FlytBase alerts users to potential airspace threats and offers mitigation suggestions to help maintain a safe airspace.

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3. Robust data security: With multiple layers of protection that include secure data transfer, encryption, network configuration, application-level controls, and flexible deployment options, the FlytBase platform is designed with security in mind. We also use tools to help us enforce compliance with our internal security policies.

4. Hardware agnostic platform: You can seamlessly integrate and deploy FlytBase with multiple docking stations, drones, and third-party payloads while being able to manage the fleets with a centralized dashboard.

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5. Enterprise-grade support: FlytBase provides enterprise-grade support via calls, emails, and chat, with the option to upgrade to custom SLAs. This helps dedicated business and technical account managers enhance customer and partner success, as well as provide on-ground support for extensive or critical deployments.

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In addition to numerous other features, FlytBase enhances your DJI Dock 2 operations, making them enterprise-grade and exceptionally efficient. Now, let's take a look at FlytBase's approach to data security and its flexible deployment options for ensuring robust data protection.

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Protect your drone data with FlytBase Shield 

Large enterprises, government entities, and organizations managing critical operations face a major challenge in keeping their data safe and secure. Why is this so crucial? 

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Well, they handle vast amounts of sensitive information like proprietary business data, classified government information, and critical infrastructure. The drones capture this data, and any breach could lead to significant consequences, such as financial losses, damaged reputations, or even threats to public safety. 

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This is where FlytBase Shield comes into the picture to offer a comprehensive suite of security services designed to safeguard drone docks and data with multi-layer protection. 

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With our robust encryption methods, like AES-256, you can ensure that your sensitive data is protected at rest and in transit. Additionally, we take security measures for our user accounts with the help of:

• User account security with OAuth 2.0, Single Sign-on (SSO)
• Integration with Google and Microsoft accounts
• Adherence to industry cybersecurity standards such as SOC2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR, CIS, and NIST

This gives our customers peace of mind that their data and operations are safe.

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FlytBase provides a range of deployment options for the DJI Dock 2, including the choice to operate within a separately managed AWS environment, offering an additional layer of security and privacy by being physically isolated from our multi-tenant cloud infrastructure.

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• Cloud: FlytBase Cloud provides cost-effective access with enterprise-level security. It complies with SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and GDPR standards, and enables integration with private cloud storage.

• In-country Cloud: Deploy FlytBase in your own country’s cloud to ensure compliance with data residency norms, data security, & the ability for customers to integrate with their preferred applications.
• On-premise: Self-host FlytBase on a private server for highly secure & confidential projects. Meet cyber security compliance requirements and have complete control over your drone data.

• Air-Gapped: FlytBase Air-Gapped operates offline, isolated from external networks, ensuring data security. Ideal for sensitive applications that require maximum protection.

Having explored FlytBase's data security measures, let's now learn about BVLOS operations, where FlytBase equips your drone operations with advanced capabilities for safe and efficient Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights.

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How FlytBase makes your drone operations BVLOS ready

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Flying Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) is a significant milestone for various industries. With FlytBase and DJI Dock 2, your drone operations can seamlessly transition to BVLOS operations, with essential features and capabilities that ensure safe and efficient flight beyond visual range.

• Advanced Flight Planning Routines: FlytBase offers advanced flight planning routines tailored for BVLOS operations. Dynamic path planning, corridor fly zones, No Fly Zones (NFZ), Smart Return-to-Home (RTH), and customized flight workflows ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and efficient navigation in complex airspace.
• Geofencing and No Fly Zones: FlytBase enables users to create Geofences and No Fly Zones, ensuring compliance with local regulations and safety protocols. These virtual boundaries restrict drone flight in designated areas, minimizing the risk of unauthorized operations and ensuring airspace integrity.
• Flight Logs: FlytBase provides detailed flight logs that offer a comprehensive overview of each mission. Operators can review vital information such as flight path, altitude, speed, device status, and media captured during the mission. These flight logs enhance operational transparency, facilitate post-flight analysis, and support regulatory compliance efforts.‍
• BVLOS Documentation Templates: FlytBase simplifies obtaining waivers and approvals for BVLOS operations with pre-built documentation templates. These templates streamline the application process, facilitating regulatory compliance and expediting approval for extended drone flights.
• ‍Third-party integrations for BVLOS flight safety: FlytBase integrates with third-party detect and avoid systems, Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) services, external ADS-B, and parachute recovery systems using Flinks. These integrations enhance safety by providing real-time alerts on intrusions, conflicts with nearby aircraft, and automatic parachute deployment in case of system failure.
  
  Find out which BVLOS enablers have partnered with FlytBase to make flights safer. visit: https://www.flytbase.com/flinks

After learning about multiple aspects essential for conducting safe, secure, and reliable autonomous drone flights, let's dive deeper into the applications of the DJI Dock 2 with FlytBase across diverse industries.

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In recent years, advancements in drone technology have revolutionized various industries, from agriculture to search and rescue operations. Among these innovations, thermal imaging drones have emerged as a game-changer, offering unparalleled capabilities in a wide range of applications. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of thermal imaging drones, exploring their uses, benefits, and the transformative impact they have on diverse fields.

Understanding Thermal Imaging Technology

At the heart of thermal imaging drones lies sophisticated infrared (IR) sensors capable of detecting and measuring heat emitted by objects. Unlike traditional cameras, which rely on visible light to capture images, thermal cameras detect infrared radiation, allowing them to visualize temperature variations across surfaces. This ability to "see" heat signatures makes thermal imaging drones invaluable tools for a myriad of tasks, especially in environments where visibility is compromised or where traditional methods fall short.

Applications Across Industries

The versatility of thermal imaging drones transcends industry boundaries, finding applications in fields such as:

1. Search and Rescue:

In emergency situations, every second counts. Thermal imaging drones Autel EVO II 640T V3 equipped with infrared cameras can swiftly locate missing persons or detect heat signatures in disaster zones, even in low-light conditions or dense vegetation. Their ability to detect body heat makes them indispensable tools for first responders, significantly expediting search and rescue operations and improving outcomes.

2. Precision Agriculture:

Optimizing crop yield and monitoring plant health are paramount in modern agriculture. Thermal imaging drones provide farmers with invaluable insights into crop vigor, irrigation efficiency, and pest infestations. By detecting temperature differentials across fields, farmers can identify areas requiring intervention, such as irrigation adjustments or pest control measures, thereby maximizing productivity while minimizing resource usage.

3. Building Inspections:

Traditional methods of building inspections often involve manual labor and pose safety risks. Thermal imaging drones offer a safer, more efficient alternative by enabling inspectors to identify structural anomalies, insulation deficiencies, and moisture intrusion remotely. By detecting temperature variations indicative of potential issues, such as water leaks or electrical hotspots, thermal imaging drones facilitate proactive maintenance and prevent costly damage.

4. Wildlife Conservation:

Monitoring wildlife populations and combatting poaching are ongoing challenges for conservationists. At the same time, thermal imaging drones can be used to monitor the number and living habits of wild species and provide assistance for hunting wild boars, elk, coyotes, etc. Thermal imaging drone hunting has also become a pastime for most families in the United States.

5. Security and Surveillance: 

Securing critical infrastructure and ensuring public safety require robust surveillance measures. Thermal imaging drones enhance security protocols by offering enhanced visibility during nighttime operations and in challenging environments. From perimeter patrols to monitoring border crossings, these drones provide security personnel with a tactical advantage, enabling proactive threat detection and rapid response.

Advantages of Thermal Imaging Drones

The adoption of thermal imaging drones confers numerous advantages, including:

- Enhanced Visibility: Thermal imaging drones excel in environments with poor visibility, such as dense foliage, smoke, or darkness, thanks to their ability to detect heat signatures.

- Remote Monitoring: By capturing thermal data from a distance, drones eliminate the need for manual inspections in hazardous or hard-to-reach locations, enhancing safety and efficiency.

- Cost-Effectiveness: The use of drones for aerial inspections and surveillance reduces operational costs associated with manned aircraft or ground-based methods, making it a cost-effective solution for various industries.

- Data Accuracy: Thermal imaging drones provide precise temperature measurements and detailed thermal maps, enabling informed decision-making and targeted interventions.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While thermal imaging drones offer tremendous potential, they are not without challenges. Issues such as limited flight time, regulatory constraints, and data interpretation complexities require ongoing innovation and collaboration to address effectively. 

However, with advancements in drone technology and continued research, these challenges can be overcome, unlocking even greater possibilities for thermal imaging applications.

Looking ahead, the future of thermal imaging drones is promising. As their capabilities evolve and their adoption becomes more widespread, we can expect to see further integration into diverse industries and novel applications emerging. 

From environmental monitoring to infrastructure inspection, thermal imaging drones are poised to redefine how we perceive and interact with the world around us, ushering in a new era of innovation and progress.

In conclusion, Thermal imaging drones for sale have made their way into our surroundings and have great potential to revolutionize multiple fields by harnessing the power of infrared technology and aviation capabilities.

Embarking on the thrilling adventure of FPV (First-Person View) drone flying is a journey of skill, precision, and aerial exploration. For both novices eager to take their first flight and experienced pilots looking to refine their maneuvers, FPV drone simulators offer a risk-free and immersive platform to practice and perfect flying techniques. This comprehensive guide shines a spotlight on the diverse world of FPV drone simulators, helping you navigate through the options to find the simulator that best matches your flying dreams and proficiency level. In the real fpv drone, you can use meps 2806.5 , meps 2408, meps 1804.

Leading FPV Drone Simulators Breakdown

• Beginner-Friendly Choice: DRL Simulator
• Racing Purists and Users with Legacy Systems: VelociDrone
• For Lovers of Freestyle and Cinematic Flights: Tryp FPV
• A Well-Rounded Pick for Various Styles: Liftoff
• Tiny Whoop Enthusiasts' Go-To: Tiny Whoop GO
• Best Free and Mobile Option (Android): SkyDive

Delve into the specifics of these simulators to identify your ideal partner in FPV flight training.

Understanding FPV Drone Simulators

FPV drone simulators serve as virtual gateways to the world of drone piloting, offering a realistic and engaging experience of flying drones from a first-person perspective no matter what kv you use such as 11000KV brushless motor, 4600KV burshless motor. Far from being mere games, these simulators are sophisticated training environments that mimic the physics and dynamics of real-world drone flight. They provide a safe and controlled setting for pilots to enhance their flying abilities, without the concerns of weather or the potential for costly accidents.

Embarking on Your Simulator Journey

To truly benefit from an FPV simulator, using a radio controller that mirrors real-world drone controls is crucial. This approach ensures skill development that translates directly to actual drone flying, thanks to muscle memory. The simulators highlighted in this guide support most radio controllers with USB connectivity, ensuring a smooth transition to the virtual skies.

If your controller lacks USB support, don't worry—there are solutions involving a flight controller and receiver to bridge this connectivity gap.

The Convenience of Steam

Steam is the primary distribution platform for accessing a wide array of FPV drone simulators. It provides a user-friendly interface for purchasing, playing, and updating your simulation software. Steam’s consumer-friendly return policy also allows you to explore different simulators risk-free, ensuring you find the perfect match for your needs.

Exploring Each Simulator in Detail

Tryp FPV

New to the scene but making waves with its stunning graphics and expansive environments, Tryp FPV appeals to pilots with powerful gaming setups looking for a visually immersive flying experience. Although it may not offer the most comprehensive training tools, its customization options and variety of maps make it a paradise for freestyle and cinematic drone pilots.

Uncrashed

Uncrashed stands out for its exceptional visual fidelity, offering an immersive and smooth flying experience that sets a new standard in aesthetics. While its focus on freestyle over racing might not cater to everyone, its engaging maps and activities promise a rewarding flying adventure.

Liftoff

Striking a balance between features, accessibility, and price, Liftoff caters to a broad spectrum of pilots, from beginners to experts. It may not specialize in any particular niche, but its comprehensive suite of features and strong community support position it as a highly versatile and appealing choice.

VelociDrone

Dedicated to the racing community, VelociDrone excels in delivering realistic flight physics and a competitive racing experience. Its efficient performance on older computers and a vibrant multiplayer community make it a favorite among racers and those looking to push their limits.

The DRL Simulator

With a robust set of features at an accessible price, the DRL Simulator is tailored to a wide audience, offering something for everyone. From comprehensive training modules to competitive multiplayer racing and the chance to participate in real-world DRL competitions, it presents a full-fledged FPV flying experience.

Concluding Thoughts

FPV drone simulators are invaluable assets for drone pilots, offering a practical and enjoyable means to refine flying skills in a risk-free environment. By selecting a simulator that aligns with your flying goals and preferences, you can significantly enrich your FPV journey. Here's to soaring to new heights in your FPV piloting adventure!

The Growing Challenges in the Solar Industry

The solar industry is booming, with a 45% rise in global solar installations in 2022 alone. However, this rapid expansion brings its own set of challenges. Labor shortages, cost pressures, and the need for greater transparency are just a few of the hurdles that solar companies face today. Traditional methods of managing solar farms, such as manual inspections and data collection, are becoming increasingly inefficient and costly.

Consider the time and resources spent on manual inspections. A company like AfterFIT in Tokyo reduced their inspection time from 3 hours to under 10 minutes by using drones. The manual approach not only drains resources but also exposes workers to potential hazards. Moreover, human errors can lead to inaccurate data collection, which can have severe consequences, including reduced power generation and even safety hazards.

The Rise of Autonomous Drones and Data Analytics

The Role of Drones in Solar Industry

Drones are revolutionizing the solar industry by aiding in every stage of a solar plant's life cycle—from planning and construction to maintenance. They can perform tasks like topographic surveys, 3D mapping, and even thermal imaging to detect hotspots in solar panels. On average, drones have expedited data collection by 70% compared to manual methods, all while maintaining high accuracy.

Key Components and Benefits of Autonomous Drone Operations

Autonomous drones take this a step further by eliminating the need for human intervention in data collection. These drones are equipped with advanced software platforms like FlytBase, which ensures safe flight operations, data security, and regulatory compliance. Hardware components like the DJI Dock allow these drones to operate autonomously, following predefined routes and returning to the docking station without human intervention.

Key Benefits Include:

• 24/7 Availability: Operates round the clock, ensuring continuous data collection.
• Cost Savings: Reduces travel costs and optimizes resource utilization.
• Reduced Human Risk: Minimizes risks associated with manual piloting.

Integrating Data Analytics for Comprehensive Insights

Data analytics platforms like Above’s SolarGain can be seamlessly integrated with autonomous drone technology. These platforms utilize machine learning to provide real-time situational awareness and detailed plant status reports. This digitalization offers a single source of truth for solar plant health, supports digitalized workflows, and enables a data-informed approach for better decision-making.

The Way Ahead

The most effective way to adopt this technology is through a phased approach. Start by deploying drones at one or a few sites to establish standard operating procedures and build a strong safety record. This sets the stage for a seamless transition to end-to-end automation and efficient solar energy management.

Conclusion

The future of the solar industry lies in automation and digitalization. Autonomous drones and data analytics platforms are not just a technological advancement; they are a necessity for solar companies aiming to stay competitive in this fast-growing market. By adopting these technologies, companies can significantly improve efficiency, reduce costs, and most importantly, contribute more effectively to the global shift towards cleaner energy.

Are you ready to take your solar operations to the next level? Don't miss out on the comprehensive guide that dives deep into the transformative power of autonomous drones and data analytics in the solar industry.

Download the Whitepaper: Navigating the Future of Solar with Autonomous Drones and Data Analytics

For more information, visit FlytBase and Above Surveying.

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Our high-endurance development platform, named "Grasshopper" is perfect as a development platform, surveillance drone, or even a light show drone.

It is compatible with all the Micasense cameras and the Parrot Sequoia and has a flight time of up to 1hr with 200g of payload.

As optional we offer our satellite telemetry system for BVLOS flights.

The base version of the drone has a 580mm wheelbase and a 160.000 Mah battery.

Pricing starts at 1600€.

For more information, please get in touch with us at heimdallai@gmail.com

The Grasshopper NDVI is the newest in our line of simple-to-use survey cameras. Every Grasshopper NDVI camera allows the connection to an external USB GPS receiver to automatically geo-tag each captured image. Its 8MP sensor and sharp non-fisheye lens allow you to capture aerial media easily. It captures photos on the default timer trigger or can be sent a PWM signal through the HDMI port (see below). If you supply power to the USB port it will power on the camera automatically. Sized similar to a GoPro® Hero these small survey cameras can be attached to your aerial drone platform using our various mounts.

This Red+NIR (NDVI) model sees Near Infrared 850nm and Red 660nm light. The images from this camera are commonly calibrated into an index image and then a colored lut is applied to show contrast between healthy and poor health vegetation.

Starts at 239€

Check it out

For inquiries: heimdallai@gmail.com

Introducing the second generation of CopterPack.
This was the test of the all-new control system which will be integrated into the final design.

The RosettaDrone 2 app creates a Mavlink wrapper for the DJI SDK and enables Mavlink commands to control the DJI drone. A Python script running on a PC is linked by UDP to the RosettaDrone 2 app. As a test case a SSD Mobilenet AI algorithm controls the flight behavior of DJI Mavic 2 drones

Introducing CopterPack - a carbon fiber electric backpack helicopter. First flight video is coming soon!

Enterprises & Startups can leverage FlytNow APIs to build & scale automated, cloud-connected drone applications, and reduce time-to-market.

The commercial drone industry is heading towards complete automation. This transition calls for seamless integration with different software & hardware. At FlytBase, we are cognizant of this ever-growing need for scalable enterprise applications that involve drones. Keeping this in focus, we are introducing FlytNow API platform to enable automated, cloud-connected drones applications for enterprises & startups.

We are proud to announce that we are extending the capabilities of FlytNow as a comprehensive backend platform for enterprise drone ops. We introduce FlytNow APIs to securely connect drones with any type of business application that supports RESTful architecture. This means that businesses can rapidly build and scale custom drone applications to manage their drone fleet.

Key benefits of using FlytNow APIs

• Simple: FlytNow APIs are simple with clearly defined endpoints to perform specific functions.
• Powerful Abstractions: FlytNow APIs provide powerful abstractions so developers do not have to deal with lower-level languages to communicate with drones.
• Hardware Agnostic: Whether it is a DJI, PX4, or ArduPilot drone or any companion computer (like Rasberry Pi 4b, Nvidia Jetson, ODROID N2, etc.), FlytNow APIs are agnostic and have the necessary adapters to communicate with the hardware. These APIs
• Discoverable: Our API endpoints are logically organized in extensive documentation so that even new developers can get up to speed quickly with the capabilities.
• Consistent: All our API endpoints are constructed logically so that developers can anticipate different functionalities.
• Virtual Drones: As the name implies, these are simulated drones in a virtual environment. Work on simulations to test your applications faster without risking expensive hardware.
• Scalability: Our cloud services are hosted on Amazon AWS, and it is adaptive making it possible to deploy resources as you grow your business.

APIs that are currently available for our enterprise users

• Navigation APIs: Control drones remotely from a dashboard.
• Telemetry APIs: Fetch telemetry data like speed, altitude, global position, etc. from a drone.
• Payload APIs: Control & integrate various payloads with FlytNow.
• Video Streaming APIs: Access live video streaming from a drone. Share this stream with your team and guests for collaboration.
• Vehicle Setup APIs: Perform a series of checks on the operational capabilities of a drone.
• Gimbal Control APIs: Remotely control the gimbal pitch of a drone.
• Camera Zoom APIs: Change the orientation of the camera and the zoom remotely.
• Command & Control APIs: Send drone to a GPS location, control heading remotely.
• Mission Planning APIs: Set a pre-programmed mission/path for a drone.
• Precision Landing APIs: Land drones precisely on a machine-generated tag.
• Collision Avoidance APIs: Integrate collision sensor data with FlytNow dashboard and set thresholds to avoid collisions.
• Drone-in-a-box API: Integrate with Drone-in-a-Box hardware. Command drone launches and landings remotely. Moreover, you can retrieve charging (or battery swapping) & docking station statuses.
• Geofence APIs: Set a virtual boundary for drones and trigger fail-safes in case of breaches.

What enterprises & startups can build using our Drone APIs

Drone-based autonomous security and surveillance system:

Security systems can be enhanced using drones. A custom enterprise web application can be integrated with CCTV cameras & software (for example Video Management solutions like Milestone), motion sensors, and ground-based hardware using FlytNow APIs. Further, businesses can leverage these APIs for mission planning to automate the patrolling of drones, thereby reducing the need for redundant manpower. Automation need not be limited to just spontaneous patrolling; it can be scheduled for regular security patrols using APIs for DiaB (Drone-in-a-Box hardware). Absolute autonomy lies in eliminating human interference starting from time-defined missions where the drone takes off, performs the mission, and docks back into the box to charge/swap batteries. In real-life, the system will leverage a unified dashboard as a command center and our live video streaming APIs to manage the entire operation. In the event of an intrusion, it will operate in the following way:

• An intrusion alert goes off in the main dashboard. API integration with FlytNow triggers the drone system.
• The system creates a waypoint mission for the drone. A drone automatically launches from a DiaB station and goes to the point of interest.
• The drone begins live-streaming, and the human operator identifies the intruder from the live drone footage. The operator uses the payload APIs of FlytNow to maneuver the camera and look around. AI-detection technology can also automate intruders and help track in the video.
• On completion of the mission, the drone automatically returns back to the docking station.

Drones-based medical delivery system:

Companies have been actively building & deploying drone systems that can deliver critical medical payloads to remote locations. A US-based company called Zipline is one such company that has extensive operations in the African nations of Ghana and Rwanda. They rely on a centralized system where they operate from a medical warehouse and all incoming requests for blood are fulfilled via drone delivery. The highlights of the system are that the drones can fly autonomously from the warehouse to the delivery point, drop the payload, and return back to the base. Following are some APIs of FlytNow can be used to build a similar system:

• Mission Planning APIs: To set the route of a drone to the delivery location.
• Navigation APIs: To take control of a delivery drone remotely in case of an emergency.
• Vehicle Setup APIs: To run a diagnostic of a drone before sending it off to a mission.
• Video Streaming APIs: To remotely monitor a delivery mission through a video feed.
• Geofence APIs: To restrict the area of operation of the drones.
• Command & Control APIs: Send drone to a GPS location, control heading remotely.
• Collision Avoidance APIs: To get data from the onboard sensors and set thresholds to avoid collisions.
• Payload API: To control the payload dripper or actuators

Drone-based emergency response system:

Leveraging the FlytNow APIs, a response system can be built that is fully autonomous and integrated with a Computer Aided Dispatch system like 911. In the event of an emergency, an operator using such a system can dispatch a drone to survey the situation. On receiving the command, a drone will launch and fly to the location autonomously and begin acquiring data using its onboard camera. The operator can share the live feed of the drone with the first responders who can plan a better response.

The APIs used in this case would be similar to the delivery system mentioned above, with a focus on BVLOS capabilities and live-stream of data.

Summary

In this blog, we introduced the APIs of the FlytNow platform and the benefits of using them. In a nutshell, FlytNow is built for developers building applications to manage enterprise drone operations with BVLOS capabilities. Our extensive and reliable set of APIs is a result of our experience working with commercial drones for almost a decade. Originally published on FlytNow

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Commercial drones are now becoming a mainstream technology, with the 2020 pandemic serving as a showcase for how drones can save human lives.

Drones have been used for delivery long before Amazon announced its Prime Air service. Founded in 2011, Zipline, a US-based company focused on medical drone deliveries became the pioneer in long-distance drone delivery, with distribution centers in Rwanda and Ghana. With an exponential growth since then, Zipline now delivers 65% of blood samples in Rwanda, particularly because the country lacks suitable road connectivity.

Companies like Zipline are investing heavily not only in better drone hardware but also in remote operations software, so they can intelligently & centrally manage a large fleet of drones.

How Does Drone Delivery Work?

Drone delivery refers to the act of moving a package from point A to B using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Such UAVs are either autonomous or remotely controlled by human pilots.

The infrastructure that powers drone delivery operations requires seamless integration between reliable drone hardware and robust software that can enable EVLOS/BVLOS Operations. The components of such systems include:

Drone Hardware

Drones that are capable of carrying heavy payloads; for example:

Links to above-mentioned drone specs:

• DJI M600 Pro
• DJI M210 V2
• [New]DJI M300 RTK
• GAIA 160MP-Heavy Lift Drone
• D130 X8 Titan Version Combo
• FOXTECH Great Shark 330 VTOL
• IMPOSSIBLE AREOSPACE US-1 Performance Aircraft

Companies like Zipline, Wing, etc., have their own fleet of drones specifically designed and developed to suit their specific delivery needs.

Note:

• The above specifications are as given on the DJI and Foxtech website.
• FlytNow is compatible with all DJI, Ardupilot, and PX4 based drones and provides software modules for EVLOS/BVLOS operation over 4G/LTE, 5G, Long-range RF.

Drone Fleet Management Software

Drone delivery requires an advanced fleet management software like FlytNow that helps plan & execute long-range EVLOS/BVLOS flights with live tracking and drone control over 4G/LTE/5G.

FlytNow Delivery is a cloud-based offering that can be used for package delivery operations. Delivery businesses can use off-the-shelf or custom drones to quickly set up a delivery system in their geography. FlytNow solution cuts the deployment time to a few days and gives a unified web-based dashboard to control and manage every aspect of a drone delivery operation. FlytNow Delivery Offers:

• Operator Dashboard - Centralized web-interface to manage all logistics operations
• Dispatcher Dashboards - Web interface for store-fronts/medical centers to create delivery requests and live tracking.
• Recipient Dashboard - Web and mobile interface to live track drone location and delivery status

Onboard Drone Software:

A drone equipped with intelligent onboard software make this kind of operation autonomous and safe. With the integration of FlytOS intelligent modules and sensors with onboard SBC (Nvidia Jetson Nano, DJI Manifold 2, Raspberry Pi 3B+/4), drones can do:

• Autonomous Precision Landing or Hover (see FlytDock)
• Collision Avoidance (see FlytCAS)
• Electro-mechanical gripper control for package pick and drop
• Electro-mechanical pulley control for releasing a package from a height.

Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) Hardware:

For operations to be autonomous and efficient -- physical, on-ground components such as a docking station, charging pad, launching systems, etc. are required. With FlytNow DiaB integration enables remote control & telemetry in the same delivery interface. Our enterprise solution also offers integration with DiaB APIs. Below are a few DiaB and charging pad solutions for reference:

• Airscort  https://www.airscort.me/ 
• Skysense (https://www.skysense.co)
• WiPo Wireless Solution (https://www.wipo-wirelesspower.com/)
• WiBotic (https://www.wibotic.com/)

UTM Integration:

Airspace intelligence and management is a critical enabler for scalable, safe, beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) or extended-visual-line-of-sight (EVLOS) enterprise drone programs. Such integration with a UTM engine or national airspace services can augment sense-and-avoid capabilities with regards to airspace, flying advisories, and weather information for optimal path planning while avoiding no-fly zones and manned aircraft. Some leading UTM and providers are:

• Airmap
• Attitude Angel
• Unifly
• Airpalette
• DigitalSky (for India)

Learn about the FlytBase partnership with AirMap here

FlytNow can be integrated with any 3rd party private or government UTM API services.

Advanced Fail-safes:

Whether you are flying in rural or suburban areas, the safety of people on the ground and expensive drone equipment is of utmost importance. Emergency situations like flight system failure, bad weather conditions, or immediate advisory from the local aviation authorities may happen anytime.

In addition to standard drone fail-safes (RTH, Geofence, etc.), FlytNow provides Emergency Landing Point (ELP) Failsafes. ELP Failsafes allow you to define landing points along your delivery route and land the drone on the nearest ELP when a situation arises.

FlytNow also provides advanced geofence features to draw a polygon on a map along the delivery route to restrict drones from going outside the designated area.

In unavoidable situations, a safety parachute on the drone can avoid accidents. Here are some of the brands which offer drone safety parachutes:

• Indemis
• ParaZero
• VectorSave

Use FlytNow to Quickly Demo Your Drone Delivery Operation

FlytNow Pro is a cloud-based SaaS solution, well suited to help drone operators and service providers quickly set up a PoC (proof-of-concept) delivery system to validate a proposed delivery plan or to manage customer demos.

If you are someone who is looking to quickly validate a delivery idea then FlytNow Pro is a good starting point. As more requirements get identified, customers can then migrate to FlytNow Enterprise for Drone Delivery, which offers an end-to-end software suite with advanced capabilities and priority support.

Getting Started with FlytNow Pro for Drone Delivery PoC

Step 1: Sign up for a 28 days free FlytNow Pro account.

First signup to our free 28 days trial by visiting: https://my.flytbase.com/accounts/signup/?next=https://app.flytnow.com

Open your email and verify it before you can access the dashboard. Login to your account using your credentials.

On the dashboard, you can add drones, create a flight mission, set up a pre-flight checklist, and define a geofence.

In the above screenshot, We have already added our drones and two of them are online. In your case, you have to add the drones. Follow our getting started guide to add your DJI drones.

Do not have a drone? Try FlytNow Pro with Virtual Drone. Follow Step 2

(Optional) Step 2: Adding a virtual drone.

Your free trial account supports up to five drones. In case you don’t have a drone, you can also add a virtual drone, you can add one virtual drone. For a virtual drone, you need to set up your FlytBase cloud APIs. Please follow this guide.

Once granted access to the cloud, you can use your virtual drone’s vehicle ID and token to add it to the FlytNow dashboard.

Step 3: Creating a Mission Plan.

A mission plan lets you add a route for your drone. Considering you are testing a medical delivery system, you use the mission plan to define routes to all the medical centers you want to make deliveries.

To add a mission plan, click on Mission -> Add Mission. Give a name to your mission and click on Add Waypoints to begin defining your route. Clicking on the map will place a pin; this way you can place multiple pins.

In the above screenshot, we have defined a mission that tells a drone how to go to Palo Alto Health Care. Apart from defining a route, you can set the flight speed and a Finish Action. The Finish Action tells a drone what to do once it reaches the destination; you can set the following actions.

• Hover
• Land
• Return to Home

In our case, we have selected Return to Home that signifies that the drone will drop the payload and return to base.

Please note that FlytNow Pro offers limited features for mission planning. Advanced features are available in FlytNow Enterprise for Delivery.

Step 4: Creating a pre-flight checklist.

This feature allows you to create a pre-flight checklist. In the case of a delivery operation, a checklist will ensure that a drone is configured properly before it is sent out on a mission.

To create a checklist, click on CHECKLIST and then Add to Checklist to add a checklist item. While adding a checklist item, you can also add a description.

We have created a checklist suited for drone delivery operations. You can create your own checklist.

Step 5: Setting up a geofence

A geofence allows you to set up a boundary for your operations. Once you set a boundary, FlytNow will not allow your drones to fly beyond the boundary.

You can set up a geofence by:

• Going to the GEOFENCE section in the FlytNow dashboard where you should be able to see your drones as a list.
• Click on the edit option available in front of your drone name.
• Enable the Geofence radius by clicking on the button.
• Set the Geofence Values as per your safety requirements, i.e Height, and Radius.
• The Height is restricted to 500 meters and radius is restricted to 8000 meters.
• Click on the Save button after entering the values.

The following image shows you how your dashboard will look after geofence is set successfully.

A geofence has two circles. The area between the circles is called a warning zone. Whenever a drone crosses the first circle, the system gives out a warning, but it will not let the drone go beyond the second circle.

While planning a mission, you can’t put a waypoint beyond the first circle.

Step 6: Turn on Live video feed (feature works with a real drone only).

You can access the video feed of a drone from the dashboard. This feature is useful when a drone is out for delivery. This way you can visually assess a flight mission.

Select a drone under the FLY tab. Now you can see the video feed on the top right corner.

You can also enable the multi-cam mode (refer to the above picture) that will allow you to view the video feed from all drones on a single screen.

Step 7: Share live drone location and video feed with a third party (feature works with a real drone only).

You can share live drone locations and video streams with anyone outside the FlytNow platform. This feature is useful especially when you want to share tracking information with a recipient which might include live video feed from the drone.

To initiate sharing click on the share button on the video panel

In the next dialog box click on Create new link.

Enter the email address of the person to whom you want to share the video.

Select the drones and your preferred options. You get the option to share both the map and the video.

The person with whom you have shared the live feed gets an email with a secure PIN. Tell him/her to click on View Operation and enter the secure PIN to start the live streaming.

Initiating a Drone Delivery

Once you are done with the basic setup, it is time to launch your first delivery mission. Consider a situation where you have received a delivery request from a nearby medical center, and you are about to initiate a launch.

Step 1: Launching a drone and selecting a mission.

Under the FLY tab select a drone (has to be online) and click on the launch icon in the bottom right corner.

You will be asked to select a flight mode. Select Mission. In the next window, you will see all your missions. Select a mission and click on start.

Step 2: Completing the pre-flight checklist and executing the mission.

Next, you have to complete the pre-flight checklist.

Once you are done with the checklist, hit Execute to begin your delivery.

What’s the Next Step?

FlytNow Enterprise a Perfect Solution for Large Scale Drone Delivery Operations

We have been talking about FlytNow Pro which has limited features but ideal for validating an idea or doing a POC. Once you are done with the validation stage, it’s time to move to FlytNow Enterprise.

FlytNow Enterprise is a fully-featured comprehensive drone automation solution designed for large scale drone deployment. The solution is fully customizable and can be used in a variety of use cases, and drone delivery is one of them.

Here are some exclusive features of FlytNow Enterprise:

• Add and manage multiple drones, operators, and clients.
• Assign a drone to a delivery request.
• Generate automatic, unlimited flight plan (straight line) from drone location to the delivery location, edit if required.
• Control the gimbal, manually trigger RTH, and land for emergency situations.
• Recording of video streams.
• Set an advanced geofence - support of polygon geofence.
• Integrate with third-party services like DroneLogbook and UTM like Airmap.
• Integrate with Drone-in-a-box or charging pad like Skysense, WiBotic, Airscort.

For enterprise drones (DJI, PX4, Ardupilot), FlytNow provides SBC, with the FlytOS installed, for direct integration to make BVLOS flight possible over 4G/LTE/5G network. We also provide accessories and landing tag design for precision landing over charging pads.

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Schedule a 30-min free consultation with our expert to learn more about the FlytNow Drone Delivery Software Solution, contact us at https://flytnow.com/contact/