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Amidst the continuous evolution of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) technology, DJI has once again raised the bar by introducing DJI Dock  2, which is on its way to release worldwide, on 26th March 2024. To know more about Dock 2, feel free to contact us.

The previous version of DJI Dock has proven its effectiveness across various industries. In Alaska, the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DoT&FR) deployed the docking station to enhance safety measures during avalanche and geohazard incidents. Thanks to its resilient design and rapid charging capabilities, the dock facilitated continuous drone operations, particularly crucial for Drone as First Responder (DFR) missions.

Meanwhile, in Bisamberg, Austria, it played an important role in inspecting a major substation, ensuring the integrity and security of essential energy infrastructure. By enabling regular inspections and maintenance checks, it provided the Austrian Power Grid’s (APG) team with real-time updates on the substation's condition. This approach significantly minimized downtime by detecting faults early on, thereby helping improve the reliability of the electricity supply throughout Austria.

The DJI Dock 2, along with the DJI Matrice 3D and 3DT drones, is expected to reshape the approaches of industries engaged in surveying, inspections, and public safety in their remote, uncrewed operations.

Curious about what DJI Dock 2 has to offer? Explore this buyer's guide to get all the information you need. Discover its features, compatibility, and important factors to help you make an informed decision. ‍

Which features set DJI Dock 2 apart from its predecessor?

The DJI Dock 2 distinguishes itself from DJI Dock, through several impactful enhancements. 

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1. Weight and Design: 

DJI Dock 2 boasts a 75% reduction in volume and a 68% reduction in weight compared to its predecessor. Weighing only 34kgs, this version facilitates easier, quicker, and more cost-effective deployment of autonomous drone fleets.

2. Durability and Weather Resistance:

Dock 2 retains the durability of its predecessor with an IP55 rating, being resilient against harsh weather conditions, dust, and water.

3. Coverage and Efficiency: 

The DJI Matrice 3DT and Matrice 3D drones have a maximum flight time of 50 minutes and a maximum operational range of 10km when used with the DJI Dock 2, surpassing the capabilities of DJI Dock which offers a maximum flight time of 40 minutes and a maximum operational range of 7km.

4. RTK Modules:

The integrated dual RTK modules on the DJI Dock 2, coupled with internal and external fisheye cameras, provide real-time environmental feedback. This enables real-time blade detection, safety checks, and takeoff in just 45 seconds, given that there is a robust network signal.

5. Charging Capabilities:

Dock 1 charges drones from 10% to 90% in around 25 minutes at 24V output, while Dock 2 achieves this from 20% to 90% in roughly 32 minutes at 12V. Both docks offer over 5 hours of independent charge for safe Return-to-Home (RTH) functionality.

6. Improved Landing & Power Supply: 

DJI Dock 2 enhances landing stability and reliability through an improved image recognition system and a sloped design that guides the drone for precise positioning within the dock. For added security, it comes with a built-in backup battery that provides over 5 hours of operation in case of power loss or remote locations. Additionally, DJI Dock 2 only requires biannual maintenance, minimizing downtime and costs.

7. Third-party Payload Support: 

DJI Dock 2 offers increased versatility by supporting third-party payloads through M3D/M3DT E-Port. This allows for mounting payloads like spotlights, speakers, and parachutes, expanding the drone's capabilities and ensuring safety.

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DJI Dock 2 setup

Here’s a comparative study of the specifications of the DJI Dock 1 and Dock 2

	DJI Dock 2	DJI Dock 1
Weight	34 kg	105 kg
Size	Dock opened: 1228 x 583 x 412mm Dock closed: 570 x 583 x 465mm	Dock opened: 1675 x 885 x 735mm Dock closed: 800 x 885 x 1065mm
Input Voltage	100 ~ 240 V, 50/60 Hz	100 ~ 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Input Power	Max. 1000 W	Max. 1500 W
Temperature	-25°C ~ 45°C	-35°C ~ 50°C
IP Rating	IP55	IP55
Max Take-off Altitude	2500 m	4000 m
Max Operation Radius	10 km	7 km
Compatible Drones	DJI Matrice 3D DJI Matrice 3DT	DJI M30 (Dock version) DJI M30T (Dock version)
Charge	32 min (20% - 90%)	25 min (10% - 90%)
Battery Cycles	400	400
Backup Battery	More than 5 hours	More than 5 hours
Development	Cloud API + edge computing	Cloud API + edge computing

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Dock 2 and its seamless operations with compatible drones

The DJI Dock 1 was designed for use with the DJI Matrice 30 and 30T drones. The key features of these drones include a 41-minute flight time, 12 m/s wind resistance, and compatibility with various third-party payloads.

However, DJI Dock 2 is designed to work seamlessly with the new DJI Matrice 3D and Matrice 3DT drones. 

The new DJI drones Matrice 3D and 3DT

The Matrice 3D

• Best suited for applications such as surveying and mapping
• Equipped with a telephoto zoom camera and a wide camera with a special shutter

The Matrice 3DT 

• Specifically designed for tasks like public safety, surveys, and inspections 
• Features wide-angle, telephoto zoom, and thermal cameras, simultaneously capturing regular and heat-sensitive video.

Both drones share impressive features like an IP54 protection level, up to 50 minutes of flight time, a maximum speed of 47 mph, and a strong battery life that can handle 400 cycles, significantly reducing operational costs. Additionally, they have an RTK module, enabling them to land with remarkable accuracy when used with the DJI Dock 2.

Use cases and applications of DJI Dock 2

Multiple case studies have proven that the DJI Dock 1 can help transform applications like security and inspections where close monitoring and surveillance are required.

Interestingly, along with the previously mentioned use cases of Dock 1, due to the wide-angle, telephoto zoom, and thermal cameras of Matrice 3D/3DT, the DJI Dock 2 can now also be used for advanced mapping and surveying.

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DJI Dock 2 use case

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Let's explore the applications of Dock 2 in detail:

• Surveying and Mapping: Matrice 3D's high-precision cameras and the DJI Dock 2's autonomous deployment capabilities make it ideal for surveying and mapping large areas, construction sites, or infrastructure projects.
  
  
• Security and Inspections: The Matrice 3DT's thermal camera and long flight time are well-suited for security patrols, perimeter monitoring, and inspecting critical infrastructure like pipelines or wind turbines.
  
  
• Emergency Response: The DJI Dock 2's quick deployment and the drones' ability to operate in various weather conditions make them valuable tools for search and rescue operations, fire response, and disaster assessment. 
  
  
• Public Safety: The Matrice 3DT's thermal and zoom capabilities can assist law enforcement in search operations, crowd monitoring, and crime scene investigation.

DJI Dock 2 integration with FlytBase Software Platform

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The DJI Dock 2, powered by FlytBase, will offer a comprehensive solution for remote drone operations. FlytBase is an enterprise-grade drone autonomy software platform that enables efficient autonomous drone operations, allowing missions to be planned and scheduled in advance and executed with minimal human intervention. FlytBase integration with DJI Dock 2 will offer customizable and scalable features suitable for various use cases, including inspections, surveillance, surveying, and security.

By incorporating a variety of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) components – such as parachutes, detect-and-avoid systems, uncrewed traffic management, and weather systems – FlytBase ensures that drone operations are reliable and secure.

Leveraging FlytBase, customers and partners have successfully obtained BVLOS certifications from top aviation authorities in 10 countries, including the FAA in the United States, EASA in Europe, CASA in Australia, SACAA in South Africa, JCAB in Japan, and CAAM in Malaysia. The platform also goes beyond basic mission planning by offering advanced features like dynamic route planning and customized flight workflows, all designed to align with regulatory standards.

In addition, FlytBase prioritizes data security by adhering to leading data protection standards. The platform is ISO 27001, SOC2 Type II certified, and GDPR compliant. To know more about the integration of FlytBase with the DJI Dock 2, feel free to contact us.

The industry’s only virtual summit entirely dedicated to drone autonomy is back and bigger than ever!

To help the industry accelerate its transition to BVLOS ops, NestGen 2023 will bring together experts in BVLOS technology, autonomous drone operations, regulatory consultants and adopters of drone-in-a-box systems.

What to expect at NestGen 2023

The single-day, 11-hour virtual only event will include keynotes, sessions from some of the most prominent proponents and leaders of the commercial drone industry, deep dives into cutting-edge, modular drone docking stations, product updates and announcements, application-specific breakouts, and a plethora of virtual networking and engagement opportunities.

NestGen 2023 dates and times

9:30am – 8:30pm February 23rd 2023

Registrations to the event are free till 31st January 2023.

Go ahead and register now! https://flyt.link/nestgen-feb-2023

The most recent technology breakthroughs in the commercial drone industry have propelled it to an entirely new level. Previously, a drone's entire flying cycle had to be continuously piloted and monitored. Fortunately, we have entered an era where drones can complete their predefined missions from start to finish while the operator is away. And drone-in-a-box systems have played a pivotal role in making this happen. These systems eliminate the need for human intervention by allowing the drone batteries to be charged/swapped autonomously, saving time, effort, and money.

Until now, the industry had been familiar with "Closed DiaB Systems," wherein a single company built everything. They invest in each segment, from building the drone to the box to the software to selling the system directly to end-users, making it expensive to produce and consume. To address this issue, FlytBase advocates for an "Open DiaB Movement" wherein hardware manufacturers, software providers, and DSPs collaborate in their areas of expertise to build and sell a modular system that reduces costs and improves efficiency.

The Panel

The "Open Diab Movement" concept was reinforced during a panel discussion held during the NestGen'22 summit, where ground warriors advancing this technology and deploying it in many industries - the DSPs - shared their vision. Among the experts present were:

1. Tariq Nasraldeen, Founder & Chief Aviator at Firnas Aero in Saudi Arabia
2. Yuji Kuwamizu, a UAV specialist at AfterFIT, Japan,
3. Mohamad Shawky, Founder & CEO of Geodrones Aerial Services and,
4. Elia Ray Salem, Project Manager at DroneBase, Italy.

Industries likely to see rapid adoption of DiaB systems

The conversation started with one of the most frequently asked questions: "Which industries would see the earliest or most rapid adoption of drone-in-a-box systems?". The four experts cover several industries that would profit from full autonomous system deployments in their respective regions.

Drones for Oil & Gas Inspection

In the UAE region, Mohamed discusses how drone docks have made inspection and surveillance of oil rigs and pipelines that span kilometres easier and safer for personnel. Monitoring leaks or gas emissions, detecting spills and detecting corrosion in offshore rigs, solar panels, and remote facilities have become convenient in topographically and climatically challenging areas such as Dubai. The DiaB systems are weather and heat-resistant. An internal cooling system allows for much easier aerial mapping and surveying than was possible a few years ago when drones were not autonomous.

Drones for Security

Tariq adds to the conversation by discussing how autonomous drones have transformed security operations. Previously, large facilities had to be physically patrolled despite inclement weather, which made the procedure unreliable, inaccurate, and often even unproductive. Adding AI and object recognition technologies has made patrolling much easier - everything is now detectable, from a license plate to a wrongly parked car. The ability to attach payloads like thermal cameras or sensors to drones has further rendered the manual process obsolete.

Drones for Renewable Energy

Yuji brings a unique perspective to the discussion. According to him, in Japan, standard surveying approaches are highly ineffective since most solar panels are installed on mountainous terrain. With the integration of off-the-shelf drones, DiaB systems, and advanced AI, AfterFIT Japan can now conduct remote photo imaging, anomaly, and soil inspections in less than 10 minutes, at a significantly lower cost. Yuji emphasizes the benefit of autonomy, stating that operations are not hampered by external factors such as inclement weather, resulting in increased productivity.

Obstacles hindering full utilization of DiaB systems

Despite increasing awareness of drones, their capabilities, and advancements, Elia states there are very few drone companies in Italy, and DroneBase has to build market awareness through significant investments and continual promotion. Last year, they held live demonstrations at the NATO military airport to raise awareness (the testing ground for manned and unmanned systems). With several high-profile individuals from the military and other relevant industries in attendance, they attempted to highlight the benefits to aid regulatory bodies in their decision-making process.

An aspiring drone entrepreneur? Don't miss out on industry experts' advice!

Each with a wealth of knowledge and lessons learned, the panellists shared their insights with aspiring drone entrepreneurs. Mohammed stated that today's entrepreneurs must spend time and effort constantly self-reflecting and addressing the demands and concerns of their customers. It will, in his opinion, help entrepreneurs fine-tune and hone their services.

Speaking of customer demands, Tariq says that it all comes down to the client's requirements at the end of the day, which entrepreneurs should not lose sight of. He also believes that instead of catering to everyone's needs, aspiring entrepreneurs should try to specialize in different industry segments. Every segment necessitates a different set of expertise and skills, and one should strive to make their area of expertise a differentiating factor as well.

He recalls a conversation he had with a client years ago in which the client said, "I don't care what drones you're using, autonomous, non-autonomous or whatever, I just need my data to be accurate and timely."

Should one be scared of Drone Autonomy? We think not!

The panel concludes by addressing the concerns that arise during the initial phase of any modern technology. With drones and artificial intelligence coming in, there is concern about the loss of employment. The panel, however, disagrees with that viewpoint; Mohammed affirms that "DiaB will not cut jobs, but instead create more jobs."

He explains how, even if drones become fully autonomous, the industry will still require human involvement in mission planning, management, and monitoring drone flying cycles. Furthermore, we are a fair distance away from the day when regulatory bodies approve the flight of drones without a pilot, whether autonomous or not. There are several checks and balances that must be considered. Even reductions in certain job profiles will be offset by an increase in the creation of new job profiles and technological advancements.

To summarize, while long-distance travel, unfavourable working conditions, and repetitive flights would no longer be part of a pilot's workflow, drone autonomy could lead to more fulfilling careers for pilots in areas such as R&D, data analytics, and people/human-centric operations that require not only relevant knowledge and experience but also human characteristics such as empathy and general perception.

Watch the following video, to hear from the industry experts themselves. Watch complete event On-Demand, visit here.