Enthusiasts

SwellProUSA recently announced The Spry:  which is a waterproof drone that can go underwater like a submarine,  float on the surface like a boat, and fly in the air at over 43 mph.  Clearly focused on the marine market on the consumer side,  it contains a 4K camera that can …

With the steady improvement of autonomous flight modes and safety features from DJI and futuristic computer vision from the likes of Skydio, you might think that the way we pilot drones is only heading one way: to true autonomy. Also known as not really needing to pilot them at all. …

Drone manufacturer DJI has appointed French aerial photographer and film director Yann Arthus-Bertrand one of three DJI ‘Masters’. The French artist, whose work includes ‘The Earth From Above’ – a United Nations-supported collection of photo essays that has sold more than 4 million copies – has been using DJI equipment while shooting his …

Drones are increasingly being adopted by public safety teams and first responders. A study out this week from DJI, the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) and Irish research firm Black Channel, shows why that trend is set to continue. And research like this is important. You’ll struggle to find an emergency service anywhere …

Aerospace giant Lockheed Martin and Drone Racing League (DRL) have announced a contest inviting teams to develop artificial intelligence (AI) systems capable of piloting racing drones and beating human pilots. Participating teams will compete in a series of challenges for their share of more than $2 million in prizes. The challenge was announced by …

When Skydio launched the long-awaited R1 in February, it was clear that we were dealing with something special. The Skydio team had set out to build a drone that could build a picture of its environment and fly as intelligently as a human pilot as a result. And they appear to …

A $20,000 prize has been awarded to Italian Vincenzo Navanteri by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). Navanteri won the Prince Alvaro de Orleans-Borbon Grant at the FAI International Drones Conference and Expo, in Lausanne, Switzerland, for his drone ambulance concept. Switzerland, of course, is no stranger to drones transforming traditional medical services. …

In recent years there have been plenty of headlines highlighting the use of drones to smuggle drugs and other contraband into prisons. And that’s fair enough. It’s a new, interesting challenge for authorities to deal with. And fear gets clicks. Last year in the UK, for example, police monitored and …

The risks that come with flying in wet conditions have long held back drone pilots and aerial photographers. Most drone owners find that frustrating: A bit of rain doesn’t always mean a scene isn’t worth shooting. Watersports, for example, are another possible subject often seen as not worth the risks …

A forestry company in Victoria, Australia, is using drones and thermal cameras to spot koalas before trees are cut down or controlled burns take place. Hazelwood Forestry, in Latrobe Valley is regularly tasked with cutting down Hancock Victoria Plantations’ eucalyptus and pine trees. One complication is that carelessly harvesting – which …