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Drones News
TechCrunch
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Image Credit: TechCrunch
Near Space Labs nabs $20M to take its high-res imaging Swift robots into the stratosphere
- Near Space Labs has secured $20 million in funding to further develop its high-resolution imaging technology using Swift robots that float into the stratosphere using helium balloons.
- The funding round was led by Bold Capital Partners, with participation from USAA, Climate Capital, Gaingels, River Park Ventures, and other existing backers, bringing the total raised by Near Space to over $40 million.
- The company's founders, Rema Matevosyan, Ignasi Lluch, and Albert Caubet, all have backgrounds in space and physics technology and research.
- Near Space was born out of a collaboration between the Skolkovo Institute in Russia and MIT, with the founders later moving to the U.S. for opportunities like the Urban-X accelerator program.
- Despite the closure of the Skolkovo-MIT partnership and Urban-X accelerator, Near Space continues to grow and expand its operations from the U.S.
- By capturing high-resolution imagery from the stratosphere using Swift robots, Near Space has found traction with customers in sectors like insurance, aiding in disaster tracking.
- The company aims to cover 80% of the U.S. population twice a year with its 7cm imagery, offering faster and more accurate results compared to drone or satellite imaging.
- Near Space plans to customize coverage plans for different sectors, potentially expanding beyond insurance into areas like agriculture.
- While military usage is a potential market, Near Space is currently focused on commercial applications given its Swift technology's versatility and cost-effectiveness.
- Investors see value in Near Space's low-cost aerial imaging technology, particularly as AI applications require high-quality and timely data.
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The Drone Girl
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BILD Expo 2025: a standout event for drone photographers (and it’s free!)
- BILD Expo 2025 at Javits Center in New York City is a must-attend event for drone photographers and other creatives, offering hands-on access to the latest gear.
- Launched in 2023, BILD Expo has grown to become a significant event after the cancellation of other iconic expos like Photokina and PhotoPlus.
- The 2025 edition of BILD Expo expects a larger turnout with free registration, diverse speakers, and support from over 250 exhibiting brands.
- B&H Photo's Chief Marketing Officer views BILD Expo as an energetic gathering of creatives focused on education and community building.
- Drone pilots, in particular, can benefit from BILD Expo's programming that covers aerial imagery, filmmaking workshops, and technological advancements.
- The event offers live demos, panel discussions, B&H show specials, photo walks, networking opportunities, and keynotes from industry leaders.
- Notable speakers at BILD Expo 2025 include Cristina Mittermeier, Elena Buenrostro, and Scott Kelby, making it a valuable experience for drone enthusiasts.
- BILD Expo, rooted in B&H's legacy, serves as a hub for the creative community with its dedication to education, collaboration, and community support.
- The event remains free to attend, setting it apart from many industry conventions that come with a professional price tag.
- BILD Expo 2025 is set to take place on June 17–18, offering an immersive experience for drone photographers and creatives in New York City.
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BGR
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Image Credit: BGR
The secret to cleaner, safer sewers just might be ‘poop drones’
- Inspecting aging sewer pipes has traditionally been slow, dangerous, and costly. Drones like Elios 3 and Asio X are specifically designed to navigate dark, cramped spaces, capturing detailed data without putting human workers at risk. Software like SewerAI processes footage from the drones using artificial intelligence to detect cracks, blockages, and structural defects, reducing costs, increasing inspection speeds, and improving defect detection accuracy. As more cities invest in these drones and AI-powered tools, inspections will become safer, faster, and more reliable.
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The Verge
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Image Credit: The Verge
The DJI Phantom is no more
- DJI, the Chinese drone manufacturer, has officially announced the end of life for its Phantom line of drones.
- The Phantom drones, including the Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 Advanced, will no longer be in production and service for these models will be suspended on June 1st, 2025.
- The Phantom series played a significant role in making DJI a dominant player in the drone market, with their ready-to-fly quadcopter cameras becoming popular among both consumers and video production professionals.
- DJI has shifted its focus to other drone models, such as the Mavic, Air, Mini, and the upcoming Flip line.
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Insider
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Image Credit: Insider
Uncrewed warships are simple answers to big US Navy problems, says a defense tech company that's building them
- The US Navy is facing shipbuilding and fleet size challenges in preparation for potential conflicts, particularly with China's growing maritime strength.
- Blue Water Autonomy, a defense tech company, sees uncrewed warships as a cost-effective solution to the Navy's problems.
- They believe uncrewed vessels can supplement the traditional fleet and offer capabilities at a lower cost.
- The company is developing fully autonomous warships to operate alongside crewed vessels.
- Blue Water aims to produce autonomous warships that can travel long distances, operate independently, and carry large payloads.
- These autonomous vessels could help address the gap in the Navy's preparedness for potential conflicts.
- Blue Water's focus on autonomous warships aims to enhance the Navy's capabilities without overburdening shipyards or the current shipbuilding industry.
- The company plans to build prototypes at a faster pace, utilizing medium-sized shipyards across the US.
- Survivability and combat capabilities, including kinetic defensive systems, are key considerations in designing these autonomous warships.
- Other countries like Ukraine have demonstrated the feasibility of arming uncrewed surface vessels with weapons, showcasing the evolving landscape of naval warfare.
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Dronelife
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Image Credit: Dronelife
Racing Into the Future: How Abu Dhabi Is Accelerating Autonomous Innovation on the Drone Radio Show!
- ASPIRE, the program management and business development arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council in Abu Dhabi, is accelerating autonomous innovation through international competitions and grand challenges.
- Stéphane Timpano is the CEO of ASPIRE, overseeing the strategic direction and relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
- Recently, the Autonomous Drone Racing Grand Championship took place in Abu Dhabi, where MavLab from the Delft University of Technology secured victories in three out of four competitions, showcasing the potential of autonomous drones in racing.
- In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Stéphane shares insights into ASPIRE's mission and the broader impact of autonomous racing challenges across technology, education, and industry.
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Dronelife
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Image Credit: Dronelife
SPH Engineering Releases UgCS 5.9: Greater Precision, New Features for Mission Planning
- SPH Engineering released UgCS 5.9, an update to their flagship software.
- New features include explicit altitude settings for photogrammetry and corridor missions.
- The update also introduces enhanced elevation data for US users and UI improvements.
- UgCS is a leading flight-planning software for drones used in over 150 countries.
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Dronelife
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Image Credit: Dronelife
5 Ways Drone Technology is Revolutionizing Urban Building Maintenance
- Drone technology is revolutionizing urban building maintenance by improving safety, cutting costs, and enhancing sustainability.
- Drones keep workers on the ground, reducing height-related safety risks and leading to zero safety incidents in drone-based operations.
- Specialized cleaning drones equipped with advanced systems access building exteriors while operators remain safe on the ground.
- Drone cleaning operations result in an average cost reduction of 40-50% compared to traditional methods, with significant savings and efficiency improvements.
- Advanced drone technology includes detailed inspections with imaging capabilities like thermal imaging and AI-powered defect detection algorithms for early issue identification.
- Drone technology reduces environmental impacts by conserving water, lowering chemical usage, reducing carbon emissions, and minimizing noise pollution.
- Drone maintenance can integrate with smart building systems for precise maintenance planning, automated scheduling, and data-driven optimization.
- Challenges like regulatory considerations and technical obstacles in urban drone operations are being addressed through best practices and innovative solutions.
- Future trends in drone maintenance include autonomous operations, expanded service capabilities, AI-powered maintenance planning, and integration with emerging technologies.
- The integration of drone technology into urban building maintenance offers safety enhancement, cost reduction, advanced capabilities, environmental benefits, and smart building integration, transforming the industry.
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The Drone Girl
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Drone industry funding in 2025 is low: should small businesses, drone hobbyists panic?
- The commercial drone industry is facing a tough period with low funding in 2025, causing worries for small businesses and hobbyists.
- Investment in drone companies has been declining sharply, with investments dropping from $3.67 billion in 2021 to $820 million in 2024.
- The industry is in the 'Trough of Disillusionment,' where only the strongest companies may survive, leading to a reshaping of the future of drones.
- Small drone businesses are facing survival challenges, with options like merging, pivoting, or closure due to less venture capital availability.
- Hobby pilots may experience higher costs and fewer options due to fewer startups and tariffs, especially on drones imported from China.
- The industry is maturing, with practical adoption taking precedence over hype, offering new opportunities in defense and public safety.
- To thrive in this period, small drone businesses and pilots can diversify skills, advocate for better regulations, and watch advancements in the defense sector.
- Despite funding challenges and regulatory headwinds, the long-term outlook for drones remains positive, with innovation set to define the future of flight.
- The drone industry is projected to see further changes and opportunities, indicating a tough yet promising phase for businesses and pilots.
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Dronevideos
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Image Credit: Dronevideos
How to Capture Stunning Photos for Commercial Real Estate Listings
- Professional photography has become crucial in the competitive commercial real estate market, influencing buyer interest and perceived property value.
- High-quality images showcase properties effectively, while amateur photography may not highlight the true potential of commercial spaces.
- Aerial photography, especially drone photography, offers comprehensive views that ground-level shots cannot capture, providing context for potential buyers.
- Key elements for impactful commercial property photography include proper lighting, wide-angle perspectives, seasonal considerations, and professional editing.
- Professional photographers use advanced technology to capture every detail with stunning clarity, benefiting commercial listings with higher click-through rates and faster sales.
- Images from professional photography services serve as versatile marketing assets across various platforms, enhancing the property's marketing potential.
- Investing in professional photography offers a high return on investment by attracting more qualified leads, reducing time on the market, and potentially increasing final sale prices.
- Properties marketed with professional photography can sell faster and command higher sale prices, making it a strategic marketing decision with measurable returns.
- Choosing the right photography service with experience in commercial real estate photography is crucial for maximizing the impact of your marketing efforts.
- Professional photography is not just about showcasing spaces but also about demonstrating their full potential and value to the market in visually-driven commercial real estate.
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HRKatha
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Image Credit: HRKatha
Vedanta uses AI to ensure employee safety at work
- Vedanta has embraced a range of technologies rooted in predictive and inclusive safety to ensure employee safety at work.
- The company has deployed leading-edge technologies including artificial intelligence (AI)-led monitoring systems, drones, fatigue-detection systems, smart helmets, and tele-remote operations.
- Vedanta's zinc business in India is using virtual reality (VR)-based training simulator systems for safe material and manpower movement.
- The company has also implemented AI-based Safety Surveillance Monitoring System, engaged with startups for smart safety wearables, and focused on visible-felt leadership for safety culture.
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Tech Radar
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Image Credit: Tech Radar
Newly leaked DJI Mavic 4 Pro images may have revealed the premium drone's design in full
- New DJI Mavic 4 Pro images have been leaked, giving a glimpse of the design and accessories.
- The leaked images reveal the addition of two extra sensors for better obstacle avoidance.
- The drone is expected to come with Fly More and Creator combos, including extra batteries, cellular dongles, and propellers.
- The ND filters suggest that the rumored LiDAR technology won't be built into the drone itself.
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Dronevideos
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Image Credit: Dronevideos
The FAA’s Role in Shaping the Future of Drone Flights
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the regulatory agency responsible for setting standards and regulations for the aviation industry in the United States.
- Over the years, the FAA has adapted to include drones in their areas of responsibility, requiring registration and licensing for drone pilots.
- The FAA has introduced the requirement for drones to be equipped with Remote ID for enhanced safety and accountability.
- The FAA, in collaboration with organizations like the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), is working towards the integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations.
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Dronelife
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Image Credit: Dronelife
Heven Acquires Zepher Flight Labs, Expanding Hydrogen Drone Capabilities
- Heven has acquired Zepher Flight Labs (ZFL) to expand its hydrogen drone capabilities and deliver mission-ready drone systems.
- The acquisition strengthens Heven's position in the market and supports the development of versatile systems for defense, security, and commercial sectors.
- Zepher Flight Labs' lightweight VTOL drones align with Heven's goals of building a durable and adaptable drone fleet for a range of missions.
- Heven's recent growth and technology milestones, including the launch of the hydrogen-powered Raider platform, are expected to be accelerated by the addition of Zepher Flight Labs.
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Dronelife
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Image Credit: Dronelife
Industry Concerns Continue as U.S.–China Trade War Threatens Domestic Drone Supply Chains
- The U.S.-China trade war is expected to have significant impacts on the domestic drone industry in terms of supply chains and pricing for consumers.
- Tariffs imposed by both the U.S. and China have led to challenges in accessing parts and materials for drone manufacturing.
- Increased taxes on Chinese imports have particularly affected the drone industry, with a focus on rare earth minerals and magnets critical to drone production.
- Short-term price increases are expected for U.S.-manufactured drones, but in the long term, a stronger domestic industry is anticipated.
- Experts suggest the U.S. should diversify its supply chains and move away from heavy reliance on Chinese components for drone manufacturing.
- Efforts to reshore manufacturing and find alternative sources for drone components will require time and coordination, impacting prices in the short term.
- Restrictions on rare earth minerals by China pose an immediate challenge for the drone industry, emphasizing the need for domestic capacity building.
- Experts stress the importance of boosting domestic capabilities and ensuring a resilient supply chain for critical components used in drones.
- The trade war also highlights the necessity for the U.S. to focus on increasing production of rare earth minerals to reduce dependence on China.
- Building domestic capacity for rare earth mining involves challenges such as environmental regulations, private-sector investments, and development time.
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