DJI Matrice 4 Series Drones Revolutionize Mapping, Inspection and Public Safety with AI
Image Source: DJI
DJI has introduced its latest enterprise drone lineup, the Matrice 4 Series, which combines advanced sensors, AI-powered tools, and an impressive array of features aimed at enhancing aerial operations across various industries. The launch underscores DJI's commitment to innovation in drone technology, despite ongoing U.S. government scrutiny of Chinese-manufactured drones. This series includes two models—the Matrice 4T and Matrice 4E—designed to address challenges in public safety, construction, and infrastructure inspections.
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Precision Tools for Mapping and Inspection
The Matrice 4 Series is packed with cutting-edge sensors, enabling precise measurements and capturing detailed visuals in various lighting conditions.
Close-Range Accuracy: The 70mm medium telephoto camera can detect fine details such as screws and cracks from a distance of 10 meters.
Long-Range Inspection: The 168mm telephoto camera provides clarity for objects as far as 250 meters, making it ideal for infrastructure assessments.
Thermal Imaging: The Matrice 4T integrates a high-resolution infrared thermal camera (up to 1280×1024 pixels), suitable for heat detection applications like energy management and search-and-rescue missions.
Rapid Mapping: The Matrice 4E features a 24mm wide-angle lens with a mechanical shutter for 0.5-second interval shooting. Its Smart 3D Capture tool allows for quick mapping and modelling directly on the drone’s controller, streamlining workflows for irregularly shaped structures.
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Image Source: DJI
Advanced Features for Public Safety Missions
The Matrice 4 Series offers capabilities tailored to emergency response and public safety scenarios.
Enhanced Search Operations: The drones can quickly detect vehicles and vessels, even in challenging terrains.
Efficient Navigation: A cruise control feature ensures stable speeds, enabling pilots to focus on multitasking during complex operations.
Area Mapping: When paired with the DJI Pilot 2 app, users can mark areas already covered, ensuring comprehensive search efforts.
Custom Development: Built-in AI and model training tools empower third-party developers to create mission-specific applications for the drones.
Christina Zhang, DJI's Senior Director of Corporate Strategy, emphasized the life-saving potential of the series, noting how its AI capabilities support faster and more effective emergency responses.
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Image Source: DJI
AI-Powered Capabilities for Enhanced Operations
The Matrice 4 Series is equipped with a built-in AI model that significantly enhances its operational efficiency and adaptability.
Subject Detection: The AI model can detect vehicles, vessels, and other subjects during search and rescue missions or routine flights, offering critical support for emergency and inspection operations.
Model Expansion: Operators can switch to other AI models, expanding the drone's application scenarios for diverse industries and tasks.
High-Resolution Imaging: The system supports capturing high-resolution grid photos, ideal for detailed mapping and precise inspections.
Advanced Tracking: Powerful tracking capabilities ensure seamless monitoring of moving subjects, making it an indispensable tool for dynamic environments.
Image Source: DJI
Superior Performance in Low-Light and Adverse Conditions
The Matrice 4 Series excels in low-light environments, making it a reliable choice for nighttime operations.
Low-Light Cameras: Six high-definition fisheye lenses enhance obstacle detection and navigation in dimly lit settings.
Electronic Dehazing: This feature improves image clarity in fog, haze, or high-humidity conditions, enabling reliable operation in diverse environments.
Obstacle Detection: Intelligent sensors assist in rerouting and ensure safe returns, even in urban landscapes.
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Image Source: DJI
Accessories for Enhanced Versatility
DJI has developed several accessories to expand the Matrice 4 Series’ functionality:
Spotlight and Speaker: The DJI AL1 Spotlight provides powerful illumination up to 100 meters, while the AS1 Speaker delivers audio broadcasts up to 300 meters, making them invaluable for nighttime or crowd control operations.
D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station: This station enables centimeter-level positioning accuracy and serves as a signal relay for extended data collection in remote locations.
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Unmatched Video Transmission for Challenging Environments
The Matrice 4 Series features the innovative O4 Enterprise video transmission system, setting a new industry standard for performance in demanding conditions. This advanced system, equipped with an 8-antenna array in the drone and a high-gain antenna in the remote controller, provides a transmission range of up to 25 kilometers, ensuring exceptional connectivity over vast distances.
Additionally, the system offers a download bandwidth of 20MB/s, more than double the bitrate of the Mavic 3 Enterprise Series. This improvement guarantees more precise and stable image transmission, facilitating seamless route uploads and material downloads during operations. Whether in rugged terrains or urban environments, the O4 Enterprise system delivers unparalleled reliability and clarity for mission-critical tasks.
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Emphasizing Data Privacy and Security
DJI has incorporated robust data protection measures into the Matrice 4 Series:
User Privacy Controls: Operators can opt-in to share photos and videos, and U.S.-based users cannot sync flight logs with DJI servers.
Local Data Mode: This feature disables internet connections to prevent unintentional data uploads during sensitive operations.
Third-Party Audits: DJI products undergo regular audits from firms like Booz Allen Hamilton and FTI Consulting to ensure compliance with security standards.
All shared data is encrypted using AES-256, and users can request data deletion through their DJI accounts or customer support.
Image Source: DJI
Safety and Reliability in Action
The Matrice 4 Series includes safety features to reduce operational risks:
RTK Module: This provides enhanced flight control and precise navigation.
Emergency Protocols: In critical situations, drones can take off within 15 seconds and update return-to-home points without relying on GNSS signals.
Offline Maps: Pilots can download detailed terrain maps for safer navigation through mountainous or low-visibility areas.
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Warranty and Availability
Matrice 4E Worry-Free Plus Combo: Priced at USD $4,799, this package includes the drone equipped with a 4/3-inch CMOS wide-angle camera, a 48MP medium telephoto camera, and a telephoto camera. The Worry-Free Plus Combo offers unlimited free repair services within the coverage limit.
Matrice 4T Worry-Free Plus Combo: Available for USD $7,299, this model includes additional features such as a thermal imaging camera and NIR auxiliary light, enhancing its capabilities for specialized operations.
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Choosing the Right Model: Matrice 4E vs. Matrice 4T
Selecting between the Matrice 4E and Matrice 4T depends on your specific operational needs:
Matrice 4E: Ideal for high-efficiency precision mapping and general inspection tasks. Its advanced camera system supports 5-directional oblique capture and 3-directional ortho capture, making it suitable for detailed mapping and surveying applications.
Matrice 4T: Designed for complex missions requiring thermal imaging and enhanced low-light performance. Equipped with a thermal imaging camera and NIR auxiliary light, it excels in search and rescue, firefighting, and energy inspections where heat detection is crucial.
Current Status of DJI in the U.S.
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Provisions: The U.S. Congress has passed the NDAA, which includes a provision requiring DJI to demonstrate within one year that its products do not pose a national security risk. Failure to obtain clearance from a national security agency could result in DJI's products being added to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) "covered list", effectively banning their import and use on U.S. networks.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Actions: In October 2024, the U.S. CBP halted imports of certain DJI drones, citing the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act (UFLPA). DJI has denied any involvement in forced labour and is providing documentation to U.S. authorities to demonstrate compliance.
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