Thermal imaging coming to DJI drones

DJI is working hard to capture as much of the market for niche commercial drones as possible. Hot on the heels of announcing its first agriculture drone, DJI has announced it is working with FLIR Systems to create a thermal imaging camera called the Zenmuse XT for use on its Inspire 1 and Matrice drones. This new camera will allow for “rapid and reliable aerial thermal imaging” that can be used for precision agriculture, firefighting, search and rescue, and inspection of solar panels and power lines, according to the company. The camera will also contain image enhancement designed by FLIR.

DJI is trying to be the go-to source for the best drones in many different areas, but it is not the first to tap this market. Though DJI traditionally targets the higher end of the market, drones billed as “firefighting drones” with thermal imaging are already available on Global Sources. Shenzhen MicroMultiCopter Aero Technology offers one that is “rain-proof” and can “work in dangerous conditions.” However, thermal imaging is not a common need, so these specialized drones remain expensive. The least expensive FOB price for such a drone from Shenzhen MicroMultiCopter is $3,000, which is presumably for a high-order quantity. The commercial drone market is expected to be worth more than $4 billion by 2021, with CAGR of 109 percent through 2020. DJI might be the largest player in the field, but it would not be the only one.