Ever since the word "drone" found widespread use within the mainsteam media, tech critics have been quick to complain about the usage of the word. They noted that most weren't truly drones, but rather remote-controlled toys incapable of flying on their own. These complaints persisted even when drones became capable of following people around using GPS. Critics noted that while the drones could follow you, they couldn't avoid trees or obstacles.
Technology evolved, but the criticism remained the same. Even at CES, when tech aficionados finally saw drones that could sense and avoid real-obstacles, many downplayed those as mere tech demos and R&D projects which were unavailable to the general public.
This all ends today as DJI, the world's largest drone maker, has released a new consumer drone called the Phantom 4. It's the first drone that's commercially available with the capacity to see the world around it and adjust accordingly. For example, if directed to crash into a wall, it would put on the brakes and hover in place instead as it waited for further instruction.
Phantom 4 also possesses the ability to "learn" a person that's pointed out to it. Once done, it will follow the target regardless of whether he or she moves or changes shape. This feature was demonstrated by a DJI employee on San Francisco's Treasure Island who ran across the field as the drone followed above him. The employee used various methods such as zig-zagging and crouching to change his shape, but the drone remained trained on him.
The drone accomplishes this feat through the use of five cameras, two on the bottom to help with landing, two new ones placed on the front that drive the Phantom 4's obstacle-avoidance system, and the generic 4K camera on the front that captures video. All five cameras work in tandem to create a 3-D model of the world around it that it can use to navigate around.
Though impressive, the drone isn't without weaknesses. DJI noted that the system can be blinded if the drone flies into direct sunlight and it isn't sensitive enough to avoid things like power lines. Furthermore, the drone can generally only see objects in front of it, leading to blind spots being present on the top as well as to the sides. Lastly, even if the drone manages to detect an obstacle, it's only capable of moving vertically to avoid them.
These weaknesses are small compared to what the drone can offer however, and experts have been singing its praises, noting that its creation heralds an era where even beginners can fly a drone without worrying about destroying their costly investment.
"With the Phantom 4, we are entering an era where even beginners can fly with confidence," said DJI CEO Frank Wang. "People have dreamed about one day having a drone collaborate creatively with them. That day has arrived."
Pre-orders for the Phantom 4 begin today, March 1, and it's priced at $1,399 on DJI's website as well as the Apple Store. Those who can resist the urge to buy online can purchase the drone at Apple Stores as well as DJI's flagship store in Shenzhen, China. Once March 28 arrives, the drone will be able to be purchase almost anywhere that sells drones or related tech.
