March 06, 2017

The Future of Commercial Inspections: DJI Matrice 200

With the popularity of drone technology in the commercial sector skyrocketing, DJI has announced the new Matrice 200 drone series (M200) which is specifically made for those in the commercial sector looking to perform aerial inspections and collect data in the most cost-effective, efficient and user-friendly way possible.

The new M200 series is designed for industrial usage whether it be building and bridge inspections, search and rescue missions, or agricultural surveying and analyzation. It is built to be as easy to use as possible, as well as to be resistant to strong weather conditions.

A big difference between the M200 and the other drones in the Matrice series is its closed-shell foldable body, making the drone extremely easy to transport. The drone is also equipped with multiple payload configurations, something never before seen on any other drone in the market.

The Matrice 200 series will come in three versions. The first being the M200, which will be equipped with one downward-facing gimbal mount.

The M200 is built to be used for industrial applications

The M210 will have the ability to be equipped with multiple payloads. With the M210 users can equip their drone with one single downward facing gimbal mount, two parallel downward-facing mounts, or one upward-facing mount. The M210 will also feature more connection ports to support third party sensors or accessories.

Two different cameras can be attached to the Matrice 210

Finally, the M210 RTK will feature D-RTK modules for extremely accurate, centimeter-precision navigation.

The Matrice 210 RTK will give users positioning precision accurate to a centimeter

WEATHER PROTECTION

The Matrice 200 series comes with new IP43 classification protection from rain and dust making it a great drone to tackle more extreme weather conditions. The gimbal controllers have also been integrated into the body of the drone for added protection and prevention of drift.

The M200 series is equipped with more than 20 internal sensors for maximum redundancy and reliability. This includes the compass, GPS system, IMU's and three barometers. The drone also features two stereo-vision systems in the front and rear as well as an upward facing infrared sensor for obstacle avoidance.

Additionally, the M200 series features DJI AirSense, a built-in ADS-B receiver to keep the drone safe in airspace and to provide users with real-time information on the location of any nearby manned aircraft.

PRECISION, RANGE, AND BATTERY LIFE

Flight time has increased on the M200 system thanks to its dual-battery system. With two fully charged batteries, the M200 can fly for up to 35 minutes. Additionally, the batteries are self-heating to better maintain the charge in colder temperatures. The drone can even maintain its flight if one battery fails for added safety.

The M200 uses DJI's Lightbridge system and supports a range of up to 7 km depending on environmental conditions. The controller range extends to 328 feet and users can also switch between 2.4 GHz and 5.7 GHz for a clearer signal.

THE MATRICE 210

The new M210 can be equipped with two bottom gimbals so users can have the freedom to choose the combination of camera’s they need for any task. One gimbal and camera can also be attached to the top o the drone, for jobs such as inspecting the inside of a bridge.

Currently, the M200 series can support the Zenmuse X4S, the X5S, XT and Z30 cameras. The left gimbal port of the M210 can support the XT and Z30 cameras, while the right gimbal port can support the X4S, X5S, Z30, and XT cameras.

COMPLETE FLIGHT CONTROL

For more control the M200 can pilot using the DJI Pilot or DJI GO 4 app. The DJI Pilot app is designed to optimize commercial flight performance. With DJI Pilot operators can control the dual gimbal setup on the M210 and create flight plans. The Pilot app can also enable operators to control the feed of 3 different payloads including the FPV camera and two other additional cameras.

Flight controls are user-friendly and similar to the controls of other DJI series drones

The DJI Pilot app is also compatible with DJI FlightHub, a web-based software package that enables different groups around the world to share real-time data with outside parties. The software enables users to create flights plans with multiple drones and keep track of each aircrafts's status. The software additionally allows users to plan flights in advance and an offsite control room can monitor live feeds as well as remotely control the gimbal and camera.

CAMERAS AND PAYLOADS

The M200 series can accomedate three different payloads including the one downward-facing camera, or the two downward facing cameras and one upward facing camera for the M210.

The Zenmuse X4S camera features a 1-inch, 20-megapixel sensor, 11.6 stops of dynamic range and a 24 mm equivalent focal length. The aperture control of the X4S is between F2.8-11, and the mechanical shutter features 1/2000 shutter speeds which eliminates distortion when taking images of fast-moving subjects or when flying at high speeds.

On the other hand the Zenmuse X5S has a Micro Four Thirds sensor with 20.8 megapixels and 12.8 stops of dynamic range. The X5S also supports eight lenses so users can have the freedom to pick and choose the lens that best fits their intended purpose.

With the Zenmuse XT, users can attain highly sensitive thermal imagery for ideal analytics and telemetry. With the Zenmuse Z30 operators can have a zoom of up to 30x and a digital zoom of 6x.

COMMERCIAL HEAVYWEIGHT

From energy, to construction and search and rescue, the M200 series gives professionals the ability to conduct more accurate, efficient, and safe aerial inspections unlike any other traditional method before it.

Surveying, mapping and inspections can be conducted in more extreme weather conditions and objects can be easily assessed from all directions. The Matrice 200 is available for pre-order from official DJI dealers and will start shipping in the second quarter of 2017. Pricing information has not yet been announced.