With all the new generations of drones flooding the market, you would think you have seen everything by now. Every drone has a specialty nowadays. Some are for taking photos high up in the air, while others record videos while maintaining a stable shot. Others brag about speed or durability. While even more drones boast very specific needs for a particular market.
One drone idea is making waves with enthusiasts everywhere. This drone idea offers something different from the rest. This idea may very well be the next step in the evolution of drones.
The idea may even be something you can see straight out of Iron Man’s comic books.
Microsoft AI and Drones:
Flying one drone is great. Flying a fleet of them, all controlled by you via a single controller, is the next step. How, you ask, can this be possible? It seems, at a distance, like a lot of multitasking to even get a few drones up. The solution is Artificial Intelligence technology.
This week the Chinese drone company DJI teamed up with Microsoft to make this possible. This joint endeavor plans on the creation of a Software Development Kit (SDK) to control drones from a PC. Footage from various drones can then go to the PC in for live streaming. Most drones usually have a controller for navigation. This time, you can use a single PC to control a multitude of drones at your disposal.
The AI technology can also provide analysis for these data sent in real time. Just think about the infinite number of processes happening all at once. You cannot simply do that with a controller. A powerful PC however can handle all this information with ease.
You may think that this system of combining AI and drones sound like something for big operations. You are right. While any hobbyist can get their hands on this complex system, it may not be as effective compared to major corporations’ use. Companies that require drones to monitor their structures, for one, can use this to centralize the controls. Scientific research using drones to map out large areas of wilderness can also apply.
At the end of the day, this system simplifies the drone control process. Instead of having multiple people navigating drones with multiple controllers, one would suffice. This leads to more efficient work, while also saving on manpower and time.
Microsoft expects this SDK to lift off sometime this year, so do not hold your breath on this one.
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