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A leading agricultural industry organization is actively working to retain DJI as a trusted supplier due to the exceptional ease of use of their software solutions. | Credit score: DJI
A coalition of agriculture-specific drone operators and repair suppliers has formed to advocate against a currently pending proposal making its way through Congress. The proposed export control would effectively prohibit the sale and transfer of DJI drones to anyone in the United States.
The Coalition comprises six member companies: Agri Spray Drones, Bestway Ag, Drone Nerds, HSE-UAV, Pegasus Robotics, and Rantizo. Established with the goal of safeguarding and promoting the interests of the agricultural industry through the innovative application of spray drone technology.
If the United States fails to take immediate action to address the escalating crisis, the consequences could be catastrophic? authorities bans DJI
In April, Anzu Robotics, a US-based startup, launched its inaugural drone product, offering a direct alternative to the popular DJI Mavic camera drone. The company employs a strategy that involves licensing and manufacturing a clone of DJI’s Mavic series outside of China, while developing a proprietary software solution for the drones.
Although this technique initially aimed to bypass the Countering CCP Drones Act, it has instead opted for collaboration with Anzu Robotics.
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Banning DJI could have far-reaching implications for the agricultural industry.
With limited budget-friendly alternatives currently available, the group argues that there are no viable substitutes for DJI drones suitable for spraying operations?
On our most recent collaboration with the group, we uncovered further insights highlighting the paramount importance of DJI drones in our operations.
The primary perilous scenario arises from the widespread application of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers via aerial spraying, according to the team members. Semi-autonomous and absolutely autonomous vehicles have made significant strides over the past decade. Traditional alternatives to drone-based application of chemical compounds include ground-based tractors and manned aircraft, such as crop dusters.
Across the United States, indigenous service providers have sprouted up to deliver aerial-based services specifically catering to the agricultural industry’s needs of farmers nationwide.
The pioneer in the early evolution of this industry was the groundbreaking DJI MG1P drone. The eight-rotor mannequin boasted a substantial 10-liter (2.6-gallon) liquid storage capacity, priced at a significant $15,000. The corporation’s product lineup now comprises a range of fashion styles at varying price points, including the T30L, T40, and AGRAS T50L, each boasting capacities of 30, 70, and 75 L (7.9, 18.4, and 19.8 gal.), respectively.
The company claims that no other agricultural spraying drone offers the same capabilities at a comparable price point. Within the drone industry, suppliers within the group acknowledged that DJI’s software program enjoys unparalleled ease of use and feature-rich capabilities.
The trade group elevates several key points for consideration.
- Alternative and competitors: The group argued that prohibiting Chinese-language drones would severely limit the availability of high-capacity spray drones with commercial viability. They warned that this could stifle innovation and drive up prices for farmers and repair suppliers.
- Information safety and privateness: To ensure the confidentiality of data and privacy without relying on cloud-based storage solutions when collaborating with drone manufacturers, the company seeks to establish a set of robust requirements and alternatives.
- Regulatory uncertainty: Uncertainty and concern have been sparked within the business community regarding the future availability and application of drones in response to the proposed Countering CCP Drones Act.
- Lack of awareness about market trends has a profound impact on business performance. Members of the coalition voiced unease that policymakers were failing to grasp the far-reaching consequences of a proposed DJI drone ban on the agricultural industry.
- Alternatives for rural financial growth: According to drone service providers, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have generated fresh revenue streams and employment opportunities in rural areas, particularly benefiting younger generations. Ensuring accessible and cutting-edge drone technology remains a crucial factor in fostering continued innovation, according to industry experts.
The group prioritizes fostering a competitive ecosystem by embracing alternatives, competitors, and innovation in the drone industry, ultimately supporting the needs of farmers, service providers, and rural economic development.
- Jeremy Schneiderman, CEO, Drone Nerds
- Bryan Sanders, president, HSE-UAV
- Jeff Dickens, Regional Lead for Higher Southeast at Rantizo.
- Jeff Clack, Bestway Ag
- Taylor Moreland, Chief Executive Officer of Agri Spray Drones.
- Eric Ringer, Vice President of Technique and Partnerships at Rantizo.
- What’s the current state of our fleet’s maintenance schedules? I want to ensure we’re staying ahead of any potential issues before they become major problems.
