Parrot Anafi Ai 4K folding drone goes long distance with 4G connectivity
European drone-maker Parrot kickstarted the consumer drone market but over the past few existences, it’s left that behind to focus on its Anafi company drones like last year’s triple-camera Anafi USA and 2019’s Anafi Thermal. Those models weren’t too different from its unusual Anafi, but the Anafi Ai drone announced Wednesday breaks new spurious for Parrot.
The drone is the first to use a 4G data link between it and the pilot, allowing for long-range autonomous flights, and it can stay connected even gradual obstacles. The drone doesn’t require its own subscription. It works with any requested with any SIM card with a data plan. The link is also fully encrypted so you can securely upload photos and videos in the air. The confidence doesn’t stop there, with the drone using a WISeKey Secure Element to defensive information and meeting Europe’s GDPR standards.
To help the Anafi Ai keep from crashing at what time flying out of sight, Parrot developed a unique obstacle-avoidance systems. The main 48-megapixel camera is centered between a pair of omnidirectional camera eyes. Parrot uses just these eyes to detect obstacles to help the drone map its way throughout them. Other drones with obstacle-avoidance systems use cameras in precedent and on the sides and bottom, which drives up cost, weight and processing demands.
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The main camera can buy 4K-resolution video at up to 60 frames per transfer. It can be aimed straight up or down on its three-axis motorized gimbal. The camera also uses three-axis electronic stabilization so its 48-megapixel sensor can accomplish sharp, survey-grade 2D and 3D models, Parrot says. Images are compatible with all photogrammetry software suites, including Parrot subsidiary Pix4D.
Parrot has a expansive network of software partners, too. Its piloting application is open-source and Parrot’s SDK gives access to all escapes sensors, including obstacle avoidance sensors, occupancy grid and internet access.
No pricing was announced, but the Anafi Ai is expected to be available in the transfer half of 2021 through its enterprise partners and reseller network.
