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    DJI launches FlightHub, web-based service to manage drone operations

    DJI have unveiled FlightHub at their AirWorks conference in Denver, Colorado. FlightHub is a new software solution that helps enterprises (and no doubt emergency services) efficiently manage their drone operations from a single platform. Delivered as a web-based service, FlightHub enables the secure management of real-time drone operations, flight data, drone fleets and pilot teams to meet the needs of the expanding global commercial drone industry.

    Until now, drones have been a fairly solitary experience, with pilots responsible for their individual flights. With drone usage increasing, its clear we need a higher level of coordination and monitoring and what DJI are offering here will allow enterprise applications not currently possible. If you’re a multi-billion dollar mining operation, maybe you’ve already had a 3rd party management suite created, but when DJI offers a simple pay-to-play solution, its going to appeal to smaller operators.

    In the case of aerial photography or disaster monitoring, having the ability to coordinate efforts with multiple drones will speed up outputs. In the promotional video for the service, we see a drone being flown over a solar farm, performing inspections, but this kind of application can be achieved faster or more often with more drones working together. The other great advantage is the ability to manage teams, this means you can ensure there’s no differences between pilots. Like the control towers at an airport, FlightHub allows the safe operation, but importantly operation of drones at scale, and important development for the industry.

    For DJI, offering the hardware and service enables them to provide an end-to-end solution. We’ve repeatedly seen the industry leader push forward despite not having a close second and FlightHub is yet another great example of their continued efforts to invest in their business for the long-term.

    The data is securely transmitted from the DJI Pilot mobile app for Android running on a user’s mobile device or DJI CrystalSky monitor. FlightHub is compatible with the DJI’s Matrice 200 series enterprise drones as well as the DJI Mavic Pro, DJI Phantom 4 series and DJI Inspire 2 drones.

    DJI’s Head of Enterprise Partnerships, Jan Gasparic said,

    “As commercial use of drone technology increases each day, businesses need a solution that lets them scale their operations quickly and efficiently manage their growing fleets and teams across multiple locations. FlightHub is the first solution of its kind that empowers businesses to manage their drone operations in one place, securely, within seconds and from remote locations.”

    View Your Teams’ Remote Drone Operations in One Place, in Real Time
    FlightHub provides enterprises a clear, centralized view of their company’s drone operations to enable onsite pilots to more effectively collaborate with offsite teams. The Map View and Real-Time View features display telemetry, camera and sensor data for faster, more informed decision making.

    • Map View provides offsite teams with live, map-based telemetry data of all drone operations for easier coordination of simultaneous flights and multiple drone teams. In addition, information from DJI’s Geospatial Environment Online (GEO) geofencing system is also displayed to ensure all users have access to up-to-date guidance on areas where flight may be limited due to safety concerns or regulations.

    • Real-Time View provides offsite teams with live video feeds from up to four onsite drones, enabling unique workflows for teams that need onsite pilots to relay information to offsite engineers, and for critical flight operations where real-time data enables quick decision making.

    Access Flight Data Securely, From Anywhere

    FlightHub’s web-based data management tools include features that sync and store drone flight data in a secure, searchable database for enterprises to ensure regulatory compliance, pilot accountability, and improved team management, regardless of the scale of the project or size of the fleet.

    Flight Logs and Statistics are uploaded and archived, creating a searchable database of past flights that relieves drone pilots from manually recording flight information. Administrators have the ability to store historical telemetry data for easier regulatory compliance and operations management, and more effective internal communication regarding drone programs.

    • Secure Web Access and Cloud Storage provides access to FlightHub from any web browser through a US-based Amazon Web Services server. FlightHub data management operations have been pre-assessed in accordance with SOC2 AICPA standards. Future versions of FlightHub will have the option to integrate with private clouds for organizations that demand the highest level of data security.

    • Media Library transfers flight information including photos and videos directly from the DJI Pilot app into FlightHub, saving time and eliminating the need to manually transfer data from the DJI Pilot app or drone using an SD card (coming soon).

    Manage Fleets and Teams with Ease

    FlightHub improves internal resource management by providing an overview of teams and fleets, with the ability to set hierarchies for efficient team coordination, effective equipment procurement, and ongoing equipment maintenance.

    UAS Field Ops Manager at BNSF, Nick Dryer said,

    “When we first started the drone program at BNSF, we had to develop a lot of processes from scratch, including the tasks of manually logging flights and conducting checks to ensure each team out on the field was following maintenance instructions at all times. FlightHub has made our program significantly easier to manage by providing a full view of real-time operations and internal communications in one platform. This solution has given us the opportunity to further expand the use of this new technology in an old industry.”

    Price and Availability

    FlightHub will be available by subscription to enterprise customers worldwide through the DJI online store, with pre-orders starting November 7. Monthly subscriptions will be offered in three tiers:

    • Basic: Bind up to 5 drones with all features (excluding real-time view). Priced at $159 AUD per month or $1,599 AUD annually.
    • Basic: Bind up to 5 drones with all features (excluding real-time view). Priced at $159 AUD per month or $1,599 AUD annually.
    • Advanced: Bind up to 10 drones with all features of the Basic plan plus real-time view. Priced at $469 USD per month or $4,699 USD annually
    • Enterprise: Bind more than 10 drones with all features of the Advanced plan plus the ability to integrate data into a private cloud in the future. Please contact a DJI Enterprise Authorized Dealer directly to purchase the Enterprise plan.

    DJI invites users to participate in FlightHub’s open beta period from November 14 to December 14. Interested customers will be provided with a free Basic account for the duration of the beta period. Customers who pre-ordered FlightHub will be able to activate the service after the open beta period has ended.

    For more information on FlightHub or to register your interest in participating in the open beta, please visit dji.com/flighthub

    Jason Cartwright
    Jason Cartwrighthttps://techau.com.au/author/jason/
    Creator of techAU, Jason has spent the dozen+ years covering technology in Australia and around the world. Bringing a background in multimedia and passion for technology to the job, Cartwright delivers detailed product reviews, event coverage and industry news on a daily basis. Disclaimer: Tesla Shareholder from 20/01/2021

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