Category: Drones

Up, Up, and Away – The Best Drones for 2023

Mind if we take you on a skyward adventure as we unveil the aerial wonders of 2023 – The Best Drones that redefine the art of flight. Be it from Autel’s daring challenges to DJI’s mesmerising innovations, this year’s drone landscape promises to elevate your perspective. Let’s explore new horizons and glide above the ordinary with the best drones.

DJI Air 3

With dual cameras, the DJI Air 3 drone effortlessly aviates through the skies and opens up creative possibilities for captivating shots. Opt for the Fly More combo to wield the power of the DJI RC 2 controller, featuring a built-in screen for an enhanced flying experience. The aerial marvel introduces 360-degree obstacle sensing, elevating the ActiveTrack feature to new heights. Unleash your artistic vision as the Air 3 holds its ground against winds, ensuring a stable filming platform. The compact and lightweight drone boasts an impressive 46-minute battery life and becomes your portable creative companion to explore the world.

DJI Mini 4 Pro

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a seamless evolution from the beloved Mini 3 Pro. While not a radical departure, its enhanced features make it a standout choice, especially for newcomers or those transitioning from a different model. The familiar compact design and feather-light 249g takeoff weight remain, ensuring regulatory compliance. The 1/1.3-inch sensor delivers impeccable image quality, now with improved low-light noise handling. For videography enthusiasts, the addition of the D-Log M colour profile brings a new level of consistency akin to the Mavic 3. With omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, indoor and tree-top flights are safer than ever.

Autel Evo Lite+

The Autel Evo Lite+ is the crown jewel in Autel’s arsenal, challenging DJI’s supremacy. In a head-to-head showdown with the Air 2S, the Evo Lite+ showcases its prowess with 5.4K footage from a 1-inch sensor, matching specs but soaring ahead with a groundbreaking 40-minute flight time and an adjustable aperture spanning f/2.8 to f/11. While it lacks the fourth-axis stabilisation of its sibling, the Lite+ compensates with larger sensor pixels, conquering low-light conditions. Pro videographers may lament the absence of 10-bit video and D-Log profile, yet its 20MP sensor places it at the zenith of drone photography.

DJI Air 2S

The DJI Air 2S is a drone that transcends the ordinary and takes you on a visual odyssey. Its colossal Type 1 sensor, a photographic powerhouse at 20MP, outshines the competition in stills, leaving the DJI Mini series in the shadows. With 5.4K30 and 4K60 HDR video, it offers versatile profiles—flat, standard, or HDR—while capturing Raw or JPG photos. DJI’s fortress of safety features, from GPS precision to obstacle sensors and ADS-B alerts, ensures a secure 30-minute flight. Tailored for image-centric creators, the Type 1 sensor delivers a dynamic range that invites editing finesse. It’s an aerial masterpiece, but remember to register with the FAA for this captivating drone.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a technological marvel that redefines aerial creativity. Its colossal Four-Thirds format sensor, adorned with the iconic Hasselblad colour profile, catapults your footage and stills into a realm of unmatched excellence. The drone navigates effortlessly through obstacles with all-encompassing sensors, while GPS precision ensures a steady airborne performance. It achieves safer, extended flights with a remarkable 35-minute duration in testing. Cinematic enthusiasts can elevate their experience with the Pro Cine edition, boasting a 1TB SSD, ProRes 422 video support, and the RC Pro remote. Tailor-made for cinematographers, indie filmmakers, vloggers, and creative professionals, the Mavic 3 Pro is your passport to aerial mastery.

DJI Mini 2 SE

Unlock the skies with the DJI Mini 2 SE, reigning supreme as the ultimate drone in the entry-level segment. Its stabilised 2.7K video camera captures the world in cinematic brilliance, complemented by 12MP photo prowess. Featuring GPS and Find My Drone functions, this lightweight marvel boasts a 249g takeoff weight, sparing you FAA registration hassles. Revel in nearly half-hour flights, soaring up to 400 feet with unwavering stability. While the connection to the smartphone app remains robust, we yearn for obstacle-detection sensors. Ideal for beginners craving ultra-smooth 2.7K30 footage, the Mini 2 SE offers raw format imaging for photography aficionados eager to unleash their post-processing magic.

Love at first flight – Top 5 Drones of 2022

The tech industry has come a long way in a very brief time. To capture the place’s aerial beauty or to tell a compelling visual story, cinematographers used to fly in a helicopter, which was pretty expensive. Today, you can do that at a bare minimum cost, as drones let you fly around easily and help you shoot breathtaking photos and videos without much of a hustle.

Fly by the seat of your pants 

Getting a drone is one thing, while learning to fly one is another, as it challenges your skills and most of the time, you’ll have to follow your instincts. Your ideal choice of the drone can cost a hefty portion of your bank balance as drones are available in various categories, from budget-friendly beginner drones to the ones that offer the most cinematic experience ever.

DJI Mini 3 Pro

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the latest incarnation of the DJI Mavic Mini series and the first to feature obstacle avoidance, making it safer and easier to fly. The new 1/1.3-inch 12.1MP sensor of the Mini 3 Pro offers excellent image quality with impressive high ISO handling. The tiny and lightweight drone is known as the best DJI Mavic Mini-series drone to date and is capable of shooting 48MP Raw files and JPEGs.

Specs:

Weight: 249g

Camera: 1/1.3-inch 12.1MP sensor

Video transmission range: up to 12km

Battery: 2453 mAh / up to 34 minutes flight time

Dimensions: Folded 145x90x62mm / Unfolded 171x245x62mm

Video resolution with frame rates: 4K up to 60fps / 2.7K up to 60fps / FHD up to 120fps

DJI Mini 2

DJI Mini 2 is the best entry-level drone in the market if you’re a newbie in flying drones. The drone sports a stabilised, three-axis ultra smooth gimbal 4K video camera with a new controller that expands its range and endures a more polished flying experience. Along with these, the DJI Mini 2  includes features like – GPS, Automated Quickshots, and Find My Drone.

Specs:

Weight: 249g

Camera: 1/2.3-inch 12MP sensor

Video transmission range: up to 10km

Battery: 5200 mAh / up to 31 minutes flight time

Dimensions: Folded 138×81×58 mm / Unfolded 159×203×56 mm

Video resolution with frame rates:: 4K up to 30fps / 2.7K up to 60fps / FHD up to 60fps

DJI Air 2S

Hello shutterbugs, are you looking for the best drone for aerial photography? Then DJI Air 2S is the best drone for you as it is one of the smallest and lightest drones with an oversized Type 1 sensor – ideal for outdoor photographers who prefer lightweight kits. The drone has the ability to shoot 5.4K30 and 4K60 video with HDR, flat, or standard profiles and supports a useful digital zoom option.

Specs:

Weight: 595g

Camera: 1-inch 20MP sensor

Video transmission range: up to 12km

Battery: 3500mAh / up to 31 minutes flight time

Dimensions: Folded 180x97x77mm / Unfolded 183x253x77mm

Video resolution with frame rates:: 5.4K up to 30fps / 4K up to 60fps / 2.7K up to 60fps / FHD up to 120fps

Autel Evo Lite+

The medium size drone from Autel Robotics comes with solid battery life, obstacle detection, and support for 5.4K recording. The Lite+ drone is the best DJI alternative available in the current market and offers several shooting modes in Auto mode to help you get the desired output. The drone has many features similar to DJI Mavic 3 but is considerably less expensive.

Specs:

Weight: 835g

Camera: 1-inch 20MP sensor

Video transmission range: up to 12km

Battery: 6175 mAh / up to 40 minutes flight time

Dimensions: Folded 210×123×95mm / Unfolded 427×384×95mm

Video resolution with frame rates:: 5.4K up to 30fps / 4K up to 60fps / 2.7K up to 60fps / FHD up to 120fps

Ryze Tello

Whether you’re a kid or someone who’s low on a budget, Ryze Tello will fulfil your basic needs. The Tello drone falls into the toy category of drones and offers minimal photo and video functionality with its 5MP camera sensor and 720p output. The inexpensive and lightweight drone can take off from the palm of your hand, can be flipped in mid-air, and covers a distance of up to 100 metres.

Specs:

Weight: 80g

Camera: 5MP sensor

Video transmission range: up to 100 metres

Battery: 1100 mAh / up to 13 minutes flight time

Dimensions: Unfolded 98×92.5x41mm

Video resolution: 720p

Blue Dart Med-Express Consortium Successfully Commences its Ambitious VLOS & BVLOS Drone Trials

Blue Dart, a Mumbai-based logistics company and a part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group (DPDHL), recently announced that it has successfully commenced its ambitious Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) drone delivery trials under the Blue Dart Med-Express Consortium in Vikarabad, Hyderabad, on September 9th, 2021. Blue Dart, one of India’s leading express logistics service providers, is proud to be given the first opportunity amongst various consortiums to initiate the Drone trials.

Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, attended the launch as the organization furthered its technological prowess. The initiative was launched under Telangana Government’s ‘Medicine from the Sky’ project; these trials have delivered promising results, bringing the country one step closer to ensuring the last-mile delivery of vaccines, emergency medicines, medical samples and other healthcare items in India. Along with these, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) trials was initiated on September 11th, 2021 and will continue till the end of the week.

This event was graced by Sri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, Shri KT Rama Rao, Hon’ble Minister for ITE&C, I&C and MAUD, Govt. of Telangana, Shri Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India, Smt. Rama Devi Lanka, Director of Emerging Technologies, Govt. of Telangana, and Smt. Nikhila, Collector & District Magistrate, Vikarabad District.

The Blue Dart Med-Express Consortium was formed earlier this year with the mission of revolutionizing the delivery of vaccines and emergency medical supplies to the remotest parts of India with Drones. Blue Dart Med-Express Consortium is a part of the ‘Medicine from the Sky’ project in collaboration with the Government of Telangana, World Economic Forum, Niti Aayog and Healthnet Global.

Commenting on the launch, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, said, “Blue Dart is championing future-ready technology; and collaborating with the Government of Telangana in its ‘Medicine from the Sky’ project, provided us with a perfect opportunity. The initiative is aimed at creating a robust healthcare infrastructure for last-mile delivery in the interiors of India, providing every individual with the healthcare they deserve. As we witness the marvel of drone technology, we look forward to extending this service across the nation and bringing the world closer to these remote areas.” 

Ketan Kulkarni, CMO and Head – Business Development, Blue Dart, shared his thoughts on this event, saying, “technology has become the backbone of not just the logistics industry, but of almost every industry across the world. At Blue Dart, technology continues to be an important pivot for our business and these drone trials are just the beginning of what we aim to explore. In line with our organization’s ‘First In Last Out’ policy, we have created these opportunities to contribute to the development of our nation while we achieve our business goals. Blue Dart will leave no stone unturned to make logistics in India remarkable and trustworthy.”

The Blue Dart Med-Express Consortium drone delivery trials currently involve delivering vaccines from Vikarabad to the primary health care centre in Sidduloor using a multi-rotor drone. A total of 6-7 trials for VLOS operations (up to 1km) and 4-5 trials for BVLOS operations (up to 9kms) were conducted per day. Operated by remote pilots, the drone can travel up to 10kms in a single run, at a speed of 32 km per hour. 

These Unmanned Aircraft Systems or drones can even handle Blue Dart’s specialized Temperature Controlled Shipments with a payload of up to 5kgs and are equipped to pick up and deliver the shipment from the distribution centre to the towns that need the medical supplies and vice versa. The task to bring vaccines and such emergency supplies to remote areas at perilous heights and volatile terrains is not easily achieved without technology. These trials mark the beginning of advanced age in logistics for the nation.

Leading the Express Logistics industry for close to three decades, Blue Dart’s Reliability, Resilience and Responsiveness enabled it to continue fulfilling its role as the Trade Facilitator to the nation during these challenging times. Blue Dart played an active role in the nation’s fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic by partnering with the Government of India’s ‘Lifeline Udan’ initiative to deliver mission-critical supplies, including essentials such as PPE kits, enzymes, Blood samples, medicines, respirators etc.

On the international front, Blue Dart has also been operating cross border to China (Guangzhou and Shanghai) to support the carriage of medical supplies and expanded its charters to Myanmar, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh. Blue Dart has also facilitated the movement of crucial shipments for COVID-19 related clinical trials, COVID samples, and vaccines against the virus domestically while also aiding the first-mile movement of these shipments across borders to Bhutan and Albania, amongst other nations. 

Apart from this, Blue Dart is also flying its charters to carry oximeters, ventilators, and oxygen concentrators. The Blue Dart Med-Express Consortium Drone flights will deploy an immersive delivery model to optimize the current healthcare logistics within Telangana. Leveraging an efficient system of this kind, Blue Dart intends on supporting and improving the healthcare logistics infrastructure to be faster and more efficient, especially in rural & deep rural interiors of the nation.

Defence AI: The Prophecy Not Covered by Professor Trelawney

I like the second movie in the Iron Man trilogy. It was somewhere a real war of robots. The race that Tony Stark starts reaches the corridor Hammer Industries, and then there is complete carnage. But you have to admit that you must have liked the role of Jarvis, an AI assisting Mr. Stark from time to time. Imagine the power of any military if they adopt AI for its deterrence and resilience. Recently, Army Futures Command laid down a report that showcased their interest in AI adoption in military technology. Let’s excavate more details related to this report from this Exhibit blog and see how defence AI is progressing. 

Digging the News

Army Futures Command has stated 11 broad areas where it is interested in bringing AI and researching it. I know, and I have faith in my intelligent readers, as some of you have guessed these sectors for sure. Merlin’s Beard. These are data analysis, autonomous systems (drones), security, and decision-making assistance. Hence, somewhere they want to integrate a shooter and electronic sensors during the battlefield. According to Army Futures Command’s Artificial Intelligence Integration Center, the platform that they will develop can operate in an open, urban, and cluttered environment. 

How can AI help the military?

Alexa! Kill the trespasser in my house. Are you still imagining that such days can come? Well, let’s not speculate. But, yes, your Alexa won’t come to the rescue as it has niches. Then, how the hell AI will help the military as a question will strike your mind repeatedly. Hey, wait and have some patience. The Exhibit is there to clear bits and pieces in the simplest manner for you. See, AI is something that thinks. So, if it comes into a combat mission, AI will be the one that will take off the cognitive burden from you. Apart from this, you may surely see a great team effort from a human-machine duo for sure. Therefore, the overall performance of that military will upgrade by itself who will garner AI into defence.

Defence AI

In a nutshell, wherever you are using defence technology and if you add AI into it, it will be simply awesome. Even for drones, yeah, that too. Now, you don’t have to control a UAV remotely. All you need is to let them understand the mission’s objective and do their part by themselves. AI will add the precision quotient as it will record the past as a dataset, and the new action will be a test dataset for itself. 

Conclusion

Mind you; these five years will be highly glossy for Army Futures Command on what they are working. And their innovation will have a pivotal role in the defence industry for sure. However, considering the pace of defence technology, you can make a prophecy of how will be the full-fledged defence AI technology will look like. For more articles on defence section, click on this link. 

Defence Electronics: What it is & How India is Using it

The day engineers built a diode and transistor in the 1940s, it was known that the world would change drastically post the second World War. And, it happened too. We entered the world of electronics, and today, it has its outreach in every sector and domain. We were progressing to modernize the world, but we also developed new developments in non-state actors. Hence, to protect our frontiers, we started working towards defence electronics. You name it, and you will find that almost every piece of defence equipment has electronic instruments installed in it. Let’s discuss more on this domain with this edition of the Exhibit blog. 

What is defence electronics?

In simplest terms, it uses and misuses the electromagnetic spectrum (like radio & microwaves). Hence, there is a need for deep knowledge and insights related to the electromagnetic spectrum. From the world wars, you have heard about radar systems. We have recently discussed drones where you can find those concrete reasons that make them quite undetectable. Defence electronics evolved with the advent of remote-controlled explosives, GPS, UAVs, etc. And, once electro-optical instruments came into the markets, you have seen the upgradation in terms of ammunition (check movies that have showcased laser guns for precision targeting). 

Indian Defence

India is one of the biggest pillars globally that is making hefty investments in military upgradation, which you can observe from the SIPRI report and Global Firepower Index. According to NASSCOM, India’s Aerospace and Defence industry will have a market cap of 70-72 USD (almost 5.15 lac Crores INR). And, such potential can come only with the integration of electronics with defence. 

Is India using Defence Electronics currently?

I want to modify this dialogue, “Don’t underestimate the power of a common man” to “Don’t underestimate the power of India at all.” Sitting at the pinnacle of research and development in defense, DRDO has a separate division named Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL) that has made many innovations in this field, including Combat Net Radio and Data Link System – Nishant UAV. All these equipment have their niche in battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance, real-time engagement, and battlefield damage assessment. 

Final Remarks

India is heading towards defence electronics faster and will showcase its deterrence and resilience in the future. However, suppose India wants to stand as a major power. In that case, it needs to integrate nuclear defence with electronics and then use it smartly every time on the negotiations table. For other defence related articles, follow this link. 

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