LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
I think you’re off with the ‘90% of drone hobbyists use them for filming.’ Where are you getting that from? I’ve been building drones for years and haven’t met anyone who only uses them for filming.
As for obstacle avoidance, it’s all about money. Using cameras for this is cheaper, just like how Tesla uses cameras instead of lidar. It’s a similar debate, and as tech gets better, it’ll improve.
By the way, FLIR also makes drones. Competing with Chinese manufacturing for hobby drones is just really tough.
You’re probably right, I didn’t explain my point well. I appreciate you not tearing me apart in your reply. My thoughts are more based on what I’ve seen online and in videos. It just seems like Chinese companies have such a strong hold on the market, and with all the FAA rules, I wonder why no American company has tried to fill that gap.
LizCampbell said: LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
I think you’re off with the ‘90% of drone hobbyists use them for filming.’ Where are you getting that from? I’ve been building drones for years and haven’t met anyone who only uses them for filming.
As for obstacle avoidance, it’s all about money. Using cameras for this is cheaper, just like how Tesla uses cameras instead of lidar. It’s a similar debate, and as tech gets better, it’ll improve.
By the way, FLIR also makes drones. Competing with Chinese manufacturing for hobby drones is just really tough.
You’re probably right, I didn’t explain my point well. I appreciate you not tearing me apart in your reply. My thoughts are more based on what I’ve seen online and in videos. It just seems like Chinese companies have such a strong hold on the market, and with all the FAA rules, I wonder why no American company has tried to fill that gap.
I’ve thought about it, but setting up remote ID is a huge pain. I prefer the open-source space where we can all work together. After R&D, there’s just not much profit left.
If you’re into building drones, check out Ardupilot (GPL License) or PX4 (MIT License). Ardupilot is more active, but PX4 has its advantages. What kind of drone are you looking for?
LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
I agree. They also charge a yearly subscription of about $3k.
LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
I agree. They also charge a yearly subscription of about $3k.
Rhea said: LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
I agree. They also charge a yearly subscription of about $3k.
LizCampbell said: Rhea said: LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
I agree. They also charge a yearly subscription of about $3k.
Rhea said: LizCampbell said: Rhea said: LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
I agree. They also charge a yearly subscription of about $3k.
LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
Skydio has big contracts with the government, which require those features for things like surveillance and inspection, especially on their X2 model.
LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
Skydio has big contracts with the government, which require those features for things like surveillance and inspection, especially on their X2 model.
Didn’t know that. Makes sense now. Thanks for explaining!
LizCampbell said: LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
Skydio has big contracts with the government, which require those features for things like surveillance and inspection, especially on their X2 model.
Didn’t know that. Makes sense now. Thanks for explaining!
We use Skydio drones at my job. While they have some limitations, they’re great for training and tracking convoys or crowds.
LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
Skydio has big contracts with the government, which require those features for things like surveillance and inspection, especially on their X2 model.
The X2 is built to military standards, even down to how quiet the props are, staying under 105 dB.
LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
The only reason I haven’t bought a Skydio is the camera. The next model needs better sensors and optics.
LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
I think they found a unique area to focus on. Competing with DJI on price and presence is nearly impossible. The few successful American drone companies seem to focus on very specific uses.
LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
Skydio isn’t the only American drone maker. Check this out: EVO II Pro V3
LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
Skydio isn’t the only American drone maker. Check this out: EVO II Pro V3
Hate to break it to you, but they’re based in Shenzhen.
Denzel said: LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
Skydio isn’t the only American drone maker. Check this out: EVO II Pro V3
Hate to break it to you, but they’re based in Shenzhen.
Aero said: Denzel said: LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
Skydio isn’t the only American drone maker. Check this out: EVO II Pro V3
Hate to break it to you, but they’re based in Shenzhen.
Could’ve sworn they were US-based!
I thought so too, but I still love my EVO Lite Plus!
LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
Are you sure all the parts are made here? Or just assembled here? It’s a common marketing tactic.
LizCampbell said:
Why is Skydio the only major American drone company? And why are they so focused on the active track and obstacle avoidance features? Most drone hobbyists buy drones for filming. Can anyone explain this?
Are you sure all the parts are made here? Or just assembled here? It’s a common marketing tactic.
You could be right. I don’t have a beef with anyone, just asking a question. This forum seemed like a good place to get some answers.