Why is Skydio the Only Big American Drone Maker?

LizCampbell said:

Claire 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?

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.

No shade intended! I’ve always assumed it’s an issue with automation and the materials needed for batteries. China controls a lot of the world’s lithium, which is used in batteries, kind of like how Russia controls much of the world’s fertilizer. It’s hard to compete with that.

Claire said:

LizCampbell said:
Claire 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?

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.

No shade intended! I’ve always assumed it’s an issue with automation and the materials needed for batteries. China controls a lot of the world’s lithium, which is used in batteries, kind of like how Russia controls much of the world’s fertilizer. It’s hard to compete with that.

I didn’t know that, but it makes a lot of sense.

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?

It’s tough to compete for talent when companies like Boeing recruit graduates. The consumer market just isn’t an option with how high the costs are, but there’s still a big industry for building custom components.

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?

Isn’t Autel approved in the US?

Faithjone 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?

Isn’t Autel approved in the US?

Autel is a Chinese company, but they’ve done a good job keeping that low-key.

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?

Why aren’t TVs, cameras, or other electronics made in America?

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?

DJI makes cheaper drones because of lower wages in China.

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 real reason Skydio is the big name is because they’ve won huge investment rounds. With only a 12mp camera, they’ve got to have something worth the price. I’ve heard rumors their next drone might have a 64mp camera. We’ll see what happens and how much it’ll cost.

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?

They don’t make drones anymore, just push for monopoly-like laws.

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?

Is Autel American?

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?

Hi everyone! I’m working on a project about drones and would really appreciate it if you could take this quick survey. It takes less than 5 minutes. Thank you! https://forms.gle/h1FR5XzWCDqsYt8p7

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?

Just got a Phoenix for $200 with a 3-year warranty after crashing my DJI Mini 2. I love it! I learned it’s good to practice with $30 drones first. They’re not great, but at least you won’t feel bad if you crash them. I’m loving this hobby.