DJI Ends Support For Aeroscope

What is going on?

Introduced in 2017, DJI presented AeroScope as a tool for remotely monitoring and recognising DJI drones. Leveraging the communication links already established between a drone and its controller, the system enabled the identification of drones' registration numbers and their geographical location on a map.

The move by DJI to end its AeroScope activities may appear counterintuitive, given the rising numbers of UAVs in the skies and the increasing demand for drone detection and identification tech. However, the decision may have been partly motivated by the expanding number of specialised companies providing full-scale alternatives, covering identification, producer and model type, pilot position, and, in some cases, mitigation capabilities. 

Brendan Schulman, former DJI vice president of policy and current vice president of policy and government relations for Boston Dynamics, noted that two reasons may have played a role in the decision to halt AeroScope production: the lack of sense in continuing to support a feature that was created to assist US security interests when being constantly attacked by US security agencies and the implementation of FAA Remote ID.

This move has left us wondering if they have any new versions of Aeroscope in the works? Let us know if you know.