Ishveena Singh

LiDAR mapping specialist GeoCue and Swiss drone manufacturer Xer Technologies are joining forces to make large-scale surveying and mapping easier for professionals. The two companies are integrating GeoCue’s TrueView 720 LiDAR and imagery sensor with Xer’s X8 drone, creating a tool to make aerial mapping faster, more accurate, and more accessible.

Texas-based drone firm Anzu Robotics is facing scrutiny from US lawmakers over its relationship with DJI. The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party has raised concerns that Anzu might be serving as a “passthrough” for DJI to circumvent US sanctions.

In a sweeping move to enforce safety in US airspace, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a whopping $341,413 in civil penalties against 27 drone operators who violated federal regulations. The FAA has issued these fines for incidents occurring between October 2022 and June 2024.

Reality data capture tech specialist FlyGuys has announced the launch of a new Pilot Experience department, designed to enhance support, training, and development for drone pilots across the US.

In an unexpected twist during their headlining performance at a concert in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canadian rock band Arkells found themselves intrigued by an unauthorized drone that filmed their set. The Juno-winning group, performing at the Burt Block Party last weekend, spotted the drone hovering dangerously close to the stage, capturing what lead singer Max Kerman believes could be “kind of cool” footage.

The United States National Drone Association (USNDA) has officially announced its formation, with offices in Washington, DC, and its national headquarters situated at Full Sail University in Florida. The USNDA aims to advance drone technology across various sectors by collaborating with students, faculty, and industry leaders through academic and technological partnerships.

Autel Robotics has released a huge new firmware update for the EVO Max drone series, bringing a host of fresh features and optimizations. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and improved in the aircraft and remote controller firmware v1.8.2.237.

Drone inspection and surveying services specialist Cyberhawk has received a coveted nationwide Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This authorization allows Cyberhawk to conduct drone operations across the US without the constraints of maintaining visual contact with the drone — a major leap forward for the company and the industries it serves.

Switzerland-based drone technology leader, Wingtra, has secured a solid $25 million backing in its Series B1 funding round, drawing investments from a diverse group of prominent US, Swiss, and Austrian funds and family offices.

The automatic tracking feature on DJI camera drones is highly regarded. The drone maker has made aerial photography intuitive with several automatic features that simplify operation. Drones such as DJI Mini 4 Pro, Mini 3 Pro, Mavic 3 series, and Air series are all designed to follow you automatically, meaning you can focus on activities like running, biking, or snowboarding without worrying about crashes.

In a landmark case, a Canadian film company and its drone pilot have been slapped with a $22,500 fine for operating a drone too close to a pod of Northern Resident Killer Whales (NRKWs) off Vancouver Island. This is the first time a fine was issued in Canada for the unlawful use of a drone to capture killer whale footage.

Drone maker DJI is once again urging users to arrange face-to-face meetings with US Senators and House Representatives and tell their elected officials to stop trying to restrict the drone market. The development follows the release of a statement by Senator Jon Tester claiming, “Cheap Chinese drones are flooding the American market, costing American jobs, and putting our privacy and national security at risk.”

Walmart is scaling back its ambitious drone delivery program by shutting down operations in Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Tampa. The decision, driven by unsustainable costs, marks a notable retreat from the retailer’s 2022 expansion into large-scale drone delivery, which was touted as a revolutionary step for last-mile logistics in the US.

The UK is taking fresh steps toward integrating drones into everyday life with a new series of trials launched by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). These trials aim to explore how drones can be safely used for various purposes, including deliveries and inspections, even when they are out of the operator’s sight. The goal is to gather essential safety data and refine regulations, ultimately helping to unlock the full potential of drone technology in the UK.

Drone logistics specialist A2Z Drone Delivery has unveiled a new autonomous dock solution and a companion aircraft to support multiple simultaneous drone services. The new A2Z AirDock system enables drones to move between docks, automatically recharge, and pick up or deliver packages.

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has secured an exciting new waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It gives NYPA operators the unprecedented ability to conduct fully remote drone inspections without requiring a pilot or observer to maintain visual contact with the aircraft. Additionally, the waiver permits these operations without the use of traditional airspace monitoring systems, such as radar.

HoverAir has quietly expanded its lineup with two new drones: the X1 Pro and X1 Pro Max. These models follow up on the company’s successful X1 selfie drone, offering a range of enhancements that should appeal to both recreational drone enthusiasts and new users contemplating their first flying camera. The announcement comes at a time when DJI is rumored to be launching the Neo, a new lightweight self-flying drone aimed at beginners.

Public safety drone technology specialist BRINC has partnered with advanced radar solutions provider Echodyne to push the boundaries of drone operations for emergency services. This collaboration aims to enable fully automated drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) without the need for visual observers — a current requirement under FAA regulations.

Insta360 has just dropped a major update to its app, bringing smarter AI and over 40 preset movement templates to simplify the creation of dynamic 360º videos. Those using the new Insta360 X4 camera to capture impossible third-person points of view and drone-like shots will especially find this update extremely rewarding. But, broadly, this update is available for all 360º footage from Insta360 cameras, including X3, X2, and RS (with the 360º lens).

Central Park visitors may soon find themselves under the watchful eye of NYPD drones, as the iconic Manhattan park faces a dramatic uptick in crime. Mayor Eric Adams has suggested deploying drones and other new technologies to address the alarming rise in sex crimes, assaults, and robberies in the area.

In an era of rapid technological change, private security is being transformed by the integration of drones. Paul “IX” Kemppainen, a seasoned security professional with a background that spans the Navy SEALs, US Secret Service, National Park Service, and SpaceX, is at the forefront of this transformation. As the founder of Las Vegas-based SISU Enlightened Protection, IX details how he is harnessing the power of DJI drones to enhance the safety of high-profile clients and complex events.