DJI Dock: Autonomous Remote Drone Operations
The DJI Dock is a rugged drone-in-a-box charging station offers a new solution to better improve the autonomous capabilities of drone work. It works exclusively with both the DJI Matrice 30 (a.k.a M30) Dock Edition and the DJI Matrice 30T (a.k.a M30T) Dock Edition. The Dock allows for fully automated and pre-programmed flights to be, deployed, monitored, and supervised remotely. This article aims to demonstrate the potential of this technology.
The docking station can fast charge a set of the TB30 M30/M30T drone batteries within 25 minutes, allowing the aircraft to take off remotely using FlightHub 2 software for pre-programmed automatic missions within a 7-km radius of the docking station.
The key features of the DJI Dock include:
Weatherproof - The dock is rated IP55 and its internal components are IP67 rated. The M30 Series Dock Version has a maximum wind resistance of 15 m/s and an IP55 rating. The M30T dock can be used in temperatures of -35°C to 50°C.
Fast Recharging - The dock can fully charge the batteries of the M30T drone within 25 minutes with built-in climate control.
Built-In Emergency Power Supply - In case of power loss, the DJI Dock can remain in operation to ensure the M30T lands back inside the dock after completing its mission.
Multiple Application Scenarios - The DJI Matrice 30 Series includes zoom, wide, and thermal cameras (M30T) in addition to a laser rangefinder.
4G Connectivity - The dock can be connected to a 4G network using an optional LTE network card.
Integrated Hardware - It includes a wide-angle security camera, integrated weather station, internal omnidirectional antenna, RTK module, and edge computing expansion slot.
Cloud API - This allows for 3rd-party software support for the DJI Dock.
We see the main applications for the DJI Dock in the agriculture, security, oil, gas, mining, energy, infrastructure and utilities industries.
The table below outlines the technical specifications of the DJI Dock:
| Total Weight |
105kg (not inclusive of aircraft) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions |
Opened: 1675 x 885 x 735 mm (L x W x H) Closed: 800 x 885 x 1065 mm (L x W x H) |
| Max. Allowable Landing Wind Speed |
12 m/s |
| Max. Operating Radius |
7000m |
| Ingress Protection |
IP55 |
| Operating Temperature |
-35 degrees to 50 degrees |
| Charge Time |
25 minutes |
| Surge Protection |
40kA |
| Backup Battery |
5 Hours |
Why use DJI Dock?
The DJI Dock boasts many unique features that have never been seen before. By deploying the DJI Dock you will be able to seamlessly operate 24/7. This unlocks great potential for inspection work that is generally carried out by manual labour. Both the dock and the M30/M30T include IP55 ingress protection to allow operation in any condition. If, however, the weather persists, the Dock is equipped with its own integrated weather station to prevent the drone from operating in severe weather conditions. DJI Dock and the M30 series can remotely commence an inspection mission while the team can remotely supervise the aircraft. This allows you to increase operational efficiency like never seen before. We have put together the below pros and cons list below:
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| · Automated continuous flight 24/7 · Deployed instantly (on demand deployment) · Designed to operate in any conditions (i.e wind, rain, snow, heat, humidity) · Efficiency is prioritised |
· BVLOS approvals in Australia necessary to unlock full potential · High initial setup costs · Specific Requirements for installation (internet access, power, etc) |
Additionally, the specific example below of a 100 MW solar farm inspection application perfectly showcases how the DJI Dock can offer significant cost savings over time as the missions are automated, and they can be carried out several times a year to ensure that the asset is maintained with minimal labour requirements compared to traditional methods of solar farm inspection work. This study that was developed by DJI Global Solutions Engineering Director, Freda Peng, on solar inspections using DJI Dock illustrates extreme savings with more beneficial outcomes. The study of a 100 MW solar farm demonstrated three alternate strategies to be able to inspect solar panels to ensure that they are operating efficiently. Option 1 was to not inspect the solar panels at all. This would result in reduced energy production costing 140,000 USD annually. The second option was to manually inspect each panel. For 2 people on average, it would take approximately 5 hours to inspect 1 MW. Therefore, to cover 100 MW this would cost about 120,000 USD for 2 people to complete inspections annually (about 65 days per inspection). The final option considered was using DJI Dock with the analysis of the panels completed remotely. This would cost around 45,000 USD but you will be able to inspect up to 12 times (or more) annually. The figure below indicates the cost comparison of these strategies:
Study of 100MW Solar Farm
Limitations of DJI Dock in Australia
It needs to be noted that Australia’s regulations limit the use (and potential) of DJI Dock without acquiring further approvals from CASA. Using DJI Dock will mean that there will not always be a supervisor on sight as generally the aircraft will be monitored remotely. Therefore, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (a.k.a BVLOS) approval will be required. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (a.k.a CASA) have implemented specific training guidelines to be able to receive the BVLOS approval. This specific training will cost ~5900 AUD including the CASA application fee. Additionally, it should be noted that the DJI Dock grants the ability to fly within a 7km radius, however, CASA only allows flights to be within 5.5km BVLOS.
How to Install DJI Dock
The DJI Dock has an installation process that is more complex than ready-to-go out of the box. These steps include:
Site Survey
Firstly, the site needs to be checked and meet the following conditions;
· Access to power
· Network is greater than 10Mbps (upload and download)
· Image transmission no obstacles within a 20-degree range*
*Image transmission is referring to there being no obvious impediment to the signal, ideally, so the DJI Dock needs to be setup in an open area.
Pre-Construction
The next process is to prepare the site for installation. It is important to have a flat and level surface that is also sustainable. The best method is to construct a concrete slab that the DJI Dock will be mounted on. The recommended size of this slab is 1000mm x 1000mm x 100mm noting that the height can be adjusted to suit the environment where flooding could be an issue. As seen below, there are 4 mounting holes that need to be 610mm apart and 195mm in from each respective side.
Concrete Slab Top View (with dimensions for mounting holes)
After the concrete slab is cured the holes for the Dock can be drilled. Using M10 expansion bolts which will facilitate the subsequent installation of the dock. Additionally, a lighting protection system needs to be installed which is mainly comprised of an earth-termination system, a down-conductor system, and an air-termination system. This will protect the DJI Dock from a subsequent lightning strike as it is exclusively outside in the elements.
Installation & Configuration
After the site is prepared it will be time for the DJI Dock to be mounted. Connect the grounding, power, & network cables. Using a DJI RC Plus controller configure the DJI Dock.
DJI Dock Deployment
The DJI Matrice 30 Series Dock Edition drone can be deployed using DJI Flighthub 2 software, in addition to 3rd-party software. Below is a rundown of how to execute a remote operation using DJI Flighthub 2:
Link the DJI Pilot 2 app on the DJI RC Plus to your DJI Flighthub 2 project using a device binding code.
Go to DJI Flighthub 2, click the flight route library icon in the main menu and select the “+” icon in the top right corner to create a new flight route.
Go to the flight route editor and complete the flight route settings. Click the waypoint drawing icon on the right to create a flight route. Click the save icon in the top left corner to save the created flight route.
Click the task plan library icon in the main menu to enter the task plan library. Click “Create Plan” to issue a task plan and enter a plan name.
Select a route in the Flight Route Library.
Select the device to carry out this plan, and click “OK”.
Wait until DJI Dock performs the plan automatically. It will unfold the covers, and the aircraft will take off.
Note: After completing the preset flight route, the aircraft will return to the Home Point and land. Make sure that the dock cover folds smoothly, and does not vibrate.
In the below video, watch as U.S Pearland Police Department demonstrate how the M30 drone can be remotely deployed to various points of interest using the new Live Flight Controls on DJI Flighthub 2 with their DJI Dock: