In today’s rapidly advancing tech landscape, the possibility of controlling a drone remotely over the internet — regardless of geographical location — is becoming an exciting frontier for businesses in industries like surveying, agriculture, inspection, and media production. The concept of flying a drone over the internet raises a host of questions about connectivity, latency, and technological feasibility. DJI, as the leading manufacturer of consumer and professional drones, has explored this innovative technology through its advanced platforms, but is it possible to fly a DJI drone entirely over the internet?
This article will dive into the capabilities of DJI drones in this space, the technologies enabling remote flight, and whether it’s feasible to fly a DJI drone remotely over the internet in real-time. We’ll also highlight specific solutions that may bridge the gap for enterprises interested in internet-based drone operations.
Understanding Remote Drone Operation and Internet Connectivity
Flying a drone over the internet requires more than just basic Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. In essence, remote flight over the internet involves several key components:
- High-Speed, Low-Latency Internet: To control a drone over the internet, there needs to be a stable, fast, and low-latency internet connection on both the drone’s end and the operator’s end. High-speed data transmission is crucial to maintain control of the drone, especially in real-time video streaming and when sending commands to the drone for complex maneuvers.
- Cloud-Based Remote Control Systems: With the rise of cloud computing, drones can be operated from remote locations using cloud services to relay control signals. This means that the operator’s commands are transmitted to the drone via a cloud server, and in some cases, this can even be done from any location with internet access.
- Autonomous Systems and AI: Many of DJI’s advanced drones already feature intelligent flight modes that assist with navigation, such as obstacle avoidance and autonomous mapping. These systems help mitigate risks when remote human operators are involved, as AI can take over in certain situations where connectivity may be lost or when human input becomes delayed.
DJI’s Solutions for Remote Drone Control
1. DJI SkyLink and Remote Communication Systems
DJI drones, including the Mavic 3, Inspire 2, and Phantom 4 Pro, are equipped with DJI’s proprietary communication system called SkyLink, which provides stable long-range communication between the drone and the remote controller. While this technology allows for impressive control ranges (up to 15 kilometers in some cases), it primarily works within the constraints of direct communication (e.g., using the controller with the drone within line-of-sight). However, SkyLink does not support full internet-based remote control.
That being said, DJI has explored ways to incorporate internet-based flight operations in certain specialized applications through integrations with third-party solutions.
2. DJI Terra and Remote Flight Operations
DJI Terra is a professional mapping and surveying software that integrates with DJI’s drone systems to facilitate autonomous flight and data collection. Though Terra doesn’t inherently offer internet-based remote flight control, it does enable users to plan and execute drone missions from remote locations, with drones autonomously executing flight paths based on pre-programmed instructions.
For example, in industries like agriculture or construction, drones are often deployed to fly autonomously over predefined areas for tasks such as crop monitoring or land surveying. In such cases, operators can plan missions remotely and monitor flight status via internet-connected dashboards. However, this is a semi-autonomous approach rather than full remote internet-based manual control.
3. DJI’s Partnership with Remote Pilot Solutions
DJI has also collaborated with various companies to offer solutions for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight. For example, DJI has worked with Skyports and Penta to explore drone deliveries and inspection services that rely on remote control over the internet. These operations involve specialized infrastructure such as 5G connectivity and satellite communication systems.
In a BVLOS environment, drones fly long distances beyond the operator’s visual line of sight, often leveraging internet-based control systems for ongoing command inputs. One notable example is the collaboration between AT&T and Skyports using 5G networks for remote drone operations.
For more information on how these operations work, you can refer to Skyports’ website or read case studies published by DJI itself.
Challenges of Flying DJI Drones Over the Internet
Despite the growing potential for remote drone operations, there are several challenges to achieving full internet-based drone control:
- Latency: The most significant hurdle in flying a drone over the internet is latency — the delay between issuing a command and the drone responding. Even slight delays can cause significant problems, especially when flying in environments with obstacles or when precision is required.
- Connectivity Issues: Internet-based remote control requires continuous connectivity, which can be problematic in remote or rural areas with unreliable service. While solutions like 5G networks are emerging to address this, they aren’t yet universally available.
- Regulatory Restrictions: Governments and aviation authorities have strict regulations regarding drone operations, particularly when it comes to flying beyond visual line of sight. In many regions, flying drones remotely over the internet may require special permits or licenses, depending on the country’s aviation laws.
- Battery Life: For long-distance operations, battery life remains a limitation. As drones fly further from the operator, the risk of running out of battery increases, particularly if there are delays in communication or control.
Looking Toward the Future: The Role of 5G and IoT
In the future, the ability to fly drones over the internet will likely become more practical as 5G technology continues to roll out globally. 5G offers incredibly fast download and upload speeds, ultra-low latency, and the ability to support large numbers of connected devices simultaneously. This makes it an ideal candidate for supporting internet-based drone control.
Moreover, as the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem grows, it will be increasingly possible to manage fleets of drones remotely through cloud-based systems. This could unlock new opportunities for industries such as logistics, infrastructure inspections, and agriculture, where remote flight operations can increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Conclusion
While there are currently no DJI drones that support full, manual internet-based flight control out of the box, there are several ways that DJI drones can be operated remotely or autonomously via internet-connected systems. DJI’s SkyLink and DJI Terra provide powerful tools for remote operations, while external integrations with 5G and cloud-based services are slowly paving the way for a more connected, remote-controlled future.
For businesses considering remote drone operations, exploring DJI’s enterprise solutions, such as DJI Pilot or Skyport’s drone delivery services, may offer the best possible options today. As internet infrastructure continues to improve and regulations adapt, we may see an increasing number of businesses leveraging DJI’s drone technology for remote operations, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with drone technology.
For further insights into the future of drone connectivity, check out DJI’s Enterprise Solutions or industry reports on 5G for drones by PwC and Business Insider.