Chinese drone manufacturer, SZ DJI Technology Co Ltd., has established a strong early lead in the U.S. business market as companies turn to its reasonably priced, light-weight flying devices for a host of uses from shooting pictures to mapping and site inspections. Shenzhen based DJI, whose best-selling Phantom 2 Vision+ drone retails for around $1,200 in the United States, estimates that it already has about 70 percent of the commercial market widespread and a larger segment of the consumer market.
Federal records also suggest that DJI is quickly expanding its U.S. market share, thanks in part to a latest process speeding federal exemptions for companies that aim to use drones previously vetted by regulators. The emergence of a Chinese company as a leading player in a new U.S. technology market has so far not raised concerns in Congress. Other Chinese technology companies including telecom tools maker, Huawei Technologies Co Ltd., have been accused by U.S. lawmakers of posing national security risks, hurting their probability of building a substantial U.S. business.
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Due to safety concerns, U.S. companies are barred from using drones unless they obtain an FAA exemption. The U.S. aviation regulator proposed rules in February to lift the ban, but ultimate regulations are not expected until late 2016 or early 2017.
Sensefly's eBee mapping drone package has a price tag of around $25,000. More complex systems made by European and U.S. competitors can cost upwards of $100,000.
DJI has gained its market lead without a U.S.-based sales staff. Both hobbyists and business customers purchase drones through online retail outlets and directly from DJI's site and say they stand out for their ease of use as well as the low price.
Some industry executives say low end drones like DJI's risk becoming commoditised and that the more hopeful market lies in high-end services such as 3D mapping and thermal imaging. DJI says it has plans to expand into more sophisticated drones.
Sensefly's eBee mapping drone package has a price tag of around $25,000. More complex systems made by European and U.S. competitors can cost upwards of $100,000.
DJI has gained its market lead without a U.S.-based sales staff. Both hobbyists and business customers purchase drones through online retail outlets and directly from DJI's site and say they stand out for their ease of use as well as the low price.
Some industry executives say low end drones like DJI's risk becoming commoditised and that the more hopeful market lies in high-end services such as 3D mapping and thermal imaging. DJI says it has plans to expand into more sophisticated drones.
Author : Mohammed Ashfaq Ahmed
Designation: Associate Blogger
Bio: A design oriented person who basically focus on the architectural phase rather than its actual implementation. He is a computer science engineer with expertise in UI framework.
Bio: A design oriented person who basically focus on the architectural phase rather than its actual implementation. He is a computer science engineer with expertise in UI framework.
