At a recent event in Menlo Park, CA, DJI announced the launch of two exciting products aimed at the enterprise and commercial applications UAV market. The first was a new payload software development kit (SDK) which opens up the DJI Matrice 200 Series platform to third-party developers wishing to integrate their own payloads. The second announcement focused on the launch of an exciting new thermal imaging camera.

The DJI Zenmuse XT2 features dual thermal and visual sensors from imaging specialists FLIR to provide both live HD and thermal imaging in real-time. The X2 is the first dual sensor payload developed by DJI and has already amassed waves of excitement since it was revealed last week.

Read on to find out how the DJI Zenmuse XT stacks technically and how it will be used to take the commercial uses of the Matrice 200 Series to a whole new level.

Looking for a quote for the Zenmuse XT2? Click here to register your interest.

Dual sensor functionality

The DJI Zenmuse XT2 comes fitted with two sensors as standard: the 4K, 12MP, 1/1.7” CMOS sensor for visual effects. This is an upgraded version of the sensor on the original Zenmuse XT, and the <50 mK @ f/1.0 thermal sensor from FLIR which provides thermal imaging data. Together these sensors allow the pilot to view real-time thermal and visual feeds in a single flight.

During development, DJI worked closely with world-leading thermal specialists FLIR to make full use of the new dual sensor setup. As such it comes with a host of intelligent features such as FLIR Multispectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX). This produces extremely detailed thermal images suitable for a range of commercial applications. These include hazardous material analysis, electricity pylon inspection, building surveys and much more.

Key features of the XT2 sensor

The XT2 dual sensor builds on the technology of the original Zenmuse XT sensor by using FLIR’s imaging technology to provide the following innovative features.

Colour palettes – Specific colours can be changed to suit applications. With dangerously high temperatures given a more contrasting colour than surrounding areas to quickly highlight dangers for fire crews etc.

FLIR MSX – The MSX sensor provides the operator with a detailed thermal image of the area. Thus, allowing for more anomalies to be detected and in-depth analysis to be carried out from the ground.

Heat tracking – The sensor will automatically lock onto the hottest items in the frame. This is useful for emergency services monitoring critical components during an incident.

Isotherms – Monitor specific temperature bands allowing the operator to survey an entire site to identify high-risk areas quickly.

Picture in picture – Allows visual data and thermal data to be combined in a single screen. The operator can configure screens to overlap or be viewed side-by-side.

Quick track – Save time surveying critical components by locking onto a chosen target automatically tracking the object.

Temperature alarms – Allows the operator to monitor temperatures in real time and be notified when the temperature of an object exceeds pre-defined limits.

Drone compatibility

The Zenmuse XT2 is compatible with the following DJI models:

• The Matrice 200
• The Matrice 210
• Matrice 210 RTK
• Matrice 600 Pro

By combining the XT2 with the M210 and M210 RTK, operators can make use of DJI’s multiple payload configurations, including top and bottom mounted sensors.

Suitable applications

The Zenmuse XT2 was specifically developed to meet the needs of a range of industries, in both the public and the private sector. Typical scenarios in which the XT2 will excel:

Firefighting – Helps to protect fire crews and the spread of fire in the building by quickly identifying critical areas, and monitoring the incident.

Solar panel inspection – Easily locate damaged panels by adjusting the TempAlarm settings to notify you of temperatures outside the norm. Picture in picture allows for further analysis in HD.

Agriculture – Allows farmers to quickly identify areas which are dry and in need of irrigation. The DJI Zenmuse XT2 can also be used to monitor the relative density and heat signature of crops which can help indicate their overall health.

Search and rescue – Individuals trapped following natural disasters such as flooding and earthquakes are able to be located with large area scans.  Hikers can also use in bad weather.

HazMat investigation – Allows HazMat teams to quickly survey a site to identify hazardous materials. Also enables continued monitoring of the site during the cleanup process.

Powerline inspection – Allows for easy survey and assessment of power lines from the ground.

Roof inspection – Enables roofing contractors and building inspectors to assess damage and survey work without having to venture onto the roof. Can also help to identify areas in need of improved insulation.

Summary

With the release of the Zenmuse XT2, DJI has further solidified their status as the world’s leading commercial drone manufacturer. The Zenmuse XT2 is a significant improvement on the original XT, providing more in-depth data that open a whole host of applications for users of the Matrice 200 Series.

COPTRZ can provide you with a quote for the DJI Zenmuse XT2, click here to register your interest and be one of the first to get your hands on DJI’s latest payload.