Multi-Modal Connectivity and Advanced Features to Improve Mission Success
US drone manufacturer Skydio has announced significant upgrades to its X10 drone connectivity solutions, aiming to address and overcome limitations in traditional point-to-point connectivity. With the X10 on the market for eight months, Skydio has observed incredible customer applications but also identified areas needing improvement to support mission success. To ensure reliability, Skydio is introducing new products and enhancements to existing solutions.
Traditional Connectivity Limitations
Drones have been a valuable tool for public safety agencies, providing real-time information for various operations. However, traditional point-to-point connectivity, while effective in flat, rural areas, struggles with obstacles like buildings, hills, and trees. These limitations hinder the capabilities of Drone as First Responder (DFR) initiatives, which require reliable connectivity in complex environments.
Introducing Skydio Connect Fusion
To address these challenges, Skydio has developed Skydio Connect Fusion, a multi-modal connectivity solution that combines point-to-point radio systems with 5G and LTE cellular networks. This innovative approach provides true city-wide drone connectivity. The Skydio X10, the first mass-produced small drone with built-in 5G, leverages this technology to maintain the best possible connection during missions. “Skydio Connect Fusion gives you the connectivity you need to protect and serve your community,” says the Skydio announcement.
Skydio’s announcement says that Connect Fusion will be rolled out in phases, with initial capabilities available in the second half of 2024. Existing Skydio customers with Skydio Connect 5G will receive automatic upgrades to Connect Fusion at no additional cost. Additionally, U.S. customers with a 5G-enabled X10 who haven’t yet purchased Skydio Connect 5G will have access to a free trial of Fusion upon release.
Enhancements to Skydio Connect SL and Connect 5G
Skydio is also improving its current connectivity solutions. Upcoming enhancements include:
- Multiple Carrier Redundancy and First Responder Networks: Skydio Connect 5G, currently available on the T-Mobile network, will soon support all major U.S. and Japanese carriers, including priority first responder networks.
- Dynamic Channel Selection: The X10 will dynamically switch to the best available channel during flight, ensuring more reliable connections and better video quality.
- Intelligent Handling of Degraded Connections: Skydio will enhance its systems to maintain communication even when video transmission is compromised, ensuring mission continuity.
Skydio Connect Access Points
To further enhance connectivity, Skydio is introducing Skydio Connect Access Points. These dedicated radio units can broadcast signals and connect to the X10 and X10D drones, providing extended network coverage in areas with weak cellular signals. This capability is especially valuable in conflict zones, such as Ukraine, where operators need to maintain distance from the drone’s location for safety.
Skydio Connect Access Point
Skydio Autonomy for Connectivity Assurance
Skydio’s AI and autonomy capabilities will ensure connectivity in challenging conditions. According to the announcement, future updates will enable Skydio Autonomy to reestablish connections if signal loss occurs and intelligently adjust flight paths to avoid known coverage issues.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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