DroneDeploy raised $9 million in funding from Emergence capital for their new drone operation and data platform. Investors expect a high adoption rate as DroneDeploy integrates with drones from popular UAV companies DJI and 3D Robotics.
The ability to control a drone from a phone or tablet is nothing new, but DroneDeploy’s app simplifies route planning and data collection in a way that makes it practical for agricultural and industrial applications. It ties together industry-specific software like mapping, 3D modeling, heat maps for crop scouting, and CAD integration in a SaaS package that can be accessed via mobile or desktop Web app.
Currently, for agriculture, construction and mining, the use of drones requires a high degree of technical knowledge, managing separate software for specific tasks, and a flight operator to do the actual flying. DroneDeploy reduces all that to one person with a computer, phone or tablet, and stores all the data in one place for easy review.
The largest audience for the app is farmers. DroneDeploy’s ability to map routes and spot problems helps farmers save costs by reducing the usage of herbicides and insecticides, giving it an added benefit of reducing environmental impact. “DroneDeploy recognizes that for drones to be truly useful for commercial applications, they need to be easy-to-use tools that quickly deliver value,” CEO Mike Winn said in an interview with thedroneinfo.com.
DJI, 3D Robotics and AgEagle all have partnered with DroneDeploy to make their UAV models work with the app. DJI and 3D Robotics represent the two largest brands in the non-military or consumer drone market.
