New Parrot ANAFI Ai Drone is First 4G-Connected Robotic UAV

ANAFI Ai is the first drone to use 4G as the main data link between the drone and the operator, signaling a new era in the industry.

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European drone producer Parrot has launched its ANAFI Ai, the first drone to use 4G as the main data link between the drone and the operator, a game changer for the drone industry. Users will no longer experience transmission limitations thanks to ANAFI Ai’s 4G connectivity, which enables precise control at any distance. For Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights, it stays connected even behind obstacles.

Watch the ANAFI Ai in action:


For the first time, ANAFI Ai embeds a secure element in the drone and in its Skycontroller 4. The 4G link between the drone and the user’s phone is encrypted. The secure element protects both the integrity of the software and the privacy of data transferred.

 Parrot is the first in the industry to make its piloting application open-source. Parrot offers developers a Software Development Kit (SDK) to execute custom code in the ANAFI Ai drone during the flight. The SDK gives access to all flight sensors, including obstacle avoidance sensors, occupancy grid and internet access.

ANAFI Ai’s uniquely designed obstacle-avoidance (OA) system detects obstacles in all directions, using stereo cameras to sense objects and automatically avoid them.

ANAFI Ai incorporates a 48 MP main camera and a stabilized 4K 60fps / HDR10 camera to capture finely-detailed aerial images and smooth video footage.

ANAFI Ai will be available in the second half of 2021 through Parrot Drone Enterprise Partners and leading Enterprise Drone Reseller Network.

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4G Connectivity

4G is changing the use cases for drones. With 4G, the data link between the drone and the pilot becomes robust in all circumstances. 4G offers long range transmission at low frequency bands at 700MHz - 900MHz.

Additionally, the 4G connection means professionals can operate the drone at any distance.

Many 4G operators offer quality-of-service guarantees for first responders, such as firefighters and police.

Parrot software quickly optimizes the definition and frame rate to the network quality and is robust to packet and frame losses.

ANAFI Ai itself does not require a subscription; users can utilize any SIM card capable of sending data. Parrot provides its users a secured infrastructure that works with all smartphones.

48 MP Imaging Accuracy

ANAFI Ai's Quad Bayer sensor offers 14 EV of dynamic range in HDR10 mode. It catches all the details both in highlights and shadows.

Inspection professionals can use the 6x digital zoom to observe 1 cm details at a distance of 75 m.

The controllable gimbal tilt range (from -90° to +90°) gives professionals access to complex points of view such as the underside of a bridge structure.

The hybrid image stabilization on 6 axis (3-axis mechanical, 3-axis electronic) ensures sharp photos even in crosswinds of up to 12.7 m/s.

P-Log format allows professionals to retain more information with raw files.

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Autonomous Photogrammetry

ANAFI Ai’s biomimetic form factor mimics nature's fitness. Its swivel head has an omni-directional camera, ensuring precise obstacle avoidance in every flight direction. When obstacles are detected, ANAFI Ai automatically determines the best trajectory to pursue its mission.

Embedded Artificial Intelligence allows for photogrammetry-specific flight plans to be performed automatically, optimizing productivity, and saving time. Professionals can generate optimized missions based on the land registry of the building selected in just one click.

ANAFI Ai’s Quad Bayer 48 MP sensor delivers survey-grade accurate 2D and 3D models. It offers the same precision as drones with a 1-in. 20MP sensor, while flying 1.5 times higher. A GSD of 0.46 cm/px is obtained at an altitude of 30 m. Pictures can be captured at 1fps, 2x faster than any other drone in the market.

ANAFI Ai images are compatible with all photogrammetry software suites. With PIX4D, during the flight, ANAFI Ai sends the pictures to PIX4Dcloud directly. Computation starts when the drone lands so that professionals gain productivity by avoiding manual time-consuming data transfer.

Robotic Platform

Since the first Parrot A.R. Drone in 2010, open-source is at the heart of Parrot platforms. Parrot continually contributes to the open-source community.

With the launch of ANAFI Ai, Parrot expands its Software Development Kit (SDK) by open-sourcing the 7th version of its FreeFlight ground control station application:

  • Air SDK: provides a breakthrough technological architecture to run code directly on ANAFI Ai. Developers can program custom-designed autonomous flight missions by accessing all drone sensors, connectivity interfaces, and autopilot features.​
  • Ground SDK: allows developers to create iOS and Android mobile applications for Parrot drones. All the features of the drone (control, video, settings) are accessible.​
  • OpenFlight: the open-source core of FreeFlight 7 application. ​Developers can focus on adding their own features and immediately get a professional-looking App ready to be published on the application stores.​
  • Sphinx: enables developers to test their algorithm and flight strategy in a photorealistic 3D simulation environment running through Unreal Engine, with accurate physical interaction.

Parrot’s industry-leading SDK facilitates the implementation of tailored end-to-end solutions for professionals from public safety, search & rescue to defense and inspection fields.

Parrot platforms are built on industry standards (WIFI, RTP/RTSP, MAVLINK), making interoperability much easier.

Parrot keeps on expanding its mature software ecosystem: from enterprise drone platforms (Skyward, a Verizon CompanyMeasure, an AgEagle Company), flight logs services (DroneLogbookAirdata), public safety programs (DroneSense) and advanced mission planning (QGroundControlUgCS), to media and data cloud platforms (Survae), real time geospatial situational awareness (Rapid ImagingTextron Systems), surveying and mapping (PIX4D).

Today, Parrot has the largest partner ecosystem for professional drones.

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Cybersecurity by Design

ANAFI Ai embeds a WISeKey Secure Element which is NIST FIPS140-2 Level 3 compliant and Common Criteria EAL5+ certified. The Secure Element: 

  • performs cryptographic operations.
  • stores and protects sensitive information. 
  • protects the integrity of the embedded software.
  • provides a unique identity to the drone for 4G pairing and strong authentication.
  • features a unique digital signing of the pictures taken by the drone. 

Users have full control over their data. No data is shared by default without the user’s express consent. ANAFI Ai is compliant with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and in some cases goes even further. For example, users can delete all data with 1-Click, easily maintaining control over what is stored. 

A bug bounty program is currently running in partnership with YesWeHack, the first European crowdsourced security platform. Parrot benefits from their vast community of cybersecurity researchers to identify potential vulnerabilities in its drones, mobile applications and WebServices.

Cables not Required

By its design, Parrot’s new Skycontroller 4 is a milestone for the industry. Cumbersome cables are no longer required, and it enables the use of an iPad mini and all large smartphones. The controller also features an HDMI output, which allows streaming videos from ANAFI Ai.

ANAFI Ai is foldable, operational in one minute and resistant to rain.

Specifications:

  • 4G internet connectivity
  • Connected without range limit
  • Flies beyond visual line of sight
  • Foldable, rain resistant
  • 48 MP camera
  • 4K 60 fps for smooth video
  • HDR10: Realistic colors
  • 14 EV with dynamic range
  • 6x zoom: 1 cm details at 75 m (240 ft)
  • Autonomous Photogrammetry     
  • Survey grade accuracy: 0.46 cm/px GSD at 30 m (100 ft.)
  • Embedded PIX4D flight planning 4G transfer to PIX4Dcloud    
  • Cybersecurity: No data shared by default
  • FIPS140-2 compliant and CC EAL5+ certified Secure Elements    
  • Software Development Kit with onboard coding capabilities
  • Full open-source App     

Technical Specifications

DRONE

Size folded: 304 x 130 x 118 mm

Size unfolded: 320 x 440 x 118 mm

Weight: 898 g / 1.98 lbs.

Ready to fly in 60 seconds

Maximum flight time: 32 min

Maximum horizontal speed: 16 m/s – 34 mph

Maximum vertical speed: 4 m/s – 9 mph

Maximum wind resistance: 12.7 m/s – 28.4 mph

Maximum propeller speed: 10,000 rpm

Service Ceiling: 5,000 m (above sea level)

Operating temperatures: -10°C to 40°C

Rain resistant (IPX3)

Noise emission: 82 dB at 1 m MicroSD and SIM card slots

CONNECTIVITY

Seamless 4G/Wi-Fi switching

Flies Beyond Visual Line Of Sight

1080 p 30 fps live streaming

No interference near telecom towers

NAVIGATION SYSTEM

Satellite navigation: GPS, Glonass and Galileo

Vertical camera & Time of Flight

Barometer and magnetometer

2 x 6-axis inertial units (flight and camera)

2 x 3-axis accelerometers

2 x 3-axis gyroscopes

Stereoscopic cameras mounted on a 311° rotating gimbal (-107° to +204°) for obstacle avoidance

AI trajectory optimization system Indoor flight

SKYCONTROLLER 4

Size without terminal: 238 x 147 x 55 mm

Maximum size: 315 x 147 x 55 mm

Weight: 606 g / 1.34 lbs.

Transmission system: Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/ g/n & 4G

Frequency of use: 2.4 GHz – 5 GHz

Direct video stream resolution: 1080 p    

Battery capacity: 3.350 mAh 7.2 V

Compatible with all smartphones and tablets up to 8 in.

Charges smartphones and tablets

Ports: 2xUSB-C (charging and connecting), micro-HDMI

Dust resistant (IP5X)

DRONE SMART BATTERY

Type: High Density Lithium Polymer (262 Wh/kg)

Capacity: 6800 mAh 4.4 V

Charging port: USB-C

Weight: 366 g / 0.81 lb

Maximum charging power: 45 W

PARROT FREEFLIGHT 7 APPLICATION

Free App, no subscription fee

App available on the App Store

Compatible with iOS 12 and higher 3 free 3D models, courtesy of PIX4Dcloud

IMAGING SYSTEM

Sensor: 1/2’’ 48 MP CMOS

Dynamic range: 14 EV in HDR mode

Optical LD-ASPH (low dispersion aspheric lens): Aperture : f/2.0 35 mm focal equivalent: 24 mm

Depth of field: 4.5 m to ∞ ISO range: 50 to 6400

Shutter speed: 1/15 s to 1/10000 s

Zoom: 6x – lossless: up to 4x (1080 p) & 2x (4K UHD)

6-axis stabilization: Mechanical: 3-axis (pitch, roll, yaw) Electronic (EIS): 3-axis (pitch, roll, yaw) Gimbal tilt range: -90° to +90°

VIDEO SPECIFICATIONS

Format: MP4 (H.264, H.265)

Resolutions: 4K UHD: 3840x2160 1080 p: 1920x1080

Framerates: 4K UHD: 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps 1080 p: 24/25/30/48/50/60/90 /100/120 fps   

HDR 10: 4K UHD/1080 p - 24/25/30 fps HDR 8: for all resolutions

Horizontal field of view (HFOV): 68°

Maximum video bandwidth: 200 Mbps P-Log for professional video editing

PHOTO SPECIFICATIONS

Formats: JPEG, DNG (Digital NeGative RAW)

Resolution: 48 MP (8000x6000), 12 MP (4000x3000)

Horizontal field of view (HFOV): 73° (Wide), 69° (Wide with EIS), 65° (Rectilinear with EIS)

Modes: Single, Bracketing, Burst (10 fps), Panorama (4 formats), Timelapse, GPS-lapse

AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT

Photogrammetry: single grid, double grid, orbit

Flight Plan: multiple Waypoints and Points Of Interest

Cameraman: automatic framing with visual tracking

Smart RTH: customable return altitude

Vehicle: flight adapted to controller location reference

CYBERSECURITY

Zero data shared without user consent

FIPS140-2 compliant and CC EAL5+ certified Secure Elements

Strong authentication for 4G

Digitally signed pictures

Transparency and Bug bounty continuous security check

PARROT SDK

Air SDK: onboard coding capabilites

Ground SDK: iOS & Android App development kit

OpenFlight: open-source core of FreeFlight 7

Sphinx: 3D photorealistic simulator

Olympe: Python controller programming interface

PDrAW: video & metadata toolset  

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