GDU launches infrared, open-platform industrial drone at CES

GDU, a company which claims to have created the world’s first foldable drone, has launched a new model called “Saga”. (See video below.) 

Saga is described as a lightweight, compact industrial drone with a “state-of-the-art” open platform and infrared camera, 39 minutes of flight time, and capable of reaching ascent speeds of 5 metres per second and flight speeds of 15 m/s.

GDU launched the new drone, the GDU Saga, at the ongoing CES 2019 in Las Vegas. 

GDU says Saga is “unmatched” when it comes to foldable portability as its compact size produces industrial strength. Not only can its open platform be customized to fit any payload you need to finish your job but this drone beast can carry a load of up to 2.2 lbs.

Some cameras offered for the GDU Saga include an HD 4K camera, both a 10x and 30x optical zoom camera, and quality infrared camera.

However, GDU does not limit your payload to just cameras, other tools can be attached like floodlights loudspeakers, and release canisters for whatever challenge you face.

The open platform empowers businesses to customize their own designs, software, payload and computing of the open-platform for a truly unique and exclusive experience.

GDU Saga’s infrared camera is unrivaled. GDU has secured an unobstructed supply-chain for all of its cutting edge infrared technology that has been tested time and time again.

Wind resistant and rainproof, not only is the infrared camera incredibly accurate resulting in balanced and reliable images but it can also detect heat signatures between -20°K and 150 °K with a 20mK NETD (800 x 600 resolution, 50Hz frame rate).

With GDU’s infrared camera offering such precise measurements, it’s unexpected that they offer a competitive price for a product above industry standards that guarantees a superior flight experience.

The combined features of both the open platform and infrared camera can be used for a variety industrial tasks including inspecting power lines, oil pipes, wind turbines, surveying infrastructure, security surveillance, construction site mapping, as well as crop monitoring to enable precision agriculture.

With an automatic focus button and dedicated micro-focus combined with the adjustable contrast and brightness functionality, the infrared camera creates the most realistic images known to drone technology, today.

World-class gimbal orientation enables users to change perspectives quickly, making it ideal for multi-purpose industrial performance.

Saga also benefits from additional features and capabilities including:

• 10 km HD video transmission in real time;
• GPS based outdoor hovering; Also supports RTK-GPS; Optical flow and ultrasonic height determination, for smooth, safe indoor hovering;
• Binocular stereo vision flight function with intelligent and automatic obstacle avoidance;
• Intelligent 12000 mAh, 14.8V battery for an extended flight time up to 39 minutes;
• Target tracking, so it follows an identified target at a specified distance, offering users a complete visualization experience;
• Ascent speed up to 5 m/s with a flight altitude of over 3500 m and a horizontal flight speed of 15 m/s;
• Ambient operating temperature between -20°K to 50°K so it can be used in blistering cold or extreme heat.

Saga also has three flight modes: Standard GPS mode, Sports GPS mode, and Altitude mode, where it retains its 15 m/s maximum speed while the GPS and visual ultrasonic system are switched from positioning to altitude stabilization.

The GDU Flight App enables functions such as flight control, picture taking and video recording, route planning, parameter setting, real-time flight weather conditions, and more.

The GDU Saga will be demonstrated on GDU’s booth, where the popular O2 Plus will also be exhibited: Tech East, LVCC, South Halls 1-2, Ground Level, booth 25752.

During the demonstration, the GDU team will fly its new Saga drone around a cage at the booth, while demoing its state-of-the-art infrared sensors stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal.

The GDU team will show SAGA’s infrared capabilities by revealing hidden objects behind a screen.

Jack Gu, CTO and director of GDU’s R&D department, commented: “Our vision was to develop a quicker, lightweight aircraft for all types of industrial applications which we have realized in SAGA.

“We designed the open platform to make SAGA the perfect tool to empower businesses wanting to use industrial drones to increase their efficiency or enhance their services.

“The idea is that anything you want on an open platform we can work with you to develop your ideal payload.

“The infrared camera is our most exciting payload. Not only is infrared technology the area of expertise for GDU but we have a completely self-sufficient supply chain that harness every aspect of the camera’s manufacturing process.

“Pairing the infrared camera with the open platform makes SAGA the quintessential industrial drone for every business.”

Saga is available now directly from GDU and authorized dealers.