DJI, the world’s leading manufacturer of drones and camera technology, has once again improved its Dock series. Today we’re talking about the DJI Dock 3 – an innovative ‘Drone-in-a-Box’ system that brings advanced remote control and mission automation to the world of drone operations.
Why DJI Dock 3?
Can you imagine a drone system that can recharge itself, operate in extreme weather conditions and be constantly ready for missions without the pilot having to be on the job site next to the drone? That’s exactly what DJI Dock 3 offers, bringing with it the updated Matrice 4D series of drones.
Whether it’s for rescue operations, natural disasters or critical infrastructure surveys, DJI Dock 3 provides a reliable, flexible and automated solution that is ready to respond and operate around the clock. Here are 9 noteworthy features
1. Designed for extreme environments
The DJI Dock 3 is built to withstand the harshest conditions, ensuring uninterrupted operation in the toughest environments. It can withstand extreme heat up to 50°C and performs reliably in low temperatures down to -20°C. In addition, the dock system has a preheat function that allows operation even at -30 °C.
The weatherproof design offers IP56 protection for the dock and IP55 protection for the Matrice 4D series drones, making them dust and waterproof. In addition, the Matrice 4D series is equipped with low noise and anti-freeze propellers that ensure reliable flights even in freezing rain or winds up to 12 m/s. This exceptional reliability makes the Dock 3 an indispensable solution in areas such as renewable energy, maritime surveillance and the mining industry, offering reliable performance in all weather conditions all year round.
2. Two drone slots with interchangeable capacity for uninterrupted operation
The DJI Dock 3 allows uninterrupted use of drones thanks to an innovative dual dock system. With two docks installed on a single site, drones can switch between missions and land on the other dock – eliminating downtime, reducing the time lost flying back and forth and ensuring continuous operation.
Intelligent task management guides safe drone exchanges with a specially designed takeover pattern that helps prevent collisions and maintains operational efficiency. The system is complemented by DJI FlightHub 2 cloud-based control, which allows missions to be remotely planned and monitored, reducing the need for local staff.
This advanced functionality makes the DJI Dock 3 an invaluable solution in areas such as security, energy grids and large-scale agriculture where continuous aerial surveillance is required.
3. Mobile, vehicle-mountable solution
The DJI Dock 3 is DJI’s first dock specifically designed for mobile, vehicle-mounted use (the vehicle must be stationary when the dock is in use) making it ideal for temporary tasks in dynamic situations such as search and rescue, disaster relief or long-range reconnaissance.
The Dock 3 is optimised specifically for vehicle-based installations and supports both horizontal calibration and cloud-based calibration via DJI FlightHub 2, allowing flight missions to be programmed remotely.
This exceptional flexibility expands the use of drones in unpredictable and rapidly changing environments to a whole new level.
4. Stationary installation with extended range of coverage
The DJI Dock 3 with D-RTK 3 Relay Fixed Deployment module offers enhanced communications capability up to 25 km. This ensures stable video and satellite connectivity, increasing the reliability of take-off and landing even in challenging environments such as high-rise areas or remote locations.
Installing Dock 3 with the D-RTK 3 Relay Fixed Deployment module on rooftops or close to communication poles significantly improves signal quality. In factories, mines or agricultural areas, this ensures complete coverage – especially in places where human access is limited or dangerous.
5. Compatibility with the Matrice 4D series and independent use
The DJI Dock 3 works with the Matrice 4D and Matrice 4TD drones, ensuring accurate and reliable performance. These drones are water and dust resistant, offer longer flight times than their predecessors and, when paired with the DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise controller, are capable of standalone flights without the Dock 3 connection.
Camera capability: the 4D and 4TD are equipped with the same camera sensors as the DJI Matrice 4 series – wide angle, medium telephoto and telephoto lenses with up to 48 MP resolution.
Flight efficiency and advanced obstacle detection: up to 47 minutes of hover time and up to 54 minutes of flight time increase operational efficiency. LiDAR and millimetre-wave radar enable even more accurate prediction and detection of obstacles that are difficult to spot, such as power lines.
Standalone airborne relay capability: in combination with the DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise remote control, the Matrice 4D/4TD drones support the air relay function. One drone flies above the ground as a relay, extending the range of the other drone. The system automatically aligns, ensuring smoother signal transmission even in areas without 4G connectivity or obstructions.
Thanks to cutting-edge image quality, a long working radius and advanced sensor technology, Matrice 4D and 4TD drones take construction, energy, rescue and public safety missions to a new level – whether used with the DJI Dock 3 or on piloted missions.
6. Advanced smart features with DJI FlightHub 2.
FlightHub 2 takes drone management to a new level, offering smarter and more efficient tools. The new Intelligent Recognition feature enables drones to detect and record images or video of objects, vehicles, platforms and temperature fluctuations, sending real-time alerts to operators. The Smart Tracking feature can quickly track these elements to ensure effective follow-up analysis.
Intelligent Change Detection helps to periodically analyse changes in a given area, making it an invaluable tool for environmental protection, disaster relief and monitoring building structures. In addition, Virtual Cockpit provides a remote control interface with a “Mouse Look” that allows the camera to be quickly and accurately adjusted.
These advanced features streamline work processes, reduce workload and increase accuracy.
7. Security and compliance
DJI puts the highest standards of data security and flight safety at the forefront of its remotely piloted drone systems.
- Data security: the DJI FlightHub 2 has been certified by BSI to ISO 27001, ensuring that its design, development and services meet high information security standards.
- Customizable access management: DJI offers a locally installable version of FlightHub 2 that keeps customer data secure in an offline environment.
- Flight safety: the DJI Dock 3 is equipped with a built-in Flight Termination System (FTS) with independent control link, meeting MOC2511 requirements. In addition, it supports third-party safety solutions such as parachute warning.
- FTS (Flight Termination System) module: the DJI FTS module ensures maximum safety to keep the Matrice 4D series within its designated operating range, minimising the risk to the rest of the airspace and ground. The FTS can be activated manually or automatically when the drone exceeds its geo-restriction area.
- C6 label
8. Extensive range of accessories for advanced work
A wide range of accessories increases the possibilities for both automated and stand-alone operations.
Dock 3 for remote control and Matrice 4D series for standalone operation:
- Gimbal portable luminaire: Provides optimal illumination for night missions and looks in the same direction as the camera. Sold separately.
- Real-time audio: allows live coverage up to 300 m for public safety. Can be purchased separately.
- Integrated lighting and sound: The projector and speaker can be used separately or together, depending on the needs of the situation.
- Advanced obstacle avoidance: rotating LiDAR and millimetre-wave radar detecting up to 12 mm wires at speeds up to 15 m/s.
- DJI Cellular Dongle 2: Ensures reliable 4G network video streaming. Sold separately.
- DJI Power battery bank solutions: the DJI Power 1000 for fast and efficient charging in the field. Available separately.
Dock 3 for remote control only:
- D-RTK 3 Relay Fixed Deployment: provides centimetre-precise positioning and signal relays for longer video transmission. Sold separately.
Only for stand-alone use of the Matrice 4D series:
- DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise Control Panel: For standalone use with the Matrice 4D series – high-brightness screen, IP54 rating and 4G connectivity for stable video streaming. IP54 RCR, IP54 RC3, IP54 RCR with IP65 resolution and 4G connectivity.
These accessories reinforce both automated and stand-alone solutions, ensuring smooth operation, increased coverage and uninterrupted missions.
9. An open ecosystem that opens up opportunities
An open ecosystem supports innovation for both technology developers and highly specialised industries.
Intelligent Algorithm Developer provides model training tools and certification for third-party developers to build specific applications. Thanks to PSDK and E-Port Lite encryption, the integration of new modules is secure and reliable, and the open source Mobile SDK 5 (MSDK) simplifies the development of applications through production-ready code.
DJI FlightHub 2 enables direct cloud integration by connecting to third-party platforms. In addition, the MQTT-based Cloud API provides access to drone hardware, video and image files. For even more flexibility, companies can add custom modules such as parachutes, advanced sensors or additional gimbals using the E-Portor rear PSDK port.
If you would like more information or a quote for the DJI Dock 3 or Matrice 4D series, please contact us at info@droon.ee – we will be happy to help you make your idea a reality!