Two potential product ideas for DJI drones

[Dangerly]

Hey fellow pilots,

I have two ideas for DJI products that I would build using their SDK, and I'm wondering if anyone knows if these products already exist and if not, what you think of the ideas?

Proposal 1: AI Cinematographer - Your Voice is the Director​

Title: What if you could direct your drone like a human camera operator?

I'm exploring a new concept for drone control and would love your feedback. Imagine you're on a shoot, but instead of focusing on the sticks, you're directing the drone with your voice using high-level cinematic language.

The Idea: "AI Cinematographer"

This would be an advanced AI flight controller that acts as your hands-free camera operator. You could give it complex commands on the fly, like:

• "Pace the talent from behind, then rise up into a crane shot when they reach the clearing."
• "Start with a wide shot of the car, then push in and begin a slow helix, keeping the driver's side door in frame."
• "Orbit that statue, but keep the sun directly behind it."

The AI would handle the smooth flight path, camera work, and subject tracking, allowing you to focus on the creative direction of the shot.

The Critical Safety Feature: You are ALWAYS the Pilot in Command.

This system would not replace the pilot. A licensed drone pilot (you) must be at the controls at all times, acting as a co-pilot. Your hands would be ready to instantly override the AI and take full manual control if it ever deviates from your intent or an unsafe situation arises. Think of it as the most advanced co-pilot you've ever had, but you always have the final say.

My Questions for You:

1. As a drone pilot, does this idea excite you? Would it change how you shoot?
2. What are your biggest concerns about an AI controlling the flight, even with you as the safety pilot?
3. What kind of shots or scenarios would you most want to use this for?

Thanks for your thoughts!

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Proposal 2: AI Flight Forensics - Your Personal Crash Investigator​

Title: What if your flight logs could tell you not just what happened, but why?

I'm working on a new idea for an intelligent flight log analysis tool and want to know if it's something pilots would find valuable. We all know things can go wrong, but getting clear answers after a crash or incident can be tough, especially for beginners.

The Idea: "AI Flight Forensics"

This would be a service that uses AI to perform a deep analysis of your flight logs. It goes beyond just showing you graphs of your battery voltage and signal strength and other data in the log. The goal is to provide actionable intelligence.

Key Features:

• Advanced Crash Diagnostics: In the event of a crash, the AI would analyze the final moments of data and compare it against a massive database of incidents to identify the most probable root cause. Did a motor fail? Was it a battery cell collapse? Did a software glitch contribute? You'd get a clear, evidence-based report.
• Predictive Failure Alerts: The AI would constantly analyze your flight data over time to spot subtle, developing issues before they cause a crash. For example, it might flag a motor that's showing early signs of wear or a battery that's beginning to underperform in cold weather.
• Pilot Performance Insights: The system could offer constructive feedback on flying habits that might increase risk, helping you become a safer, more consistent pilot.

My Questions for You:

1. Do your current log analysis tools give you the answers you need, especially after an incident?
2. Would you trust an AI-driven report to help you diagnose a crash or predict a future failure?
3. What's the single biggest unanswered question you've had after reviewing a flight log from a problematic flight?

Appreciate you sharing your experience and feedback!

 

[hank970]

I'm not excited. Much of what you proposed can be shot using waypoints, subject tracking, and a willing and attentive subject. Part of the fun, at least for this rank amateur, is figuring out how to achieve the results I want using the tools at my disposal. In other words, the creative part involves concept development and previsualization, the shooting part is prescribed and, if results conform to the plan, then confirmation and fulfillment. Really serious cinematographers, the folks who film for a living and not for fun, are going to have way more skill, far better tools, and no doubt more of an artistic sensibility than I have. Who knows what kind of gadgets and capabilities they already have and utilize? Maybe they're already using AI, but I suspect they like being in complete control and doing things their own way. I have no idea if some AI is already embedded on our drones' firmware.

Orbiting a stationary subject and always keeping the Sun behind it is physically impossible, not only if attempted manually or using POI, but also if using AI. You can easily test this for yourself by circling any stationary object and trying to keep it between you and the Sun.

As regards safety, I 'd imagine that AI would pose no greater risk than currently available features like cruise control, provided there's a pilot in command who can cancel it and take control. But what if AI develops a mind of its own and decides, come hell or high water, that it wants to complete a task?

How would you realize your wishes? Do you have the appropriate hardware and skills, or would you just float your ideas with DJI? Is DJI even listening to anyone in the US these days?