DJI Drones: A Beacon of Chinese Innovation, Held Back by Chips?

DJI Drones: A Beacon of Chinese Innovation, Held Back by Chips?When it comes to drone manufacturers, DJI stands out as a global powerhouse. Its products are widely used by photographers, businesses, and even the general public, solidifying its position as a shining example of Chinese innovation

DJI Drones: A Beacon of Chinese Innovation, Held Back by Chips?

When it comes to drone manufacturers, DJI stands out as a global powerhouse. Its products are widely used by photographers, businesses, and even the general public, solidifying its position as a shining example of Chinese innovation. However, recent events have thrown DJI into the spotlight, raising concerns about its future.

A Japanese netizen's video, showcasing the dismantling of the DJI Mavic Air 2, revealed that nearly 80% of the drone's chips are not made in China. This, coupled with the US's sanction on DJI in April 2024, citing "national security threats," echoes the chip shortage faced by Huawei in the past. Will DJI follow in Huawei's footsteps?

The Chip Struggle: Facts and Truths

The Mavic Air 2, disassembled by the Japanese netizen, was released in April 2020. At that time, China's chip industry was not yet mature, making DJI's reliance on foreign chips a necessity. However, the electronics industry has seen a dramatic transformation in the past four years.

Firstly, Huawei's chip restrictions in 2019 sent shockwaves through the tech industry, prompting Chinese companies to accelerate their chip development. Today, domestic chip production has made significant strides, with 28nm chips being readily manufactured, reducing reliance on foreign companies.

Secondly, DJI already has its own chip research and development subsidiary. It is highly likely that their chips are custom-designed for their own products. While competition in the chip market is fierce, there's reason to believe that DJI can make breakthroughs in this field, further enhancing its status as a beacon of Chinese innovation.

The Deeper Logic Behind the Sanctions

The US sanctions against DJI are not without reason, reflecting intricate economic and security interests.

Economically, the US has its own drone companies, heavily invested in the technology. They are wary of Chinese companies gaining dominance in the international market, resorting to various tactics, including the "national security" justification, to hinder their progress. This could involve restricting DJI product sales in their own markets or imposing tax increases to create difficulties.

From a security perspective, DJI drones do have military applications. In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both sides have deployed drones for combat operations, showcasing their powerful military capabilities encompassing bombing, suicide attacks, and aerial warfare. Particularly in battlefield reconnaissance, drone-equipped high-resolution cameras and software control enable precise target identification, providing accurate coordinates for artillery, significantly impacting future warfare.

Core Technology Reigns Supreme

However, chips do not constitute DJI's core technology. For a drone, the most critical aspect is the flight control system. This system's heart lies in its software, algorithms, gimbal mechanism, mechanical structure, and flight safety featuresall independently developed by DJI.

DJI's flight control system software and hardware are highly integrated, with the core code written in-house, making it difficult for others to replicate. More importantly, the entire system, from control to data transmission, is fully developed by DJI, ensuring efficient and stable signal transmission.

Therefore, DJI can readily outsource assembly and utilize foreign components, similar to Apple, while maintaining a firm grip on its core technology. The chip sanctions have minimal impact on a company holding such critical technological prowess.

Truth or Conspiracy?

The Japanese netizen's disassembly video, surfacing at this particular time, has ignited public attention, hinting at various possibilities.

Firstly, the public may lack industry knowledge, mistaking DJI's reliance on foreign chips as an indicator of weakness, jeopardizing its image as a symbol of Chinese innovation.

Secondly, the US could be deliberately fabricating this narrative to further sanction DJI, using it as an excuse.

Regardless of the truth, DJI's progress in recent years is undeniable, consistently launching new products with superior performance and unique features, earning consumer recognition. In the face of US sanctions, DJI has remained steadfast, unwavering in its commitment to innovation.

Conclusion

DJI, a Chinese company with independently developed core technology, inspires confidence in its future growth. Its title as a beacon of Chinese innovation is not mere hype but a testament to its hard-earned achievements.

While drone technology finds wide applications, its military capabilities are undeniable. However, we should focus on its civilian applications and future development. DJI, we believe, can overcome all challenges and achieve greater success in the global market.

Readers, what are your thoughts on the US sanctions against DJI drones? Share your opinions in the comments section and let's discuss!

References:

• The US is looking to pass a new law to crack down on DJI, citing national security concerns Modern Logistics Report 2024-05-06

• DJI's three core drone technologies power the development of smart agriculture Phoenix Tech 2024-05-06

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