How DJI built Mavic Pro, the art of form

DJI just keep on impressing. A making off the Mavic Pro emerged on YouTube overnight, and it is a work of art. Engineers explain exactly how DJI arrived at design decisions and overcame problems. 

Much will have been learnt by DJI in the creation of Mavic, not least how to ramp up for unprecedented demand. Nobody considered just how wildly popular Mavic would be. Pundits suggest that up to half a million Mavic’s were pre-ordered, and that manufacture is only now catching up. As a result of DJI stopping production of some of it’s older Phantom three and four models.

Go on I dare you

How DJI solved cooling and gimbal issues is a poke in the eye with a sharp stick to other manufacturers. I immediately thought of the Walkera Vitus. Having never touched a Vitus the gimbal looks clumsy and a compromise. A rushed, me too, design rather than a considered finished piece.

The other end of the stick must point at GoPro and the Karma. Recently relaunched with no real change other than a clip to secure the battery, Karma looks more like a child of 2014 than before.

Roll your own

Furthermore, this will give folks creating 3D printed Mavic clones extra design tips to incorporate into their work. 

A quick recap and update, back in January I noticed Musa Wilmar’s project and have since seen the Maviclone started before the official Mavic launch, created from leaked images.

Another most noteworthy clone comes from Thingiverse user CdRsKull. 

Back on topic. DJI have subtly changed the narrative again. They are telling high street consumers what to look for in drone design.

I can see folks asking where the cooling is in drone XYZ while stood in big box store B.

In conclusion, DJI is trying a Jedi mindshare trick, these are the drones you are looking for.