I’ve recently turned my attention to programming drones and merging it with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Being a newcomer to the world of drones, I found myself faced with a challenge.
Finding the Right Drone
Drones have become more than just flying cameras; they’re smart, multifunctional devices. Yet, programmable ones tend to be expensive. After diligent research, I stumbled upon a developer friendly drone called the DJI Tello. Priced at just $129, it seemed the perfect fit.
The Simplicity of Tello SDK
The Tello SDK attracted me with its simplicity. It uses a WiFi UDP port and relies on intuitive text commands. A ‘takeoff’ or ‘land’ is as uncomplicated as it sounds. Distances are handled in centimeters, making commands like ‘up 500’ or ‘forward 100’ transparent and easy to understand.
Navigating Without GPS
The absence of GPS in the Tello doesn’t deter my ambition. My Proof of Concept doesn’t require this technology, as I’m more drawn to its 720p video camera capabilities. Here’s how it works:
- Initiate Video Stream: Send “streamon” to start the video stream.
- Receive Video Packets: Open a UDP socket on port 11111.
- Decode the Packets: Utilize FFmpeg to transform the packet stream into video frames.
- Display the Video: Present the video frames on the screen as they are decoded.
Integration with Azure Vision
Having already set up Azure Vision, I found a new motivation to purchase the Tello drone. The AI can now see through the drone’s eyes, interpreting the information and making decisions accordingly. The applications are fascinating, from detecting a car in my driveway to responding to motion sensor triggers in remote locations.
Why Tello? The Benefits
The DJI Tello has some distinct advantages:
- Safe and Lightweight: Ideal for indoor flying.
- Flexible SDK: Great for prototyping custom controls and behaviors.
- No FAA Registration Needed: Low-risk learning curve.
Notably, the drone retains high-end features like safe landing if it loses connection, propeller guards, and providing valuable flight data such as wifi signal strength, battery, speed, and more. Its advanced motion commands allow for intricate maneuvers, opening a world of experimentation.
Conclusion: A New Frontier
The journey has just begun, and the DJI Tello seems to be the perfect companion for my venture into the realm of drone programming and AI integration. Its features, simplicity, and affordability make it an attractive choice for anyone looking to explore this burgeoning field.