During its Build 2018 developer conference today, Microsoft revealed that it is partnering up with the world's largest drone maker, DJI. The two companies are working together on a new SDK for Windows 10, AI solutions, and more.
The biggest piece of the partnership is the SDK, which Microsoft says will bring full flight control and real-time data transfer capabilities to Windows 10 devices. Additionally, DJI has chosen to make Azure its "preferred cloud provides" for its commercial drone and software services.
Finally, the two companies will work together to bring Microsoft's AI expertise and Azure IoT Edge to commercial drone applications. The goal, Microsoft says, is to offer developers the custom tools to be more productive in fields like agriculture, construction, and public safety.
"DJI is excited to form this unique partnership with Microsoft to bring the power of DJI aerial platforms to the Microsoft developer ecosystem," said Roger Luo, president at DJI. "Using our new SDK, Windows developers will soon be able to employ drones, AI and machine learning technologies to create intelligent flying robots that will save businesses time and money, and help make drone technology a mainstay in the workplace."
DJI's SDK is available as part of a beta preview for attendees at Microsoft Build. It's expected to be broadly available starting this fall.
