DJI, specializing in drone technology, has partnered with the automotive manufacturer BYD to develop Lingyuan, a drone system integrated into the roof of a vehicle.
This collaborative effort results in a roof-mounted drone station designed for use with BYD vehicles. The system facilitates autonomous drone take-offs, landings, and real-time video capture, all controlled through the car’s central touchscreen display.
The Lingyuan system allows users to film road trips and other activities from an aerial perspective. However, there are limitations to its operation. The vehicle’s speed must remain at or below 33 mph (54 kph) during filming. Exceeding this speed may result in the drone’s inability to maintain its position.
Furthermore, the vehicle must reduce its speed to 15 mph (25 kph) for drone deployment and landing. This speed restriction is necessary to ensure the drone’s safe landing on the moving vehicle.
The Lingyuan system, which was initially previewed by BYD in 2023, is now available for all BYD models. The package includes a retractable landing pad, a charging station, and video editing software. The system also includes a drone, which appears to be the DJI Air 3S quadcopter, although the specific model is not explicitly stated.
Currently, the Lingyuan system is exclusively available in China, with a price of 16,000 Chinese yuan (approximately $2,200). There are no current announcements regarding its availability in other regions.
