Intel Movidius Provides Visual Intelligence Technology to the Ultra-Compact DJI Spark Drone

Intel Movidius, a leading provider of low-power computer vision and embedded artificial intelligence, is offering visual intelligence technology to the ultra-compact DJI Spark, company’s first mini-drone. The Intel Movidius Myriad 2 vision processing unit (VPU) is a unique processor, which accelerates machine vision tasks like object detection, 3D mapping, and contextual awareness through deep learning algorithms.

 

“To reach the impressive level of miniaturization seen in Spark, DJI looked to Intel Movidius chips for an innovative solution that reduces the size and weight of the drone,” said Remi El-Ouazzane, vice president of New Technology Group and general manager of Movidius Group at Intel Corporation. “Our advanced Myriad 2 VPU combines the processing of both traditional geometric vision algorithms and deep learning algorithms, meaning Spark not only has spatial awareness but contextual awareness as well.”

 

 

Discussing the drone, it’s the most compact drone in DJI’s product portfolio. The device uses Myriad 2 VPU for onboard computer vision processing and deep learning algorithms at high speed, enabling applications like sense-and-void, optical tracking, and gesture recognition. DJI has implemented Myriad’s cutting edge vision and deep learning algorithms so as to offer advanced features like:

 

Face-Aware: The launch process is quite seamless as Spark rests on the palm of the user and recognizes his/her face to determine when to take off. 

 

Gesture Mode: It recognizes various hand gestures like waving hands, arm gestures, and making a frame with your fingers to let it know that you are ready for the shot.

 

Safe Landing: The underside of the drone is packed with vision sensors to identify what is below it so as to facilitate a safe landing.

 

These exciting features are accompanied by DJI’s object avoidance algorithm that makes it one of the most intelligent drones in the market. Movidius has been working with DJI since 2015 to offer advanced vision processing to its drones. Its ultra-low-power architecture Myriad 2 renders crucial space and energy savings so that the drone can handle the full-scale intelligent features enjoyed by other DJI drones. 

 

 

Spark is available for pre-order at DJI’s online stores, flagship stores, and authorized dealers at $499. The pre-orders will start shipping by mid-June.

 

 

Intel Corporation is an American multinational corporation and technology company headquartered in Santa Clara, California that was founded by Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce. It is the world’s largest and highest valued semiconductor chip makers based on revenue and is the inventor of the x86 series of microprocessors: the processors found in most personal computers (PCs). Intel also manufactures motherboard chipsets, network interface controllers and integrated circuits, flash memory, graphics chips, embedded processors and other devices related to communications and computing.