Autel Robotics Implements No-Fly Zones in Conflict Areas to Prevent Drone Misuse

Chinese Drone Maker Takes Decisive Action to Curb Potential Violence

In a move highlighting the ethical responsibilities of technology manufacturers, Autel Robotics, a prominent Chinese drone maker, has announced the implementation of no-fly zones across several sensitive regions.

This initiative is aimed at preventing the use of Autel drones in violent conflicts, a concern that has grown with the increasing use of unmanned aircraft in military operations.

Igor Bogdanov from Quadro_News shared a statement from Autel, detailing the regions affected and the specific models that will receive firmware updates to enforce these restrictions. The no-fly zones will be rolled out in the coming week.

READ: CHINESE DRONES CONTINUE TO SUPPORT RUSSIA’S WAR IN UKRAINE DESPITE SANCTIONS

Affected Autel Drones

The following Autel drones will be affected through a firmware update:

• EVO MAX 4T
• EVO II Pro V3 Rugged Bundle
• EVO II Pro RTK V3
• EVO II Pro Enterprise V3
• EVO II Dual 640T V3
• EVO Il Dual 640T RTK V3
• EVO II Dual 640T Enterprise V3
• EVO Nano/Nano+ series
• EVO Lite/Lite+ series
• Dragon Fish

No-fly zones

And Autel has designated the following areas as no-fly zones:

• All of Palestine
• All of Israel
• All of Russia
• All of Ukraine
• All of Myanmar
• Taiwan Province of China
• Aruna Char region
• Kashmir region.

Interestingly, Autel Robotics seems to warn its customers against updating their Autel drones if they are currently operating the unmanned aircraft in these areas.

“If the product you are already using is in the above area, please do not click on the product you are using. Any upgrade action, otherwise your drone will not be able to fly; if you insist on upgrading or accidentally upgrade, causing the drone to become unusable, we will be unable to do anything. Please read this important content carefully.”

While we have not been able to get a confirmation from Autel directly, the news has been picked up by other news outlets as well.

In November, Autel released a statement in which the drone maker said that it “strongly opposes the use of drone products for military purposes or any other activities that infringe upon human rights,” and that the company, “strictly complies with the applicable control requirements related to the selling, transfer, export, re-export, and disposal of hardware, software, and technology.”

This decision aligns with Autel’s previous statement, in which the company expressed strong opposition to the use of its products for military purposes or activities that infringe upon human rights.

READ: SPECIAL FORCES BOOST TACTICAL ADVANTAGE IN UKRAINE WITH INTENSIVE DRONE TRAINING

Both Autel and DJI, another leading drone manufacturer, have publicly stated their stance against the use of drones in military actions.

However, consumer drones continue to be employed by various parties in conflict zones, such as Ukraine, raising concerns about their unintended applications.

Autel’s latest measure serves as a proactive step to ensure their products are not complicit in escalating conflicts, reflecting a growing awareness of the ethical implications of drone technology in global hotspots.

Here’s the complete statement from Autel Robotics.

Important Notice:

In order for Autel Robotics’ products and services not to be used in violent conflicts, no-fly zones have been set up for sensitive areas, including: all of Palestine, all of Israel, all of Russia, all of Ukraine, all of Myanmar, Taiwan Province of China, Aruna Char region, Kashmir region.

Starting today, in the next week AutelRobotics will target the following: EVO MAX 4T, EVO II Pro V3 Rugged Bundle, EVO II Pro RTK V3, EVO II Pro Enterprise V3, EVO II Dual 640T V3, EVO Il Dual 640T RTK V3, EVO II Dual 640T Enterprise V3, EVO Nano/Nano+ series, EVO Lite/Lite+ series, Dragon Fish series will send firmware through online upgrade. If the product you are already using is in the above area, please do not click on the product you are using. Any upgrade action, otherwise your drone will not be able to fly; if you insist on upgrading or accidentally upgrade, causing the drone to become unusable, we will be unable to do anything.

Please read this important content carefully.