Controversy Surrounds Autel Robotics Amidst Grenade Release System Images for Titan Drone

Official Retail Photos Raise Questions on Autel’s Stance

Recently, official retail photos of the Autel Titan Heavy Lift Drone equipped with a grenade release system have sparked controversy, contradicting Autel Robotics’ statements on non-military use of their products.

These images, initially appearing on the website of official Autel retailer OBD Price and then on eBay, show the drone with four grenades or explosives attached, raising concerns about the intended use of Autel’s drones.

The photos showing the Autel Titan Heavy Lift Drone with explosives attached to it were first discovered and shared on Twitter by Konrad Iturbe.

Note: the images on the OBD Price website have been removed but are still visible on eBay.

The Autel Titan: Specifications and Capabilities

• The Autel Titan is designed to transport payloads up to 22lbs (10kg).
• It boasts a maximum flight time of 56 minutes and a 12.4-mile (20km) transmission range.

Autel’s Firm Stance Against Military Use

Autel Robotics has issued two statements (1, 2) emphasizing their opposition to the use of their drones for military purposes or activities that infringe upon human rights.

The Chinese drone maker stresses compliance with applicable control requirements for selling and transferring their technology and conducting rigorous blacklist scans of customers and partners.

Autel’s Efforts to Maintain Peaceful Business Practices

• Autel Robotics has banned all business operations in conflict regions like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict area.
• The company asserts its products are intended solely for civilian use.

Consumer Drones in the Ukraine-Russia Conflict

The situation with Autel’s images comes amidst the significant role consumer drones from companies like DJI and Autel Robotics have played in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. These drones have been repurposed for military use, despite manufacturers’ intentions for civilian applications.

Autel’s Response to Speculations

Autel Robotics has clarified that concerns about their technology being used for illegal purposes are unfounded and speculative. They reiterate their dedication to civilian drone development and production.

DroneXL’s Take

The emergence of the Autel Titan’s grenade release system images presents a challenging contradiction for Autel Robotics. While the company pledges its commitment to peaceful development and civilian use of its products, these images have raised questions about the potential military applications of consumer drones, highlighting the complex dynamics of drone technology in global conflicts.