DJI Matrice 4 Gets Major Brain Upgrade: Manifold 3 and Obstacle Sensing Module Now Available

DJI Enterprise has officially released two game-changing accessories for the Matrice 4 series: the Manifold 3 onboard computer and the Obstacle Sensing Module. These accessories transform the compact M4 drones into intelligent inspection platforms capable of autonomous 3D mapping and detecting obstacles as thin as power lines in real-time.

Both accessories became compatible with the full Matrice 4 lineup following an August 28, 2025 firmware update, and are now available for purchase through authorized DJI Enterprise dealers. The Manifold 3 retails for approximately $1,443 USD, while the Obstacle Sensing Module is priced at $2,075 USD.

AI-Powered Autonomy for Infrastructure Inspection

The Manifold 3 packs 100 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of computing power into a compact 4.2-ounce (120g) unit powered by NVIDIA’s Jetson Orin NX processor. When mounted on the Matrice 4E, it enables Smart 3D Explore—a revolutionary feature that delivers real-time spatial mapping and autonomous flight route planning.

“During operation, Manifold 3 generates a rough model in real time and transmits it to the remote controller,” according to DJI’s technical specifications. “Users can then quickly create precise mapping routes that conform to the object’s geometry.”

This capability transforms cell tower inspections, bridge assessments, and industrial facility surveys. Rather than manually plotting flight paths around complex structures, operators can now let the system autonomously map the environment and generate optimal inspection routes on the fly.

The Manifold 3 is compatible with the Matrice 400, Matrice 4 Series (M4T/M4E), and Matrice 4D Series drones. With an IP55 weather-resistant rating, it operates reliably in temperatures from -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C).

LiDAR Obstacle Detection for Complex Environments

The Obstacle Sensing Module (model LR-01) weighs just 7.9 ounces (225g) but delivers comprehensive omni-directional protection. It combines rotating LiDAR with five-direction millimeter-wave radar to detect wires and obstacles as thin as 0.47 inches (12mm) at flight speeds up to 33 mph (15 m/s).

Originally exclusive to the dock-deployed Matrice 4D and 4TD models, the August firmware update expanded compatibility to the Matrice 4T and 4E. This democratizes advanced obstacle avoidance for enterprise operators who need enhanced safety without investing in the full Dock 3 autonomous system.

The module excels in challenging conditions where standard vision systems struggle. The LiDAR and millimeter-wave radar work in darkness, fog, and low-visibility environments—critical for power substation inspections, nighttime operations, and flights near metal structures or thin cables.

“The aircraft can bypass obstacles during flight route tasks and RTH process,” the firmware release notes explain, noting that “when the vision system is not working, the aircraft cannot bypass obstacles during flight route tasks and will perform original route RTH by default.”

Real-World Applications Across Industries

Power and Energy Inspection: The combination of Manifold 3’s real-time 3D mapping and the Obstacle Sensing Module’s wire detection capabilities makes transmission tower and substation inspections safer and more efficient. Operators can autonomously navigate around high-voltage lines while capturing detailed visual and thermal data.

Cell Tower Maintenance: As shown in DJI’s demonstration video, the Smart 3D Explore feature enables automated cell tower mapping. The system creates a 3D model of the tower structure while flying, then generates precise inspection routes that follow antenna arrays and equipment mounts.

Bridge and Infrastructure Assessment: Engineers can deploy the Matrice 4E with Manifold 3 to autonomously map bridge supports, trusses, and cable stays. The system plans optimal flight paths around complex steel structures, ensuring comprehensive coverage without manual waypoint plotting.

Search and Rescue Operations: The Matrice 4T paired with the Obstacle Sensing Module can navigate through disaster sites with enhanced safety. The omni-directional obstacle detection works in darkness and poor visibility conditions typical of emergency response scenarios.

Construction Site Monitoring: The Manifold 3’s ability to process data onboard enables real-time progress tracking. Developers can install third-party applications through DJI Pilot 2 to create custom automated workflows—from data collection to task execution—all processed on the drone.

Developer Platform and Expandability

The Manifold 3 fully supports DJI’s Payload Software Development Kit (PSDK V3), enabling developers to build custom applications. Third-party apps can now be installed locally through DJI Pilot 2 using a smartphone-like interface, eliminating complex command-line operations.

The onboard USB 3.0 Type-C port supports Power Delivery and allows connection to external devices including USB drives, network interface cards, and specialized sensors. Developers can access LiDAR point cloud data from the Matrice 400 and overlay AR visuals in the DJI Pilot 2 app for complex inspection scenarios.

“You can install application packages from the third-party ecosystem, such as software for power grid, river, and pipeline inspections, to enhance efficiency in specific scenarios,” according to DJI’s developer documentation.

Technical Specifications and Compatibility

Manifold 3 Specs:

• Computing Power: 100 TOPS (60 TOPS GPU + 40 TOPS DLA)
• Weight: 4.2 oz (120g)
• Operating Temperature: -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
• Ingress Protection: IP55
• Power Consumption: Up to 33W (maximum, under direct sunlight at 104°F/40°C)
• Interface: E-Port V2 (supports E1, E2, E3 ports; E3 recommended)

Obstacle Sensing Module Specs:

• Model: LR-01
• Weight: 7.9 oz (225g)
• Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.5 x 3.4 inches (103.3 x 64 x 85.8 mm)
• Operating Temperature: -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
• Sensing System: Rotating LiDAR + five-direction millimeter-wave radar
• Detection Speed: Up to 33 mph (15 m/s)
• Minimum Wire Detection: 0.47 inches (12mm)
• LiDAR FOV: 58° vertical, 360° horizontal
• Ingress Protection: IP55

Both accessories require the latest firmware (v14.03.00.03 or higher) for full functionality on all supported Matrice 4 models.

DroneXL’s Take

The release of Manifold 3 and the Obstacle Sensing Module represents a significant shift in DJI’s enterprise drone strategy. Rather than reserving advanced autonomy features for $20,000+ dock-deployed systems, DJI is now making AI-powered intelligence accessible to operators flying the more affordable Matrice 4T and 4E.

This democratization of technology matters. A utility company doesn’t need to invest in a Dock 3 infrastructure to safely inspect transmission towers—they can equip a Matrice 4T with the Obstacle Sensing Module for enhanced wire detection. A bridge inspection team can add Manifold 3 to their Matrice 4E and gain autonomous 3D mapping capabilities without changing their entire workflow.

The Smart 3D Explore feature particularly stands out. We’ve seen countless drone operators manually plot waypoints around cell towers and complex structures—a time-consuming process prone to coverage gaps. Having the system autonomously map the structure in real-time and generate optimal inspection routes could cut field time significantly.

The pricing is strategic. At $1,443 for Manifold 3 and $2,075 for the Obstacle Sensing Module, these accessories represent meaningful investments but remain accessible to mid-sized enterprises. Compared to the cost of a single failed inspection mission or the value of enhanced safety margins, the ROI becomes compelling quickly.

DJI’s developer-friendly approach through PSDK V3 and app-store-style installations through DJI Pilot 2 could spark an ecosystem of specialized inspection applications. We’re already seeing third-party developers create custom software for power grid, pipeline, and infrastructure inspections. The ability to process data onboard and execute automated workflows without cloud dependencies addresses data security concerns many enterprise clients have raised.

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