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Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo is the Editor in Chief and Founder of DroneXL.co, where he covers all drone-related news, DJI rumors and writes drone reviews, and of EVXL.co, for all electric vehicle news. Haye can be reached at haye @ dronexl.co or @hayekesteloo.

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2020
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BRINC Launches Major Incentive Program for Public Safety Agencies Transitioning to US-Made Drones
Brinc

BRINC Launches Major Incentive Program for Public Safety Agencies Transitioning to US-Made Drones

BRINC has unveiled a significant new initiative aimed at helping public safety agencies transition from general-purpose drones to specialized, US-manufactured aircraft. The BRINC Beyond program, announced today, offers substantial credits of up to $15,000 per existing drone without requiring trade-ins, marking a strategic move in the evolving public safety drone sector. This development comes at…

FAA Grants vHive Historic Multi-Drone Authorization for Autonomous Solar Farm Inspections
United States

FAA Grants vHive Historic Multi-Drone Authorization for Autonomous Solar Farm Inspections

In a groundbreaking development for the commercial drone industry, vHive has secured an exclusive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waiver authorizing autonomous multi-drone operations for solar farm inspections across the United States. The authorization, announced on January 22, 2025, positions vHive as the first company permitted to deploy software-controlled drone swarms for utility-scale

Brain-Computer Interface Breakthrough: Paralyzed Man Pilots Virtual Drone Using Only Thoughts
Artificial Intelligence

Brain-Computer Interface Breakthrough: Paralyzed Man Pilots Virtual Drone Using Only Thoughts

In a groundbreaking advancement for both neural interface technology and drone control systems, researchers at the University of Michigan have demonstrated the first successful thought-controlled drone navigation through a complex obstacle course. The study, published in Nature Medicine, represents a significant leap forward in brain-computer interface (BCI) applications for unmanned aerial vehicl

Unlocking the Skies: NYC's Bold New Drone Rules - Lawsuit challenging NYC Drone Restrictions is allowed to proceed - Statue of Liberty New York City by Ralph
Legal

NYC Sanitation Department Plans Controversial Drone Program to Combat Illegal Dumping

New York City’s Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is exploring an innovative yet contentious drone enforcement program to address illegal dumping and enhance urban cleanliness monitoring. According to the Gothamist, the initiative would expand the city’s growing drone operations beyond current law enforcement applications into municipal services. Expanding Urban Drone Operations The proposed program

Palantir Eyes Major Investment in AI Drone Maker Shield AI at $5 Billion Valuation
Lockheed Martin

Palantir Eyes Major Investment in AI Drone Maker Shield AI at $5 Billion Valuation

Data analytics giant Palantir Technologies is in advanced discussions to invest in Shield AI, marking a significant move that could reshape the autonomous drone industry. The potential investment is part of a broader $200 million funding round that would value the AI drone startup at approximately $5 billion. The investment talks, first reported by The…

South Korean Drone Exports Surge 260% as U.S. Restricts Chinese Manufacturers
Doosan

South Korean Drone Exports Surge 260% as U.S. Restricts Chinese Manufacturers

South Korean drone manufacturers have achieved a remarkable milestone with exports reaching $27.54 million in 2023, marking a 260% increase from the previous year, reports Business Korea. This significant growth comes as U.S. restrictions on Chinese-made drones create new opportunities in the global market, particularly for South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups.…

Orlando approves $6.83M Skydio drone program after trial drone beat officers to the scene one-third of the time - GoPro Sells 114 Patent Assets to Skydio in Major Drone Industry Move. Chinese Drone Component Prices Surge, Impacting U.S. Market
Skydio

Taiwan Emerges as Key Alternative to China’s Drone Supply Chain Dominance, But Challenges Remain

In a significant shift in the global drone industry landscape, Taiwan is positioning itself as a crucial alternative to China’s dominance in drone component manufacturing, though the transition faces substantial hurdles and geopolitical risks, reports the WSJ. Taiwan’s government has announced plans to invest $1.35 billion over four years to develop its domestic drone industry,…

DJI Mavic 4 Pro Test Photos and Clip Reveal Triple-Camera Design, Enhanced Cooling System
DJI

DJI Mavic 4 Pro Test Photos and Clip Reveal Triple-Camera Design, Enhanced Cooling System

Fresh images shared by reliable drone industry insider Jasper Ellens offer the clearest look yet at what appears to be the upcoming DJI Mavic 4 Pro, revealing several notable design changes from its predecessor. The photos show the unreleased drone alongside the DJI Air 3S in a sophisticated camera testing setup, providing valuable insights into…

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