Safe, reliable, sustainable

There is a manageable number of drone manufacturers in the world. Overshadowing everything else, however, is the Chinese mass manufacturer DJI with gigantic market shares, especially in the semi-professional drone sector, but also increasingly with drones that are advertised for professional use. 

The mass production of drones, led by manufacturers such as DJI, is characterized by profit-optimized product cycles that constantly launch new models onto the market at short intervals. This trend brings with it many challenges, ranging from incompatibility to environmental damage.

Short product cycles and incompatibility

The rapid development of new drone models leads to short product cycles, which means that older models quickly become obsolete. This short lifespan means that users are often forced to upgrade to newer models to benefit from the latest functions and technologies. The problem is exacerbated by incompatibility between different drone models from the same manufacturer. New features are often exclusive to newer models, prompting older drone owners to upgrade regularly to remain competitive. The duration of product support at DJI is only a few years. As a result, even if a single small component of low value is defective, an entire drone system worth many thousands of euros is no longer usable and ends up on the scrap heap.

Environmental impact and electronic waste

Frequent updates and the replacement of older models with new ones lead to a dramatic increase in e-waste. The disposal of drones that are no longer in use contributes to environmental pollution, as many of the materials used are difficult to recycle. The manufacture and disposal of electronics not only cause significant emissions, but also contribute to the depletion of limited resources. This is not in line with German environmental policy!

Profit optimization through planned obsolescence

Manufacturers can profit enormously from rapid model changes by implementing planned obsolescence in their models - the deliberate limitation of a product's lifespan. By introducing new models with advanced features that make older models unattractive, the incentive is created to regularly switch to new products. This cycle not only promotes the sale of new appliances, but also increases manufacturers' long-term profits.

Not in line with German environmental policy

This approach of short-lived product cycles and the promotion of regular product updates contrasts with the goals of German environmental policy. In Germany, there is an increased focus on sustainable production and consumption practices to reduce the environmental footprint and promote resource efficiency. The industry faces the challenge of developing innovative technologies that meet the requirements of environmental policy and at the same time meet the needs of consumers. A balance between technological progress and environmental compatibility is therefore essential. Unfortunately, this cannot be achieved with mass-produced products from China!