DJI, the global leader in commercial drone technology, is preparing to launch an upgraded version of its Matrice series drone in the second quarter of 2025. The new model expected to be named either the Matrice 400 RTK or Matrice 500 will introduce significant advancements in artificial intelligence, flight endurance, and autonomous navigation.

Designed primarily for industrial applications, this next-generation drone aims to enhance efficiency and safety across multiple sectors, including infrastructure inspection, search-and-rescue operations, and autonomous delivery services.

The DJI Matrice 350 RTK is a high-performance, enterprise-grade drone designed for professional applications such as surveying, inspection, mapping, and public safety. It features a robust and durable design, capable of withstanding harsh environments, and offers an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance.

Equipped with DJI’s advanced RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) technology, the Matrice 350 RTK provides centimeter-level positioning accuracy, making it ideal for precision tasks. It supports multiple payloads, including the Zenmuse H20 series cameras, allowing for versatile data collection with high-resolution imaging, thermal sensing, and laser rangefinding capabilities.

The drone boasts an extended flight time of up to 55 minutes, enhanced transmission systems for reliable connectivity, and intelligent flight modes for efficient operations. With its modular design, the Matrice 350 RTK is easy to maintain and upgrade, ensuring long-term usability for demanding professional workflows.

With industries increasingly relying on automation to optimize operations, the upcoming Matrice drone is positioned to offer a groundbreaking combination of extended operational capabilities, real-time data analytics, and unparalleled adaptability in challenging environments. The advancements in AI and sensor technologies will empower operators to perform highly complex missions with greater accuracy and reduced human intervention.

Key features and upgrades

AI-powered obstacle avoidance

One of the most anticipated improvements in the new Matrice model is its enhanced AI-powered obstacle avoidance system. By leveraging onboard machine learning algorithms, the drone is expected to detect and avoid dynamic obstacles, such as birds, power lines, and other airborne objects, in real time. This capability will significantly improve operational safety, particularly in complex environments like urban areas and industrial sites.

Beyond merely avoiding obstacles, the AI-driven navigation system is expected to enhance route planning by dynamically adjusting flight paths to optimize efficiency. This feature is particularly beneficial for infrastructure inspections and delivery applications, where unpredictable environmental conditions can pose challenges.

Extended flight time

Battery performance remains a crucial factor in industrial drone operations. The upcoming Matrice drone is expected to offer a 20% increase in battery life compared to the Matrice 350 RTK, which currently has a maximum flight time of 55 minutes. This improvement could push the endurance of the new model beyond 65 minutes per charge, allowing for longer missions without the need for frequent battery swaps.

Enhanced energy management systems and optimized aerodynamics are also expected to contribute to the drone’s efficiency, reducing power consumption and allowing for better weight distribution with additional payloads. This feature will be particularly beneficial for extended search-and-rescue operations and industrial surveying missions that require prolonged airborne monitoring.

New payload options

DJI is expected to introduce expanded payload capabilities, supporting higher-resolution thermal cameras, LiDAR sensors, and multispectral imaging systems. These enhancements will make the drone more versatile for applications such as detailed structural analysis, agricultural monitoring, and environmental surveying. The integration of improved sensors will enable more precise data collection, benefiting industries that rely on high-accuracy imaging and mapping.

Additionally, the new Matrice model is likely to support modular payload configurations, allowing operators to customize their drones based on mission-specific requirements. This flexibility will enable industries to expand the drone’s use beyond traditional applications, such as integrating radiation sensors for nuclear facility inspections or gas detection equipment for hazardous material monitoring.

5G connectivity and edge computing

The incorporation of 5G technology will enable ultra-fast data transmission, allowing operators to access real-time insights from the drone while it is in flight. Additionally, advanced edge computing capabilities will support onboard data processing, reducing reliance on cloud-based systems. This will be particularly beneficial for time-sensitive applications, such as emergency response operations, where rapid decision-making is essential.

With edge computing, data collected by the drone’s sensors will be processed on the device itself, reducing latency and improving responsiveness. This functionality will be crucial in remote environments where stable internet connections may not always be available, allowing for independent decision-making without external processing delays.

Improved weather resistance

Industrial drones must be capable of operating in harsh conditions, and the new Matrice model is expected to feature enhanced weather resistance. With a possible IP56 or IP67 rating, the drone will be better equipped to withstand rain, dust, and extreme temperatures, making it more reliable for outdoor missions in challenging environments.

New advancements in composite materials and protective coatings may also improve the drone’s resilience, reducing maintenance requirements and prolonging operational lifespan. This feature will be particularly important for energy sector inspections, where drones must withstand exposure to high winds, saltwater spray, and temperature fluctuations.

Target industries

Energy and infrastructure

The Matrice series has already established itself as a valuable tool for inspecting power lines, monitoring pipelines, and conducting wind turbine surveys. The upgraded model will provide even greater efficiency for these tasks, reducing the need for manual inspections and improving overall operational safety.

Enhanced AI analytics will allow the drone to automatically detect structural weaknesses, corrosion, or heat anomalies in infrastructure, providing real-time insights that improve decision-making and maintenance scheduling.

Emergency response

Search-and-rescue teams, firefighters, and disaster relief organizations stand to benefit from the advanced capabilities of the new drone. Improved AI navigation and enhanced thermal imaging will allow for more effective deployment in hazardous conditions, increasing the likelihood of successful rescues and faster response times.

With the ability to integrate biometric scanning tools, the drone may also assist in identifying survivors in disaster-stricken areas, improving coordination between response teams and reducing search times.

Logistics and deliveries

Autonomous drone delivery services are expected to grow in both urban and remote areas. The improved flight endurance, obstacle avoidance, and real-time data transmission capabilities of the new Matrice model will make it a strong candidate for commercial delivery applications, particularly for medical supplies, essential goods, and last-mile logistics.

Further advancements in package-handling mechanisms may allow the drone to perform precision drops or landings in confined spaces, increasing efficiency in high-density environments. This feature will be particularly advantageous for emergency medicine delivery in rural or disaster-stricken regions where ground transport is impractical.

Expected release date

DJI is expected to officially announce the new Matrice drone in April 2025, with availability projected for later in the year. As anticipation builds within the industry, this release is poised to set a new benchmark for commercial drone technology, reinforcing DJI’s position as an innovator in the field.

Industry experts predict that early adopters will include government agencies, large-scale logistics firms, and energy companies seeking to leverage the drone’s advanced capabilities to streamline operations. With rapid advancements in AI, connectivity, and endurance, the new Matrice drone is likely to reshape the industrial UAV landscape for years to come.