Aerial imaging and video services provider DroneBase has managed to obtain an additional $12 million in Series B funding in a bid to expand its offerings to introduce an AR-enhanced service it calls AirCraft Pro. That places the total funding gained by the company for the initiative at $17 million. For those who may not already be aware, AirCraft Pro will build on the successes of the company’s AirCraft AR offering. That application effectively allows users to utilize AR and their own drones to virtually place blocks and build out objects in the real world. Pilots fly missions for DroneBase customers who have requested specific footage or shots. Meanwhile, the upgraded version will be primarily aimed at enterprise applications, rather than everyday users. Specifically, the company is marketing it for a variety of use-case scenarios across a large swath of industry ranging from insurance companies to construction. It goes without saying that the exact use will depend on the industry and it should be interesting to see what the company comes up with.
However, the company hasn’t provided a lot of detail about what the new program will entail. It’s easy to imagine that the AR aspects will likely be enhanced to allow for much more precision. For example, it may include enhancements in terms of the scale of virtual objects themselves or new user interface improvements that provide more accurate measurements for the environment the footage has been shot in. The company could also introduce specifications requirements for which drones can be piloted for the program, in order to ensure that the best hardware is used. Unfortunately, until the company officially provides a more detailed outline of the AirCraft Pro program, speculation is all that can be had. Additionally, there is not a set timeframe yet for when the services will become available, although DroneBase has disclosed that it is aiming for sometime late in 2018.
In the meantime, the company will also be looking expanding its current platform and API to add further value for customers. DroneBase API currently allows for scalability in ordering services through the company while maximizing efficiency, thanks to the open-source nature of DroneBase’s pilot programs. It also integrates with AirMap, which gives drones flying on the API more ready access to U.S.-controlled airspace when that’s near to certain facilities. The company is likely looking to improve on all aspects of that API so that it can be made more efficient and lower costs.