DJI launches Dock 3 for round-the-clock autonomous drone missions
DJI has introduced Dock 3, its first drone-in-a-box system built for vehicle-mounted deployment and 24/7 remote operations. The platform targets public safety, emergency response and infrastructure inspection, where fast launch times and persistent aerial coverage can be critical.
Dock 3 works with the new Matrice 4D and Matrice 4TD aircraft. Both carry a wide-angle camera, a medium tele camera, a tele camera and a laser range finder. The Matrice 4D is aimed at high-precision mapping. The Matrice 4TD adds an infrared thermal camera for public safety and emergency missions. DJI said the dock is rated IP56 for dust and water resistance, while the aircraft is rated IP55. When pre-heated, the dock can operate in temperatures from minus 30 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius. The drones also use low-noise anti-ice propellers to maintain stable flight in freezing rain or winds up to 12 meters per second.
The system is designed for flexible deployment. It can be mounted on a vehicle for emergency operations or long-distance inspection work. DJI said the platform supports horizontal calibration and cloud-based dock location adjustment. Two docks can also be mounted on one vehicle to allow dual-drone rotation. For fixed installations, users can add the D-RTK 3 Relay Fixed Deployment Version to improve video transmission and satellite connectivity. DJI also included an airborne relay function through the RC Plus 2 Enterprise controller. That allows one drone to act as a relay for another in areas without 4G coverage or where terrain and structures block the signal. The feature is aimed at search-and-rescue work and inspections in mountainous regions.
On the software side, Dock 3 connects with DJI FlightHub 2 for automated aerial operations. Operators can assign repeatable flight routes for image capture and anomaly detection. Intelligent change detection can analyze environmental shifts over time. The Virtual Cockpit interface also lets operators adjust gimbal orientation remotely through a new Mouselook function. For operations in tightly controlled airspace, DJI said the system includes a Flight Termination System that can manually or automatically stop a mission if required. The company is also offering DJI Care Enterprise Plus, with repair coverage within plan limits and battery replacement support.
The launch pushes DJI deeper into autonomous drone infrastructure, not just aircraft sales. For emergency agencies, utilities and inspection teams, the system could shorten response times, extend reach and keep drones in the air with less on-site staffing.