Tag Archive for: maker

World’s largest drone maker DJI is unfazed by challenges like US blacklist

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  • DJI was formed in 2006 out of a college dorm room by its founder Frank Wang. The company currently has over 14,000 employees, 25% of which are research and development-based.
  • DJI is just one of many tech companies that has found its products used on the battlefield.
  • In December 2021, the Shenzhen-based company was placed on an investment blacklist by the U.S. government over its alleged ties to the surveillance of Uighur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang region.

The world’s biggest drone maker DJI found itself embroiled in the Russia-Ukraine conflict last year.

In March, three weeks after Russia’s invasion began, a Ukrainian minister called out DJI on Twitter for being complicit in the war.

DJI is just one of many tech companies that has found its products used on the battlefield.

The Russian military allegedly used its drones on the battlefield. It includes the Mavic 3 drone, and Aeroscope, a drone-detection platform that enables users to identify the location of a drone operator. 

DJI — also known as Da Jiang Innovations — denied the allegations and insisted its products are designed for civilian use, and “do not meet military specifications.”

“We certainly don’t support their use for combat,” Adam Welsh, DJI’s Head of Global Policy, told CNBC.

“The unfortunate thing is that it’s a very reliable product. So, it’s become a product of choice, even for those who want to use a drone inappropriately.” 

DJI suspended its product sales to Russia and Ukraine in April. That suspension continues to be in place.

The company is not backing down despite challenges, and continues to aim for the skies.

DJI currently dominates more than 70% of the global drone market. According to a report by Drone Industry Insights, the market is expected to grow from $30.6 billion in 2022 to $55.8 billion by 2030.

The Shenzhen-based company was formed in 2006 out of a college dorm room by its founder Frank Wang. It started out by building drone control systems, which were sold to hobbyists building their own drones. By 2013, the company released its first ready-to-fly drone, the Phantom 1.

he DJI Mavic 3 Cine Drone in action on November 15,2021 in Guildford, England.

Chris Gorman | Getty Images

DJI currently employs over…

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World’s biggest drone maker and 12 other Chinese companies ‘banned’ by the US government – Gadgets Now

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World’s biggest drone maker and 12 other Chinese companies ‘banned’ by the US government  Gadgets Now

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Israeli Spyware Maker NSO Has 22 Customers in 12 EU Countries. And It’s Not Alone – Tech News

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Amazon is buying Roomba maker iRobot for $1.7 billion in cash

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TL;DR: Amazon in a surprise announcement said it has agreed to acquire Roomba maker iRobot. The all-cash transaction is valued at approximately $1.7 billion, or $61 per share, and represents a 22 percent premium over iRobot’s closing price of $49.99 at the end of trading on Thursday.

The deal gives Amazon a stronger foothold in the field of robots. Last year, the e-commerce giant launched a consumer home robot named Astro designed to serve as a mobile security camera, an entertainment hub and a communications tool.

The Wi-Fi connected, Snapdragon-powered bot features stereo speakers, dual cameras, a 10-inch touchscreen and even a USB-C port. Astro can only be purchased by invite and will set you back $999.99 during the ongoing introductory period. After that, expect to pay $1,449.99 for an opportunity that not everyone believes is ready for mainstream audiences.

Amazon has also invested in other gadgets designed to make life easier such as the Ring doorbell and its array of Alexa-powered speakers. Amazon’s acquisition of iRobot, however, is substantially larger than Ring and represents one of the largest moves yet by newly minted CEO Andy Jassy, who replaced founder Jeff Bezos at the helm a little over a year ago.

In fact, the iRobot deal ranks as Amazon’s fourth largest to date behind Whole Foods, MGM and One Medical at $13.7 billion, $8.45 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively.

Dave Limp, SVP of Amazon Devices, said they are excited to work with the iRobot team to invent in ways that make customers’ lives easier and more enjoyable.

iRobot was founded way back in 1990 by Colin Angle, Rodney Brooks and Helen Greiner, who previous worked in MIT’s Artificial Intelligence Lab. Its first robotic vacuum cleaners for consumers arrived in 2002, and the company went public in 2005. iRobot also has a line of mopping robots for hard-surface floors and has added multiple features to its vacuums including automatic dust bin emptying.

Per usual, the deal will be subject to customary closing conditions including shareholder and regulatory approval. iRobot’s Colin Angle will remain as CEO post-acquisition, we’re told.

Image credit: Kindel Media

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