• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • DroneRacingLife
  • DroneFlyers
  • Newsletter
DroneLife

DRONELIFE

Stay up to date on all the latest Drone News

  • News
  • Products
  • Industries
    • Agriculture
    • Construction
    • Delivery
    • Dual Use
    • Inspection
    • Public Safety
    • Surveying
  • Enthusiasts
  • Regulations
  • Business
  • Video
  • Podcasts

5 Drone Trends to Look Out For in 2017

January 11, 2017 by Malek Murison 3 Comments

Now that CES 2017 has come to an end, it’s the perfect time to look back at the biggest drone stories from the Consumer Electronics Show and how these trends will carry forward in 2017. The Las Vegas convention is normally a tech paradise, as well as being the venue for a number of product announcements and futuristic prototypes. This year was no different. Here’s what we learned about the year to come for the drone industry at CES 2017.

The Selfie Drone market is determined to succeed

Early 2017 has already seen the launch of a number of drones designed to be small, portable and easy to use. This has been labelled as the selfie drone generation, as manufacturers try to fill the void between the top consumer models and the toys. Whether or not there is a concrete market for these aerial vanity drones remains to be seen, but there’s certainly no shortage of companies and startups making a play in this sector.

the mola ufo is part of the 2017 selfie trend

Among the exhibitors was the Hover Camera Passport, ZeroTech showing off the new Dobby S, the Mola UFO from Nine Eagles and the Wingsland S6.

These drones are all designed to be foldable and easy to transport, but there’s arguably still a better balance to be found between size and image quality than these can offer. We haven’t got our hands on a Hover Camera yet, but the majority of credible reviews state that although usability is impressive, a lack of 4K image stabilization holds the drone back. That’s one nut that the selfie drone industry will need to crack if it’s to live up to the hype in 2017.

EHANG’s 184 could actually happen

Since CES 2016, many in the tech world have awaited news from EHANG on the company’s unique passenger transport drone. The huge 184 is designed to carry people over short distances, a bit like an aerial version of Uber. It goes without saying that when EHANG debuted the concept last year, plenty thought it was simply wishful thinking and that the idea would never get off the ground.

Ehang will 2017 be the year of personal transport drones?
EHANG 184

This January, EHANG came back with news and more importantly, footage, of successful testing. It looks as though personal transport above the ground might not be so unlikely after all. Having said that, no matter how close the EHANG 184 is to being ready for action, exactly how willing legislative bodies and aviation agencies are to incorporate it into the airspace remains to be seen. We’re not holding our breath.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8shiw6zY_A

DJI isn’t satisfied with consumer market domination

DJI is best known for its hugely popular range of consumer drones, which includes the Phantom series and the new Mavic Pro. Having said that, the Chinese drone giant is no stranger to the commercial market either. The recent release of the Inspire 2, as well as two new products unveiled at CES 2017, suggest that the company will continue to target professional operators, too.

one prototype of dki's crystalsky monitor

While the Inspire 2 is aimed at the blurred line between consumer and professional, DJI’s new Ground Station Pro application and a new 4K monitor, CrystalSky, both have obvious commercial applications. DJI has also bought a majority stake in Hasselblad, a well-established camera and optics company from Sweden. With experience comes expertise, and the move will likely see the DJI’s new drones offer image quality that continues to be as impressive as its engineering.

More modular designs are coming in 2017

Towards the end of 2016, it became clear that modular drones, such as the GoPro Karma, represented a new trend on the horizon. While the Karma simply offered 3 products in one, other manufacturers are looking to the same modular concept to build drones that are innately customizable. And indestructible.

One of those that could take 2017 by storm is Airblock. This drone is made up of magnetic, modular parts and can be taken apart and put back in different configurations. Check out the video below:

Although not hugely original in the world of drone racing, another modular drone that looks like it will make an impact in 2017 is the UVify DRACO, which can travel at speeds of 100mph and can be easily reassembled in the event of a crash.

Another modular drone for 2017: the UVIFY DRACO

GoPro isn’t done yet

While Nick Woodman was mainly at CES 2017 to talk about GoPro’s new action cameras, the CEO behind the currently absent Karma also spoke about his company’s first foray into the drone market. Despite the recall at the end of 2016, Woodman suggested that the Karma will be re-released later this year, with more detail coming in February.

GoPro also confirmed that there are already plans in the pipeline for the Karma 2. “The reception for Karma was very strong,” said Woodman, speaking to The Verge. “It was unfortunate about the recall, but what we learned was that our existing customers and new customers are really excited about Karma’s value proposition. It means that the foundation has been laid for great things to come in the Karma line.”

Malek Murison
Malek Murison

Malek Murison is a freelance writer and editor with a passion for tech trends and innovation. He handles product reviews, major releases and keeps an eye on the enthusiast market for DroneLife.
Email Malek
Twitter:@malekmurison

Subscribe to DroneLife here.

Filed Under: DL Exclusive, Entertainment, Enthusiasts, News, Products, Technology

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. DJI Tightens Security to Ease Data Vulnerability Fears | News and Reviews about Drones, Quadcopter, Camera says:
    August 15, 2017 at 12:33 am

    […] in the next several weeks. DJI’s apps include DJI GO, DJI GO 4, DJI XT Pro, DJI Pilot and Ground Station Pro, which run on smartphones and tablets that control the drone or connect to the drone’s remote […]

    Reply
  2. Five Things That 2017 Will Bring For Drones | Dronereview says:
    January 13, 2017 at 8:38 am

    […] For more details about these developments in the drone market, check out this article. https://dronelife.com/2017/01/11/drone-trends-2017/ […]

    Reply
  3. 5 Drone Trends to Look Out For in 2017 | AllDrones.com says:
    January 12, 2017 at 11:17 am

    […] post 5 Drone Trends to Look Out For in 2017 appeared first on […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

LATEST

Quadsat Raises €5 Million to Advance Electronic Warfare Capabilities

New investment supports the company’s expansion into defense and NATO-aligned markets Strategic Investment to Accelerate Defense Expansion Odense, Denmark-based Quadsat…

Continue Reading Quadsat Raises €5 Million to Advance Electronic Warfare Capabilities

DJI Raises Concerns Over Expedited Security Review

Chinese drone maker says that a rushed evaluation may lead to unfair outcomes DJI, the world’s largest commercial drone manufacturer,…

Continue Reading DJI Raises Concerns Over Expedited Security Review

DIU Expands Blue sUAS List to Include Green sUAS Platforms, Clarifies Certification Pathways

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has announced substantial changes to its Blue sUAS program, now immediately recognizing Green UAS certified…

Continue Reading DIU Expands Blue sUAS List to Include Green sUAS Platforms, Clarifies Certification Pathways

DRONERESPONDERS Launches UNITE to Strengthen Public Safety Drone Training Nationwide

New program addresses urgent training needs revealed by recent survey DRONERESPONDERS Announces New National Training Program AIRT, the non-profit organization…

Continue Reading DRONERESPONDERS Launches UNITE to Strengthen Public Safety Drone Training Nationwide

Percepto’s New Solution Delivers Real-Time Emissions Insights at Scale

Percepto launches AI solution to analyze vast troves of emissions data By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill Percepto, which has…

Continue Reading Percepto’s New Solution Delivers Real-Time Emissions Insights at Scale

Three Take-Aways From the FAA’s Assure A50 sUAS Traffic Analysis Study

The ASSURE A50 “Small UAS Traffic Analysis” report is a large-scale look at real-world drone activity captured through Remote ID…

Continue Reading Three Take-Aways From the FAA’s Assure A50 sUAS Traffic Analysis Study

XTEND Secures $30M Extension to Complete $70M Series B Funding

New investment supports U.S. expansion and advanced AI robotic systems XTEND, a company known for its AI-powered tactical autonomous robotic…

Continue Reading XTEND Secures $30M Extension to Complete $70M Series B Funding

Pentagon Transfers Blue sUAS Program to DCMA, Opens Door to More Drone Companies

Major Changes Coming to the Pentagon’s Blue sUAS Drone Program The Pentagon is making sweeping changes to its Blue sUAS…

Continue Reading Pentagon Transfers Blue sUAS Program to DCMA, Opens Door to More Drone Companies

Department of Defense Accelerates Drone Procurement: A Game-Changer for Military Operations

The Department of Defense has taken major steps to speed up the purchase of uncrewed systems. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth…

Continue Reading Department of Defense Accelerates Drone Procurement: A Game-Changer for Military Operations

What the U.S. Section 232 Drone Probe Means for the Industry

U.S. Initiates Section 232 Investigation Into Imported Drones: Implications for Industry and Security On July 15, 2025, the U.S. Department…

Continue Reading What the U.S. Section 232 Drone Probe Means for the Industry

Secondary Sidebar

Footer

SPONSORED

Inspired Flight Gremsy IF800 VIO F1 drones geo week

What Will It Take to Strengthen U.S. Drone Manufacturing? A Conversation with Inspired Flight’s CEO

Global Mapper Mobile data collection

Collection Ground Control Points with Global Mapper Mobile

Military Drone Mapping Solutions

How SimActive’s Correlator3D™ is Revolutionizing Military Mapping: An Exclusive Interview with CEO Philippe Simard

Photogrammetry Accuracy Standards

SimActive Photogrammetry Software: Enabling Users to Meet Accuracy Standards for Over 20 Years

NACT Engineering Parrot ANAFI tether indoor shot

Smart Tether for Parrot ANAFI USA from NACT Engineering

Blue Marble, features global mapper, features Blue Marble

Check Out These New Features in Global Mapper v25 from Blue Marble

About Us | Contact Us | Advertise With Us | Write for Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service

The Trusted Source for the Business of Drones.

This website uses cookies and third party services. By clicking OK, you are agreeing to our privacy policy. ACCEPT

Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT