Introducing DJI Dock 4: Automated Drone Operations with 25-Second Battery Swaps

DJI has announced DJI Dock 4, its latest automated drone solution, designed to support continuous aerial operations across public safety, emergency response, infrastructure inspection, security and surveying.

For organisations across New Zealand, DJI Dock 4 introduces new possibilities for automated drone operations, combining a 25-second automated battery swap with the new DJI Matrice 5TD enterprise drone. This allows the aircraft to return to the dock, replace its battery automatically and prepare for another flight in seconds, helping reduce downtime between missions.

Paired with DJI FlightHub 2 and the DJI O4 Ground Station, Dock 4 supports remote deployment and real-time aerial visibility, helping teams assess situations and monitor sites without needing a pilot physically present at the dock.

 

Ready in Seconds for Rapid Response

With DJI Dock 4, the Matrice 5TD can be launched remotely when required, reaching speeds of up to 21 m/s to provide aerial visibility ahead of ground crews. Live video streaming and high-speed data transfer help operators assess situations and share information in real time.

The dock's automated battery-swapping system can complete a swap in just 25 seconds, reducing the downtime associated with recharging between flights. The Matrice 5TD also offers a maximum flight time of up to 59 minutes, allowing it to cover more ground in a single flight.

For New Zealand organisations managing large sites, remote infrastructure or time-critical incidents, these capabilities can help improve operational responsiveness and maintain aerial coverage.

Near and Far, Day and Night

The DJI Matrice 5TD combines telephoto imaging, infrared imaging, laser ranging and full-colour night vision in a single enterprise drone. It also delivers aerial survey accuracy of up to 10 cm at 12 MP.

Its multi-sensor payload supports a range of applications, from infrastructure inspections and public safety operations to security monitoring and surveying, without the need to change aircraft between tasks.

Key Imaging Features

11× telephoto camera: Captures detailed imagery from up to 400 m away, including pin-level defects on power lines at 100 m, with a 252 mm equivalent focal length.
Infrared camera: Identifies heat patterns and potential faults, with resolutions up to 2560 × 2048 in UHR mode, 2K recording and 32× zoom at night.
Fusion mode: Combines visible-light and infrared imagery to show structural details alongside heat distribution.
Enhanced night vision: Captures full-colour 4K night imagery without a spotlight, with an NIR auxiliary light available for black-and-white night vision.
3 km laser ranging: Adds range measurements and PinPoint coordinates to the live view, supporting inspections, rescue operations and wildfire assessment.

 

Robust Protection for Reliable Flight in Complex Environments

DJI Dock 4 is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 50°C, with automatic battery preheating in cold conditions and air conditioning in high heat.

The Matrice 5TD combines three-directional mmWave radar, rotating LiDAR and a six-directional vision sensing system to support obstacle detection in complex environments. This includes detecting thin obstacles such as power lines, even at night.

When paired with the DJI O4 Ground Station, the system can support deployment in challenging locations where buildings or other structures may obstruct communications.

The aircraft can take off, land and operate in winds of up to 12 m/s. Its Wind-Exceed Descend-and-Return function is designed to help it return safely when wind conditions become too strong during a mission.

 

Improved Safety and Payload Flexibility

The Matrice 5TD supports accessories and payloads weighing up to 450 g, including speakers, spotlights and parachutes. A built-in customisable warning light can also be activated for security patrols without requiring additional installation.

These options allow organisations to configure the aircraft for different operational requirements, from site security and emergency response to inspection and monitoring tasks.

AI-Powered Workflows for Intelligent Situational Awareness

The Matrice 5TD uses onboard AI to detect 17 types of objects in real time, including vehicles, boats and animals.

Through DJI FlightHub 2's Virtual Cockpit, operators can search for specific objects using text or images. Notifications can be configured through SMS, email or platform alerts when anomalies are detected, with actions such as capturing images, recording video, tracking objects or hovering available to support the workflow.

For organisations managing multiple sites or large operational areas, these tools can help teams identify relevant activity and respond with better situational awareness.

 

Data Security and Regulatory Compliance

DJI states that data security is a priority and that its products have undergone third-party security audits and certifications.

The Matrice 5TD also supports a Flight Termination System (FTS) module, a key technical requirement for C6 compliance. The system can be triggered manually or automatically if the aircraft breaches its geocaging boundary.

New Zealand operators will need to ensure their proposed operations meet applicable Civil Aviation Authority requirements and any relevant operational approvals.

 

Learn More

 

Specifications and performance figures are based on DJI's published information and controlled testing. Actual results may vary depending on operating conditions. Feature availability may vary by country or region.

 

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Interested in seeing DJI Dock 4 in action? Register your interest with Ferntech to learn more about DJI's latest automated drone solution and how it could support your operations.

Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements, find out more about DJI Dock 4 and register your interest in an upcoming demo.

 

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