DJI Dock 2 / DJI Dock Mini - The Next Step in Automated Flight

DJI is taking the next step in industrial drones. Following the presentation of the DJI Dock version of the Matrice 30, it is now the turn of this station's little brother, which enables fully automated flights. What has DJI prepared this time?

Melissa kerić

Author

News Inspections Photogrammetry DJI equipment Permits Use cases DJI Dock DJI Enterprise For professionals

11/09/2023

In this article, you will learn:

1. China premiere of the DJI Dock 2 (a.k.a. "Dock Mini") on 08.11.2023 and its objective.
2. Compatible UAS: Mavic 3 Enterprise/Thermal as special Matrice 3D/3DT versions.
3. UAS upgrades for the Dock: fixed arms, IP54, RTK, 50 min flight time, batteries up to 400 cycles, MTOM 1610 g, dimensions 335×398×153 mm.
4. Cameras: 3D (4/3″ 20 MP + mechanical shutter, Tele 1/2″ 12 MP) · 3DT (1/1.32″ 48 MP, Tele 1/2″ 12 MP, Thermal 640×512).
5. Dock 2 Hardware: approx. 34 kg, 0.5×0.5×0.5 m, IP55, operation −25 to +45 °C, internal battery ≈5 h.
6. Turnaround: Drone battery 20→90% in ~32 min; landing up to 8 m/s wind.
7. Link & Range: O3 Enterprise, operating range ~9.5 km, dual GNSS-RTK antenna on the Dock.
8. Software: FlightHub 2 with auto-path planning (obstacles, high-rise buildings); PSDK/Code available for EU launch.
9. Price indication ~9–10 thousand €; availability at the Pro Fly Center (PFC); automatic flight approval required; Solectric supports procurement & installation.

Core Idea & Platforms

The DJI Dock 2 ("Dock Mini") is aimed at automated operations with smaller, lighter UAS. The core components are the specially adapted Mavic 3 Enterprise/Thermal, which DJI delivers as the Matrice 3D/3DT.

Matrice 3D/3DT – Dock Adaptations

For safe take-offs/landings in the Dock and greater robustness, fixed arms, IP54 ingress protection, RTK precision landing, and an energy management system optimized for Dock operation were implemented. Manufacturer specifications: ~50 min flight time, batteries up to 400 cycles, MTOM 1610 g, 335×398×153 mm.

Sensor Technology

Matrice 3D: 4/3″ CMOS 20 MP with mechanical shutter + Tele (1/2″, 12 MP).
Matrice 3DT: 1/1.32″ 48 MP + Tele (1/2″, 12 MP) + Thermal 640×512.

Dock 2 – Casing & Operation

Unit approx. 34 kg (≈−68% compared to Dock 1), 0.5 m edge length (≈−75% volume), IP55 ingress protection, temperature range −25 to +45 °C, internal buffer battery for ~5 hours.

Turnaround & Weather Window

Drone charging time 20→90% in ~32 min, landing up to 8 m/s wind – practical cycles for regular missions.

Connectivity & Navigation

O3 Enterprise Link, operating range ~6 miles (~9.5 km), Dock with dual GNSS-RTK for reliable positioning.

dji-dock-2-cover

Software & Integrations

FlightHub 2 remains central (including new auto-path function with obstacle consideration). PSDK and code are ready for the EU rollout – for integrations into existing workflows.

Price, Availability & Approvals

Expected price range ~9–10 thousand €. The Pro Fly Center will offer the Dock 2 starting next year. Special automatic flight approval is required for operation. The Solectric Group (PFC) supports procurement, approvals, and installation – please contact them.

Are you interested in this topic? Check it out!