What system does the DJI Mavic 4 Pro use to avoid side collisions and how does it work in flight?

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What system does the DJI Mavic 4 Pro use to avoid side collisions and how does it work in flight: The DJI Mavic 4 Pro features an improved Side Sensing System that utilizes visual and Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors in multiple directions, including the left and right sides of the drone. This capability is part of the drone's Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing System, which allows it to identify and react to objects in the flight environment. Unlike previous generations, which had limited sensing to the front and below, the Mavic 4 Pro improves flight safety with this complete lateral coverage.

During flight, the side sensors are automatically activated when the Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) is enabled. These sensors analyze the environment in real time and allow the drone to automatically brake or avoid obstacles, especially in modes such as ActiveTrack or autonomous flights with Waypoints. This is critical for flights in urban environments, forests, or tight spaces, where side collisions can be common due to the lack of direct visibility for the pilot.

Furthermore, the system's accuracy is enhanced by the integration of advanced computer vision algorithms that combine data from the GPS, IMU, and visual sensors. This data fusion allows the size, direction, and distance of lateral obstacles to be identified even in variable lighting conditions. The system adjusts its trajectory in real time to avoid collisions, which is especially useful when the drone moves laterally during complex shots or panoramic flights.

The pilot can check the status of the side sensors from the DJI Fly app, where alerts and visual representations of detected obstacles are displayed. While the system is highly effective, DJI always recommends flying in well-lit conditions and avoiding reflective or transparent surfaces such as glass or water, where the system's effectiveness may be reduced. Thus, the Mavic 4 Pro's Side Obstacle Sensing system provides an additional layer of safety essential for professional flights or in challenging environments.