How Skydio makes its second-gen video drones
Here's a look at how the Silicon Valley startup makes its the new self-piloting video drone.
Skydio factory
Many companies rely on overseas manufacturing, but Skydio makes its own drones at its headquarters in Redwood City, California.
Skydio 2 drone
The $1,000 Skydio 2 drone has four propellers, six navigation cameras, a belly-mounted removeable camera and a 4K main camera to shoot video.
Skydio CEO Adam Bry
Skydio CEO Adam Bry stands by one fo the company's Skydio 2 drone. Drone manufacturing isn't as mature a process as making phones or PCs, he says.
Skydio 2 drone calibration
A robot calibrates a Skydio 2 drone's orientation controls in a room papered with QR codes.
Skydio wind blast
A Skydio employee blasts a Skydio 2 drone with a leaf blower to see if it can withstand strong winds.
Skydio drone history
Skydio's headquarters in Redwood City, California, shows off earlier drone models. At right is the the first product that went on sale in 2018.
Skydio headquarters in Redwood City, California
Before manufacturing comes design. Skydio's development lab is decorated with remote-control model aircraft hanging on the walls and ceiling.
Skydio drone assembly line
A short production line is at work building Skydio 2 drones.
Skydio programmer
Skydio is a drone AI navigation company at its core, which means software is a crucial part of the company's work. Programmers get giant 4K TV screens to use as monitors if they want.
Skydio controller manufacturing
A Skydio employee stamps a company logo on to an R2 drone joystick controller.
Skydio 2 beacon controller
The Skydio 2 beacon controller
Skydio 2 joystick controller
The Skydio 2 joystick controller has a spring-loaded clasp for a phone.
Skydio 2 drone
The Skydio 2 drone