5 Best follow me drones in 2023

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Drones have progressed to become more than just simple flying robots; they are now also capable of acting as intelligent companions.

The ‘Follow Me’ drone is the one sort of quadcopter that never ceases to amaze us here at Artechmellows…. 

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With it, your unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) transforms into a drone that automatically follows you and records every moment of your life without requiring you to direct it.

They do not only go in the direction that you are going, either. 

You may make use of a variety of recording possibilities, which means that they can orbit where you are positioned, they can fly in and out, and the 

Follow Me feature is continually being developed and becoming more advanced.

You can use either vision recognition technology or GPS to use the follow me function. To have the drone automatically follow you around, all you have to do is activate the “follow me” mode and select the target object. The Skydio 2, the DJI Mavic Air 2, and the Yuneec Typhoon H are three of the best follow-me drones available to purchase right now on the market.

Now, if you are interested in trying out this new function, we ask that you remain here. The most impressive examples of this remarkable technology will be presented in the form of the greatest Follow Me drones.

But before we get into that, let’s take a closer look at the component.

What exactly is a “Follow Me” Drone, though?

Follow Me is a ground-breaking technology that enables the drone to independently and constantly follow you around wherever you go. It was initially made available as a feature on DJI’s Phantom 3 drones in 2015 when the company first announced it. 

Since then, manufacturers of even the most basic drones have been including it as a standard component.

The technique is remarkable in that it dispenses with the requirement that one manually pilot the drone in order to snap photographs of oneself using the device.

You can skateboard, surf, or rock climb; in short, you can do just about anything, and your drone will still get beautiful pictures of you doing it.

It’s just like having your very own friend there to record videos and take pictures for you. Definitely on the coolest scale!

This is how the technology behind the follow-me drone works.

Vision recognition and/or GPS are the two primary types of technology that are utilized by today’s follow-me drones. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each of these different follow-me formats, shall we?

Vision Recognition Technology
The ability to identify obstacles has led to the development of obstacle avoidance in today’s drones. Obstacle avoidance was present in the first version of the DJI Phantom 4. 

Since the early 2000s, robots have used data acquired by a camera to detect objects, people, and barriers. Due to its stringent computing, battery life, and safety requirements, the technology has only been implemented in drones over the past few years.

The vision recognition technique generally operates as follows:

• Cameras and sensors on the drone gather image and audio data, which is then relayed to the CPU.
• With adequate data, the CPU identifies the scene’s background and detects any moving objects.
• The airplane begins to automatically follow the moving item, as programmed.
• The ability to identify obstacles is quite useful in your UAV, and this is true even when you take into account the role they play in functions like “follow me.”

How exactly does vision recognition function, and how exactly does it assist the drone in following you around?

To begin, the sensors and camera on the drone will collect data on the sounds and images of its immediate environment. 

This information is transmitted immediately to the CPU of the drone. 

The processor has the ability to determine what is in the backdrop of the drone’s current location as well as the obstacles that are currently in motion, such as yourself.

After then, the drone will start to track you once you start moving around. Because the visual recognition system in drones can detect motion, you don’t necessarily need to be walking for the drone to follow you if you want it to. 

You may also be riding a bike or skateboard, driving a car, or sitting in a vehicle. It is also possible for your drone to follow your dog as he runs through the field if that is something you want it to do.

GPS Technology

So why utilize GPS? GPS tracking accuracy is unsurpassed, delivering greater precision than any other technology. However, the system always requires a tracker/transmitter, and obstacle avoidance is not a function.

The use of GPS is the second method that may be utilized to enable drones to follow you. 

This is the method that was initially utilized by drones in order to follow me, and given that the technology is still functional to a sufficient degree today, drone makers continue to rely on it, albeit with increased levels of sophistication.

Follow Me is a combat mode that intelligently transforms your drone into a hands-free aerial camera crew. 

There are currently two types of Follow Me technologies in use. 

There is the GSC with Follow Me GPS transmitter technology and the most recent utilizing software for recognition such as DJI ActiveTrack.

Following Drone Using GPS Transmitter/ GSC

Numerous follow-me mode drones employ a GPS-enabled mobile phone, tablet, or Ground Station Controller (GSC) in addition to a transmitter (wearable transmitter or mobile phone). The drone is set to follow the transmitter and always includes the subject in the frame.

Follow me technology establishes a virtual tie between a drone and a GPS-enabled mobile device, allowing the drone to track you or another moving subject. 

Most Follow me UAVs can either remain fixed and rotate to track the subject, or they can travel alongside the subject.

Here are three drones with GPS transmitters that allow them to follow you.

• Holy Stone HS700 Ophelia
• Holy Stone HS270
• Skydio 2 Follow Drone

The drone Tracks Its Target Using Recognition Technology

The most recent follow drones, which include vision sensors, recognition technologies, and software algorithms, include the following:

• DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
• DJI Phantom 4
• DJI Mavic 2 Pro
• Walkera Vitus
• Autel Evo
• Yuneec Typhoon H
• Yuneec Breeze
• Hover Follow You drone
• Walkera Scout X4
• Skydio 2
• DJI Mavic Air / Air 2
• DJI Mavic Pro

UAVs are equipped with sensors, recognition technologies, and software algorithms that enable them to recognize and follow a person or object. This technology enables the UAV to track a moving subject without the need for a separate GPS tracker.

1. DJI Mavic Air 2

Pros

• Extended battery life
• Intelligent flight options
• Stunning photographs and video

Cons

• Not compatible with DJI goggles

WHY WE LIKE IT: 

DJI has been at the vanguard of the drone market for years, and their Follow Me technology is more advanced than that of the vast majority of their competitors if not all of them.

The self-following drone is a gross understatement for this device. The camera’s superior construction and intelligent flight capabilities, such as obstacle avoidance, make it a magnificent professional video camera that follows you.

It can fly for almost a half-hour in a single flight, making it one of the longest-flying consumer drones.

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2. Autel Robotics EVO

Pros

• Follow Me modes are excellent for producing automatically stunning photographs.
• Incredible video quality owing to the integrated 4K camera 
• Sensors and safety features such as obstacle avoidance protect your drone and anyone in its vicinity –

Cons – It May be difficult for novices to take up quickly.

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WHY WE LIKE IT: 

The Autel EVO is waterproof, following a drone. It is not completely waterproof to the extent that it can swim, but it is water resistant and splashproof, so it will survive in wet conditions or if dropped in a puddle by accident.

The EVO utilizes Autel’s Dynamic Track technology to solidify its position as a leading candidate for the finest quadcopter that follows you.

Combining sensors, data, and AI, Dynamic Track enables autonomous flight characteristics such as human and vehicle tracking, as well as following rotation, and obstacle avoidance. 

When searching for a high-end Follow Me drone, obstacle avoidance is among the most critical characteristics.

Key Features:

• Follow Me Method: GPS
• Camera: 2K resolution camera
• Weight: 5.25 pounds
• Flight Time: 42 minutes

42Min of each battery, 126Min flight time in total with 3 batteries enables uninterrupted flight operations.

3. Potensic D88

Potensic is unquestionably more beginner-friendly and are intended to encourage participation in the activity. 

This drone’s mix of optical and altitude sensors makes hovering simple.

WHY WE LIKE IT: 

Potensic is renowned for offering high-quality, feature-rich drones at a fraction of the cost of industry leaders such as DJI and Autel. 

And it continues this tradition with the D88, one of its lineup’s most premium models.

Not only do the features make this an excellent Follow Me drone, but also the accessories. 

With its accompanying aluminum case and foldable design, it’s simple to carry it with you wherever!

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4. 3DR Solo Quadcopter

Key Features:

• Follow Me Method: GPS
• Flight Time: 20 minutes
• Camera: none; 
• Go Pro camera installation supported
• 3.35 kilograms

WHY WE LIKE IT: 

This model of follow-me quadcopter was developed with Go Pro camera compatibility in mind.

If you are a fan of Go Pro cameras and are tired of using tripods to get entertaining footage, going the additional mile and purchasing a 

Go Pro-specific drone that will follow you around is the best option.

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5. Autel Evo II

Key Features:

• Follow Me Method: GPS
• Flight Time: 20 minutes
• Camera: none; 
• Go Pro camera installation supported
• 3.35 kilograms

Similar to the remotes of other DJI drones, the EVO’s remote control features a 3.3-inch OLED display. 

The 720p HD video feed that is continuously provided to you while your EVO drone is in flight is spectacular.

WHY WE LIKE IT: 

The Autel EVO II is the improved version of the no longer available Autel EVO. 

The Autel Robotics EVO II features the Dynamic Track 2.0 follow-me mode, which enables the drone to simulate the location and speed of numerous targets simultaneously for exceptional follow-me performance. 

It can identify up to 64 items continuously, making it one of the most robust obstacle avoidance features available.

Waypoint, VR first-person, and Orbit are the additional autonomous flight capabilities. Waypoint allows you to plan your drone’s flight path, while VR first-person allows you to observe drone flight in a whole new perspective. 

These functions require the Autel Explorer application, which is available for free download.

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Follow me drones & Drone Business

Follow me drones can be used in a variety of drone business applications. Here are some examples:

• Follow me for aerial photography and videography Drones are perfect for filming outdoor events, sports, and action-packed activities in a dynamic and engaging way. They may follow and track actors, performers, and cars, giving them a special vantage point on the action.
• Search and Rescue: Keep going Drones using thermal imaging cameras can be employed in search and rescue missions to find the missing or to keep an eye on dangerous areas.
• Follow me for surveillance and security Drones can be used for security and surveillance tasks like crowd management, perimeter monitoring, and disaster response.
• Agribusiness: Come with me Drones can monitor crops, identify plant stress, and evaluate soil conditions in precision agriculture.
• Surveying & Inspection: Come with me Drones are useful for inspection and surveying tasks like evaluating infrastructure, keeping an eye on pipelines, and examining roofs and structures.
• Nature Watching: Come with me Drones with high-resolution cameras can be used for tracking and studying wildlife, enabling researchers to observe animals in their natural environments.

Let’s conclude, follow me Drones can be used for a variety of commercial purposes, including aerial photography, videography, search and rescue, agriculture, inspection, and monitoring of wildlife.

To maintain safe and legal operations, as with any drone business, it is crucial to do your research and adhere to all applicable rules and regulations.

Hints for a Safer Flight

When operating a follow-me drone, it is important to keep the following flight safety precautions in mind at all times, despite the fact that obstacle avoidance features are a very helpful tool for ensuring safe flight:

Flight altitude: In certain drone models, the follow-me mode may call for a predetermined minimum flight height to be maintained at all times. We propose setting the flight height of the drone so that it is higher than the obstacles that are around it.

Fly in an open area since, while the Intelligent Flight modes on the drones allow them to avoid objects in front of and below the aircraft, they are unable to avoid obstructions above, besides, or behind the drone. Flying in open areas is recommended. Because of this, you should only pilot the drone in wide areas where there are no obstructions to its sides or behind it.

Be sure to fly in P-mode: In order to function properly, DJI’s ActiveTrack feature needs a strong GPS connection as well as a visual recognition system, both of which are only accessible when flying in P-mode. 

When you switch the flight mode to S, the aircraft will rely solely on GPS to determine its position in the environment. 

The forward and backward vision systems, when they are installed, have been deactivated, the aircraft is unable to detect or avoid obstructions, and Intelligent Flight modes are not available. 

When the visual systems are not accessible or have been disabled, as well as when the GPS signal is poor or the compass is encountering interference, the aircraft will automatically switch to the Attitude mode, also known as ATTI mode. 

Because the aircraft is unable to navigate around the obstructions, it poses a risk to other aircraft in the area.

Battery status: Do not forget to monitor the battery levels and any alerts that may appear. 

When the battery is low, you should not attempt to use the follow-me modes. When there is at least 30 percent of battery life left, we recommend flying in the ActiveTrack mode.

Follow me drones -FAQs

These are some follow-me drone commonly asked questions (FAQs):

A follow-me drone: what is it?
An unmanned aerial vehicle that can automatically follow and track a person or object is called a follow-me drone. It has sensors and algorithms that enable it to track and adhere to the goal without manual control.

What purposes do follow-me drones serve?
Drones that follow the operator are frequently utilized to record action sports, outdoor activities, and events from a distinctive angle. They may also be employed in surveillance and search and rescue activities.

How do follow-me drones function?
A follow-me drone tracks and follows a target using GPS and other sensors. The drone can be set to maintain a specific separation and altitude from the target and to change course and speed as necessary.

What are the follow-me drones’ restrictions?
The battery life, range, and obstacle avoidance of follow-me drones are all constrained. Low light or bad weather may make it harder for them to track objects.

Which are the top follow-me drone models available?
The Autel Robotics EVO II, the DJI Mavic Air 2, and other well-known follow-me drone types are a few examples. Your unique needs and financial situation will determine which drone is ideal for you.

Can I use a follow-me drone legally?
The location and intended purpose determine whether using a follow-me drone is lawful. The FAA in the US controls drone use and has specific regulations for flying over persons and in a particular airspace. To avoid legal problems, it’s critical to understand and abide by all applicable rules and regulations.

Wrapping up Note

The implementation of visual recognition technology is a key step in the direction of the realization of intelligent and automated features in the UAV sector, and it has resulted in an improvement in both the quality of the flying experience and the level of safety. 

However, due to the fact that the follow-me feature is still dependent on the characteristics of the surrounding environment, it is essential to adhere to the standard flight safety principles. 

Try flying with a drone that can track your movements for an experience that is both completely original and highly intuitive.

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