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Parrot Invests $2M in MicaSense to Deliver Drone-Based Sensing Solutions for Precision Agriculture

MicaSense, a sensor and information company, today announced it has raised $2M in Series A funding from Parrot, a worldwide leader in technology innovation. MicaSense delivers a fully integrated hardware solution for agricultural remote sensing from any unmanned aerial platform, tightly coupled with cloud-based analytics to provide crop health information to growers. The funding will enable MicaSense to expand its engineering and manufacturing capabilities to support a growing network of customers worldwide.

“Agriculture is one of the fastest-growing market segments for unmanned aircraft commercial applications,” remarked Henri Seydoux, Founder and CEO of Parrot. “The sensors required to capture accurate data are a critical part of the solution, and MicaSense brings this technology to the table.”

Parrot Invests $2M in MicaSense to Deliver Drone-Based Sensing Solutions for Precision Agriculture

MicaSense has developed RedEdge™, a rugged yet lightweight, professional-grade multispectral camera optimized to capture precise and repeatable information across five spectral bands.

Unlike consumer digital cameras, the MicaSense RedEdge system collects information that is quantitatively accurate, allowing data to be compared across fields and over time. MicaSense offers this capability to all UAV owners and manufacturers, enabling any small unmanned platform to deliver satellite-quality data at leaf-scale resolution when and where it is needed. After data capture, a secure cloud-based solution for processing, storage, and analytics allows growers and agronomists to easily view and manage their fields.

“The value of remote sensing to growers significantly increases with timely and cost-effective access to high-resolution, precise data,” said Dr. Gabriel Torres, Co-Founder and CEO of MicaSense. “Putting actionable information into the hands of decision makers allows optimization of inputs and early detection of problems, minimizing losses and maximizing crop yields.”

Working with a select group of early adopters throughout 2014, MicaSense has delivered valuable data to growers, covering more than 10,000 acres of high-value crops. MicaSense is expanding its offering of sensors and data services for spring of 2015.

About MicaSense

MicaSense develops technologies that enhance the capabilities of robotic platforms, delivering integrated solutions for data gathering, processing, and analytics. Founded by three aerial robotics experts, MicaSense has offices in Seattle, WA and Simi Valley,

About Parrot

Founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux, Parrot creates, develops and markets advanced technology wireless products for consumers and professionals.

The company builds on a common technological expertise to innovate and develop in three primary markets:

– Automotive: With the most extensive range of hands-free communication and infotainment systems for vehicles on the market.

– Civil drones: With leisure quadricopters and solutions for professional use.

– Connected objects: With a focus in audio and gardening.

Headquartered in Paris, Parrot currently employs more than 900 people worldwide and generates the majority of its sales overseas.

Parrot has been listed on Euronext Paris since 2006.

8 Ultimate Tips Before Buying A Drone

Thousand of drones are sold in United kingdom and United State every year and this Number is much higher when we talk about the entire world. Some predict it’s a multi-billion dollar industry. Some People do it just for fun.Getting into flying drones isn’t for everyone, and it can cost you a little or a whole lot, depending on which decisions you make

The best part is that prices on drones are dropping rapidly, so you can own one today without spending a fortune. you’ll still see a dent in your bank account if you buy a middle range or high range model, so you need to make sure you buy the right one. We’ll help you figure it out.

Here are a 8 Ultimate Tips Before Buying A Drone to consider when buying a drone.

1. Sharpen Your Technical Knowledge

Money and time investment are always the top points to consider, Before Buying Such a expensive product however in case of drones, You must consider the technological factors. Some drone models are ‘plug-and-play’ type and other might require trim adjustment, GPS or network connections. Also gather information about where will the still images and videos will be saved.YouTube is much more useful as compared to most of the manuals related to drones. So, once you find a drone that fulfills your needs and interest, go on YouTube and watch and learn with the experiences of other people while they fly their drone. This can really help you to solve any technical issues with your drone.

2. Set a budget:

Like any consumer market, the drone industry offers a wide range of unmanned aircraft –from toys to industrial-grade aircraft. As with your first purchase, it’s important to establish a budget and stick with it – bells and whistles may look cool but add up quickly.

3. Recognize your purpose:

Determining which drone is best for you will depend on many factors. What are you hopping to accomplish? Will your drone be used for an occasional backyard spin or drone selfie? Farming? Live streaming video from inside a burning building?

4. Educate yourself

Like any new hobby or vocation, Drone Flying requires skill which in turn requires education. Whether it’s deep conversation with an experienced hobbyist, an immersive cram session of online manuals or (for serious future pilots) enrollment in a formal drone-flight “school” like the Unmanned Vehicle University in Arizona (where students can earn a Drone Pilot Training Certificate), some form of training is a must for any would-be UAV user. Fortunately, the rise in popularit y of drones has spawned tons of meetup groups and informal learning sessions so it isn’t that difficult to connect with someone who can help you.

5. Consider Buying Prop-Guards

No matter how much of an expert you are in flying drones, this is a hard and fast rule that you are going to crash your drone at least once. So when it happens, make sure you are braced-up for the best. The propellers of these photography drones are probably the first thing get the hit. In such a situation, propeller guards can be a savior and prolong your propeller’s life.

6.The Flying Environment Is It Suit Able

Are you going to fly your photography drone in your neighborhood, or will it see a big lawn? Does your locality witness high-speed winds? All these factors must be clearly understood before you invest your hard earned money in a drone. Things like whether your neighbors will return your drone or not if a gust of wind makes it land in their house must also be considered.

7. Have a maintenance plan:

Let’s be clear – drones are aircraft, flying in all kinds of weather and through all kinds of wind shears. Eventually, an accident will happen – a “mayday!” moment when your drone is going to kiss Terra forma hard. It will be at that moment when you will learn how skilled (or unskilled) you may be at drone repair.

8.Make Realistic Expectations

The small UAV technology is incredible, however, it is still far from perfect. battery life is pretty limited depending upon the model and if you are recording a video then it’s even less. Wi-Fi Internet connections can lead you to latency issues and imperfect FPV flight monitoring might lead to crashes. So,you are a first time Drone buyer, don’t expect too much from your brand new drone.