By Eric Cohen
Sony Communications Inc. (aka “Sony Mobile”) is collaborating with ZMP Inc. to “develop autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle technology.” That would be “drones” for all of you corporate speak illiterates out there. The resulting partnership has been named “Aerosense, Inc.” which will combine ZMP’s automated driving and robotics know-how along with Sony’s camera, sensor and telecommunications expertise. Apparently, Sony had been developing its own robotics technology as well. But it is ZMP who have been developing driverless vehicle technology which should either scare or delight you.
(It remains to be seen if the fruit of ZMP’s labor will beget the wacky robo taxis of TOTAL RECALL or develop into a real world “Cyberdyne Systems.” It’s a delicate path, folks. TERMINATOR fans take note).
While the above was announced through a Sony press release, it is not clear if Aerosense will be creating actual drones or simply supplying technology to drone manufacturers. The release does mention how it aims to “roll out these services for enterprise customers beginning in 2016.” It… could mean anything. So we’ll have to wait until next year to see where the two companies are headed with this. This venture is also indicative of Sony’s Internet of Things (IoT) proposal involving their desire to collaborate and develop creative solutions for the consumer lifestyle experience. Basically, life hacks through technology.
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There is another detail to take note of. The press release specifically states that Aerosense will be in the business to develop, manufacture and sell “enterprise solutions using autonomous unmanned vehicles for image capture…” So they’re being vague as to whether this will be developed for aerial cinematography, still photography or both. But since the combination of drone technology with videography has proved very popular with amateurs and professionals, it stands to reason that collectively Sony and ZMP couldmove in this direction.
