DJI explores home electronics as they face uncertainty in U.S. drone market
DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, is making a strategic entry into the home electronics market with its first robot vacuum called Romo. This expansion represents a significant business shift for the Chinese company as it faces mounting regulatory pressure and potential restrictions in the United States drone market. The move demonstrates how established technology companies are adapting their business models to address changing market conditions while leveraging their existing technological expertise.
Strategic Diversification Beyond Drones
DJI has compelling business reasons for expanding into home electronics markets. The company has encountered increasing challenges in its traditional drone business, particularly in key markets like the United States. Regulatory scrutiny has intensified as governments worldwide express concerns about data privacy and national security related to Chinese-manufactured technology products.
The expansion into home robotics allows DJI to utilize its considerable technological expertise in new applications. The company has spent years developing advanced sensor systems, obstacle avoidance technology, and autonomous navigation capabilities for its drone products. These same technologies translate effectively to home robotics applications like robot vacuums, where mapping, navigation, and collision avoidance are essential features.
From Handheld Cameras to E-Bikes
DJI has been quietly building a broad portfolio of non-drone products for several years. The company’s new Power Series portable power stations—led by the 1,024 Power 1000 and smaller 512 Wh Power 500—recharge to 80% in under an hour and can fast-charge DJI drone batteries in the field, signalling a bid to power creators and campers alike.
On the mobility front, DJI’s Avinox e-bike drive system, unveiled at Eurobike, packs 105 Nm of torque into a 2.52 kg mid-motor and is already being adopted by premium mountain-bike brands such as Amflow and Forbidden, positioning DJI against incumbents Bosch and Shimano in the booming e-MTB segment.
Meanwhile, its handheld imaging line now includes the Osmo Pocket 3 with a 1-inch sensor and 4K/120 fps recording, the rugged Osmo Action 4 action camera, and the RS 4 Pro gimbal capable of stabilizing 10 lb cinema-rigs—all leveraging DJI’s core strengths in sensors, stabilization and battery management to serve vloggers and professional filmmakers.
Current Regulatory Environment and Market Pressures
The drone manufacturer faces significant regulatory challenges in the United States, which represents a crucial market for the company. Under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed in December 2024, DJI must undergo a security review by an unspec December 23, 2025. If no agency completes this assessment by the deadline, DJI will automatically be added to the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List, effectively preventing new DJI drone models from being sold in the United States.
Current market conditions have already created significant challenges for DJI’s U.S. operations. The company’s drones are experiencing widespread availability issues, with many retailers reporting empty inventory despite no formal ban being in place. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been detaining DJI drone shipments, citing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act as justification.
These regulatory pressures extend beyond simple import restrictions. Government agencies at federal, state, and local levels have implemented various restrictions on DJI drone usage. The Department of Interior previously grounded approximately 800 Chinese-made drones over security concerns, while multiple federal agencies have been prohibited from purchasing DJI products since 2020.
Implications for the U.S. Drone Industry
DJI’s strategic exploration toward home electronics signals broader implications for the American drone industry. As the United States moves toward greater airspace independence, the potential exclusion of DJI from the American market creates both challenges and opportunities that will reshape the domestic drone landscape.
The Trump administration has issued executive orders emphasizing “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” and “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty”, establishing a clear policy direction toward domestic drone manufacturing and reduced reliance on foreign technology. These initiatives aim to accelerate the commercialization of American-made drone technologies while strengthening supply chain security. The federal government is actively working to expand U.S. drone exports and support domestic manufacturing capabilities.
However, the transition away from DJI may present some operational challenges for American users. DJI currently dominates the U.S. drone market with an estimated 70-90% market share, meaning thousands of businesses, public safety agencies, and individual operators rely on the company’s products for daily operations. A potential ban could force these users to transition to alternative platforms that may be more expensive and potentially less capable – at least initially – than current DJI offerings.
The Shifting Market
American drone manufacturers are positioning themselves to fill this potential market gap. Companies like Skydio, Inspired Flight, and Ascent AeroSystems have developed domestic alternatives specifically targeting the commercial and government sectors. The Department of Defense has supported the development of NDAA-compliant drone systems through initiatives like the Blue UAS Framework, which provides approved alternatives for government use.
For DJI, the company’s exploration into home electronics demonstrates how established technology firms can adapt to changing geopolitical conditions. By diversifying into markets less subject to national security scrutiny, DJI can maintain revenue growth while reducing its exposure to regulatory risks in specific sectors. This strategy may serve as a model for other technology companies facing similar challenges in international markets.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Â Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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