Autel Robotics
Autel Robotics is a Shenzhen drone maker founded in 2014 by Maxwell Lee and Li Hongjing, and one of the main rivals to DJI. Its first drone, the X-Star, reached global markets in 2015. The consumer EVO line, including the EVO Nano+, EVO Lite and EVO II, was followed by the EVO Max 4T, an enterprise drone announced at CES 2023 in Las Vegas on 5 January 2023, and by the Dragonfish series of fixed-wing VTOL drones, which use a tilt-rotor design. Autel held about 7 percent of the US drone market in 2021, rising as DJI faced restrictions. The company has since come under US pressure itself: the Commerce Department added it to the Entity List, and the Pentagon added it to its Chinese military company list on 6 January 2025. Autel denies any military role and says it is a civilian company.
💡Notable Achievement: Autel was added to the Pentagon's Chinese military company list on 6 January 2025, a listing it disputes.
What Does Autel Robotics Do?
Autel Robotics is a Shenzhen drone maker, DJI's main rival, with the EVO consumer and enterprise multirotors and the Dragonfish tilt-rotor VTOL aircraft.
“A major DJI rival in consumer and enterprise drones.”
EVO Range
From consumer EVO Lite to EVO II and EVO Max enterprise models.
Dragonfish VTOL
Tilt-rotor fixed-wing drones with a NEST docking platform.
Since 2014
Founded in Shenzhen by Maxwell Lee and Li Hongjing.
What Can Autel Robotics Robots Actually Do?
Cross-portfolio operational capabilities, manipulation tasks, and environmental competencies
Camera, thermal and mapping drones.
Enterprise Inspection
EVO Max and EVO II models carry thermal and zoom payloads.
Long-Range VTOL
Dragonfish fixed-wing drones for long missions.
Consumer Photography
EVO Lite and EVO II Pro for aerial imaging.
Autel Robotics Robots
Showing 10 of 10 total models
Autel Alpha
By: Autel Robotics
Launched: 2024
The Autel Alpha is a professional enterprise drone engineered for demanding missions, featuring a robust IP55-rated airframe capable of withstanding 12 m/s winds and operating from -20°C to 50°C. It delivers up to 40 minutes of flight time with hot-swappable dual batteries, enabling continuous operations without downtime. Equipped with omnidirectional obstacle avoidance using vision sensors and millimeter-wave radar, it detects wires, poles, and glass even at night. The modular payload system supports simultaneous use of up to two payloads across five ports, including a 48MP RGB camera, dual thermal cameras with 56x hybrid zoom, and a 2km laser rangefinder. Advanced SLAM navigation, AI target recognition, and 15km transmission range via adaptive frequency-hopping ensure reliable performance near powerlines and in complex environments. With speeds up to 25 m/s and a 3kg payload capacity, it's ideal for inspection, search, and surveillance tasks requiring precision and endurance.
EVO Max 4N
By: Autel Robotics
Launched: 2024
The Autel Robotics EVO Max 4N is an advanced enterprise drone featuring integrated wide-angle, zoom, thermal cameras, and a laser rangefinder for versatile imaging in day and night conditions. It supports 720° obstacle avoidance, Autel SkyLink 3.0 transmission up to 12.4 miles, and A-Mesh 1.0 for multi-drone networking. Capable of 42-minute flights, IP43 protection, and operation from -20°C to 50°C, it excels in GPS-denied environments with 3D mapping and autonomous mission planning. Hot-swappable batteries enable extended operations, while night vision with 0.0001 LUX sensitivity and thermal imaging with 16x zoom suit search-and-rescue, inspection, and surveillance. Robust anti-jamming and secure data handling make it ideal for professional applications requiring reliability and precision.
Dragonfish-25
By: Autel Robotics
Launched: 2023
The Autel Robotics Dragonfish-25 is a fixed-wing VTOL drone designed for professional applications, featuring rapid 5-minute deployment and runway-independent operations. It offers up to 2 hours of flight time, a maximum speed of 108 km/h, and a 1.5 kg payload capacity, with modular gimbals including 4K zoom cameras and thermal sensors. Equipped with redundant systems for safety, Level 6 wind resistance, and an 18 km transmission range, it supports RTK for cm-level accuracy. The high-strength composite airframe ensures durability, while the 9.7-inch ground station provides intuitive control with AES-256 encryption. Ideal for surveying, inspection, and search missions, its silent flight and anti-interference capabilities enable efficient coverage of large areas with minimal personnel.
EVO Lite Enterprise Series
By: Autel Robotics
Launched: 2024
The EVO Lite Enterprise Series consists of ultra-portable, foldable quadcopters designed for rapid deployment in critical missions. The 640T model features a dual-gimbal system with a thermal imaging camera (640x512) and a 48MP visible light camera, while the 6K model utilizes a 1-inch CMOS sensor with an adjustable aperture (f/2.8-f/11). Both drones weigh only 866 grams and utilize AI-driven target recognition to automatically identify and locate up to 64 different objects, including people and vehicles. Integrated with Autel's SkyLink technology, they offer a 12km transmission range and 40 minutes of flight time, making them ideal for single-operator search and rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement
EVO Max 4T
By: Autel Robotics
Launched: 2024
The Autel Robotics EVO Max 4T is an advanced enterprise drone featuring a versatile triple-camera payload with a 50MP wide-angle camera, 48MP 8K zoom camera with 10x optical zoom, and 640x512 thermal imaging sensor for superior day/night and inspection capabilities. It employs 720° omnidirectional obstacle avoidance using binocular vision and millimeter-wave radar, enabling safe navigation in complex environments including GPS-denied areas. Powered by Autel SkyLink 3.0 transmission with up to 20km range and A-Mesh networking for multi-drone coordination, it supports 42-minute flight time, IP43 weather resistance, and 27mph wind resistance. Autonomous features like 3D mapping, mission planning, and real-time object tracking make it ideal for industrial inspections, public safety, search and rescue, and surveying, combining portability with robust performance in a foldable 1.6kg frame.
Dragonfish Pro
By: Autel Robotics
Launched: 2022
The Autel Dragonfish Pro is a versatile VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) drone combining multi-rotor and fixed-wing capabilities for extended endurance missions. It achieves up to 180 minutes of flight time with a 2.5 kg payload, reaching speeds of 108 km/h and transmission ranges up to 30 km. Featuring quick 3-minute assembly, 5-second boot-up, and IP43 ingress protection, it supports modular gimbals like L50T with 50x optical zoom for detailed 2 km observations. AI-powered tracking, one-button takeoff/landing, and RTK for cm-level accuracy make it ideal for surveillance, inspections, and mapping. Robust GNSS navigation ensures reliable operation in winds up to 15 m/s, with interchangeable payloads for thermal, zoom, or multispectral imaging in demanding environments.
EVO II Pro V3
By: Autel Robotics
Launched: 2023
The EVO II Pro V3 is a professional-grade camera drone featuring a 1-inch CMOS sensor with 20 megapixels capable of capturing 6K video at 30fps. Equipped with 12 visual optical sensors integrated with 19 total sensor sets, it provides 360-degree obstacle avoidance and real-time environmental mapping. The drone delivers up to 40 minutes of flight time with a maximum transmission range of 15 kilometers, supporting tri-band communication (2.4GHz, 5.8GHz, and 900MHz) for enhanced anti-interference capabilities. Advanced features include Moonlight Algorithm 2.0 for superior low-light performance, dynamic tracking, and automatic return-to-home functionality, making it ideal for professional photography, videography, and public safety applications.
EVO II Dual 640T V3
By: Autel Robotics
Launched: 2023
The Autel Robotics EVO II Dual 640T V3 is a professional-grade quadcopter drone featuring a dual-camera system with a high-resolution 48MP visible light camera and a 640x512 thermal imaging sensor at 30Hz. It offers 360° obstacle avoidance using 19 sensor groups, including visual, ultrasonic, and IMUs, enabling safe navigation in complex environments. With up to 38 minutes of flight time, 15km transmission range via SkyLink 2.0, and Dynamic Track 2.1 for multi-object tracking up to 64 targets, it excels in thermal inspections, search and rescue, and public safety. The 3-axis gimbal provides stable 8K video, 16x digital zoom on thermal, and radiometric temperature measurement. Paired with a 7.9-inch Smart Controller V3 featuring 2000 nits brightness, it supports live 1080p streaming, IP43 protection, and operates from -20°C to 50°C for versatile enterprise applications.
Dragonfish Standard
By: Autel Robotics
Launched: 2022
The Autel Robotics Dragonfish Standard is a versatile tilt-rotor VTOL drone designed for professional missions, combining multirotor precision with fixed-wing endurance. Featuring up to 126 minutes of flight time, it reaches speeds of 30 m/s and supports payloads like DG-Z2, DG-T3, and DG-L20T with fast-disassembly gimbals. IP43-rated for weather resistance, it handles level 6 winds (12 m/s vertical) and includes AI tracking, real-time monitoring via dual-redundant CAN bus, and autonomous mode switching. Quick 3-minute assembly, 5-second boot, and 30 km transmission range make it ideal for surveying, inspection, and search operations. High-quality sensors ensure stable flight in harsh conditions, with GNSS support for precise positioning and modular design for reliability.
Autel Evo Lite+
By: Autel Robotics
Launched: 2022
The Autel Evo Lite+ is a professional-grade camera drone designed for high-quality aerial photography and videography. It features a 1-inch CMOS 20MP sensor with an adjustable aperture from f/1.1 to f/2.8, enabling excellent low-light performance and sharp image capture. The drone supports 6K video recording at 30fps and offers a 3-axis gimbal with a unique 4-axis stabilization system for smooth footage. It boasts a maximum flight time of 40 minutes, a top speed of 18 m/s (65 km/h) in Ludicrous mode, and advanced obstacle avoidance with ultra-wide angle sensors. The Evo Lite+ supports a transmission range of up to 7.4 miles with 2.7K video streaming and features intelligent tracking of up to 64 subjects. Its compact, lightweight design and robust wind resistance make it suitable for diverse environments and professional use.
Autel RoboticsSoftware & AI Ecosystem
Developer platforms, fleet management portals, autonomy intelligence, and enterprise integrations
Dragonfish NEST and EVO NEST
Automated Deployment
Docking platforms for takeoff, charging and mission deployment.
Autel RoboticsTimeline & Milestones
Evolutionary history, landmark prototypes, major acquisitions, and commercial roadmap
Autel Robotics founded in Shenzhen
Maxwell Lee and Li Hongjing found Autel Robotics in Shenzhen to build consumer and commercial drones.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
X-Star drone released
Autel releases the X-Star, its first drone, for global markets.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
EVO Max 4T announced at CES 2023
Autel announces the EVO Max 4T enterprise drone and accessories at CES 2023 in Las Vegas.
Source: autelrobotics.com
Added to the Pentagon Chinese military company list
The US Department of Defense adds Autel Robotics to its Section 1260H list. Autel says it is not a defence contractor and has never taken part in military activities.
Source: dronedj.com
Autel Robotics Competitors by Category
Direct industry rivals grouped by specific robotics domain
What Makes Autel Robotics Different?
Editorial AnalysisOrigin of Bots objective strategic assessment, engineering moats, and commercial hurdles
Key Strengths & Moats
- ✓Broad range from consumer to enterprise and VTOL.
- ✓Gained US share when DJI faced restrictions, about 7% in 2021.
Core Strategic Focus
Enterprise drones and defending its US position.
Road Ahead & Challenges
- •Pentagon 1260H listing and Commerce Entity List placement.
- •Consumer EVO lines face intense price pressure from DJI.
Autel Robotics vs Key Competitors
Strategic capability matrix across platform categories, commercial readiness, and target markets
| Strategic Dimension | Autel EVO Max 4T | Autel Dragonfish Pro | DJI Matrice 30 | Skydio X2D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category / Focus | Enterprise inspection drone | Fixed-wing VTOL drone | Enterprise inspection drone | Defense and enterprise drone |
| Est. Price | USD 8000-10000 | USD 25,000 – 50,000 | $500-$1500 | USD 14,000 - 18,000 |
| Weight | 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs) — includes battery and gimbal | 17 kg (Max Takeoff Weight); 15 kg (Typical without payload) | 3.77 kg (including two TB30 batteries) | 1.3 kg (2.87 lbs) |
| Release Year | 2024 | 2022 | 2024 | 2023 |
Corporate Ecosystem & Ownership Structure
Parent company relationships, historical acquisitions, and global operating facilities
Articles & Industry News
Showing 8 recent articles and news updates about Autel Robotics
Autel Alpha Unveils Enterprise Drone Powerhouse
News about Autel Alpha
Autel EVO Max 4N Conquers Night with 5km Detection
News about EVO Max 4N
Dragonfish-25 Delivers 210-Minute Endurance Breakthrough
News about Dragonfish-25
Autel Axes EVO II Line, Spotlights Lite Enterprise Drones
News about EVO Lite Enterprise Series
Autel EVO Max 4T Redefines Enterprise Drone Autonomy with 720° Obstacle Avoidance
News about EVO Max 4T
Autel Dragonfish Pro Masters Ship Landings in 2025 Upgrade
News about Dragonfish Pro
Autel EVO II Pro V3 Masters Night Shoots with Moonlight 2.0
News about EVO II Pro V3
Autel EVO II Dual 640T V3 Deploys 45 Seconds with 640x512 Thermal
News about EVO II Dual 640T V3
Robot Comparisons
Showing 1 in-depth comparison featuring Autel Robotics — Explore all comparisons →
Frequently Asked Questions
8 AnswersVerified answers, company specifications, and deployment details about Autel Robotics
What is Autel Robotics?
Autel Robotics is a Shenzhen-based drone maker founded in 2014. It sells consumer drones such as the EVO line and enterprise and fixed-wing VTOL drones such as the EVO Max 4T and Dragonfish.
Who founded Autel Robotics?
Maxwell Lee, a Chinese American entrepreneur, and Li Hongjing founded Autel Robotics in Shenzhen in 2014, according to its Wikipedia profile.
What was Autel's first drone?
Autel's first drone was the X-Star, released in 2015 for global markets. It was followed by the EVO series, the EVO Max 4T and the Dragonfish VTOL drones.
What is the Autel EVO Max 4T?
The EVO Max 4T is an enterprise drone Autel announced at CES 2023 on 5 January 2023, alongside new accessories and the Dragonfish NEST and EVO NEST docking platforms.
What is the Autel Dragonfish?
The Dragonfish is a family of tilt-rotor VTOL fixed-wing drones. It was released at CES 2021 and works with the Dragonfish NEST platform for takeoff, charging and mission deployment.
Is Autel Robotics banned in the United States?
Autel was added to the Pentagon's Chinese military company list on 6 January 2025 and to the Commerce Entity List earlier. Autel rejects the allegations and says it is not a military supplier.
How big was Autel in the US drone market?
Autel held about 7 percent of the US drone market in 2021, according to its Wikipedia profile, and its share rose after DJI faced US government restrictions.
Where is Autel Robotics based?
Autel Robotics is headquartered in Shenzhen, China, with offices in Italy, Germany, Singapore and Seattle in the United States as of 2023.
Verified Data & Editorial Assurance
Compiled from verified corporate filings, official Autel Robotics datasheets, and robotics engineering registries. Information has been verified against official manufacturer documentation. For commercial procurement or proprietary integrations, contact the manufacturer directly.