Infinite Flight? Laser Charging Could Change Drone Ops Forever
Imagine a drone that never has to land to recharge. No battery swaps, no return-to-home warnings—just continuous, persistent flight. That sci-fi concept is inching closer to reality with new laser-based wireless power technology demonstrated by PowerLight Technologies.
While currently aimed at military hardware like the K1000ULE, the implications for the enterprise and eventually consumer drone markets (think DJI Matrice or future security drones) are massive.
How It Works: Beaming Power
The system uses a ground-based transmitter that fires a high-intensity laser beam at a specialized receiver on the drone. This isn't just a simple laser pointer; it's a tracking system that locks onto the drone's position and delivers kilowatts of power mid-flight.
- Transmitter: Tracks velocity and vector to keep the beam locked on target.
- Receiver: A ~6lb (2.7kg) photovoltaic converter that turns the laser light directly into electricity to power the motors and payload.
- Safety: The system creates a "safety envelope" that shuts off the beam instantly if an object (like a bird or another aircraft) crosses the path.
Why It Matters for Enterprise (and DJI)
Right now, battery density is the biggest bottleneck for drone operations. A DJI Matrice 350 RTK gets maybe 55 minutes max. For search and rescue, perimeter security, or pipeline inspection, that means constant downtime.
If this technology scales down, we could see:
- Fixed-Site Security: A DJI Dock 3 with a laser transmitter, keeping a security drone in the air 24/7 over a facility.
- Disaster Relief: Drones acting as permanent Wi-Fi/LTE hotspots powered from the ground.
The Hurdles: LOS & Regulation
Don't expect this on the Mavic 5. The receiver currently weighs 6 lbs—heavier than an entire Mavic 3 Pro. Plus, regulatory hurdles for firing high-power lasers through navigable airspace are steep.
However, as with all drone tech (GPS, obstacle avoidance, thermal), what starts in the military eventually trickles down. By 2030, "recharging" might just mean hovering over your base station for a few minutes while a beam tops you up.
