ACSL drones enter US airspace! NDAA compliant, affordable SOTEN now available. See how this Japanese manufacturer is changing the game. Click to learn more!
Taking Command: ACSL Drones Enter US Airspace 🇺🇸
The buzz surrounding ACSL’s move into the US drone market isn’t just hype; it’s a significant shift in the landscape. As drone pilots, we’re always evaluating new platforms and technologies, and the arrival of a major Japanese manufacturer like ACSL demands our attention. Several recent YouTube videos offer valuable insights into this development, raising important questions about capability, compliance, and the future of our industry. What does ACSL bring to the table? How does their technology stack up against existing options? And crucially, how will their presence impact our operations and the security of our data? Let’s break down the key information gleaned from these discussions and get a clearer picture of ACSL’s trajectory in the US.
Key Insights from the Field: ACSL in the US Market
Here’s what stands out from the recent video coverage:
The SOTEN is Cleared for Takeoff in the US: (Video 1 & 3) The ACSL SOTEN, a flagship small folding drone, is now officially available for purchase in the US through authorized dealers. This is a concrete step, moving beyond announcements to tangible availability. The videos highlight its NDAA compliance and “Made in Japan” pedigree, addressing growing concerns around data security and supply chain integrity.
NDAA Compliance is a Key Differentiator: (Video 2 & 3) The emphasis on NDAA compliance isn’t just a talking point; it’s a strategic advantage. For many government agencies and organizations with stringent security requirements, this compliance is a non-negotiable factor. ACSL is directly addressing this critical need in the US market.
Affordability and Feature-Rich Design: (Video 2 & 3) The SOTEN is being positioned as an “affordable” option within the professional drone market, priced under $10,000 for the standard package. Crucially, this affordability doesn’t seem to come at the expense of features. The swappable camera system (EO/IR, multispectral, optical zoom), encrypted communication, and robust build quality are highlighted as key selling points.
Strategic Partnerships for Market Penetration: (Video 3) ACSL isn’t going it alone. They’ve established a network of authorized dealers, including names like Advexure and Volatus Drones. This is a smart move, leveraging existing infrastructure and expertise to ensure proper distribution, support, and service for their products. These partnerships are crucial for building trust and accessibility within the US market.
Continuous Improvement and Future Development: (Video 3) ACSL is signaling a commitment to ongoing development, with plans for upgraded cameras, enhanced controllers, extended flight times, and even an SDK for third-party software integration. This forward-looking approach suggests they’re not just entering the market but aiming to be a long-term player.
Focus on Practical Applications: (Video 2 & 3) The SOTEN is specifically designed for critical infrastructure inspections and disaster relief efforts. This targeted approach speaks to a practical understanding of the needs within the commercial drone sector. The hot-swappable camera system is a prime example of a feature directly addressing the diverse requirements of these missions.
ACSL’s Presence at Industry Events: (Video 4) ACSL’s participation in events like AUVSI Xponential demonstrates their commitment to engaging with the US drone community, showcasing their technology, and gathering feedback. This direct interaction is vital for understanding market needs and refining their offerings.
Early Stages of US Market Entry: (Video 5) While some videos are more recent, it’s important to note that ACSL’s entry into the US market has been a developing story over the past year. Early discussions focused on establishing a US presence and introducing the SOTEN. This longer timeline provides context for the current availability and progress.
Exploring Broader Applications: (Video 6) While not directly focused on the US market, the interview about mail delivery highlights ACSL’s broader technological capabilities and their experience in developing end-to-end solutions. This provides context for their expertise and potential for future innovation in the US.
Navigating the Future: ACSL’s Trajectory in the US
ACSL’s entry into the US market isn’t just about introducing a new drone; it’s about offering a compelling alternative, particularly for operators prioritizing security and a non-Chinese manufacturing origin. The SOTEN, with its NDAA compliance and focus on practical applications, appears well-positioned to carve out a significant niche. We’re seeing a clear emphasis on building trust through transparency, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to ongoing development. The swappable payload system is a particularly interesting feature, offering operational flexibility that can be a game-changer for various inspection and data-gathering missions. As pilots, we’ll be closely watching how ACSL integrates into the existing ecosystem and how their technology performs in real-world US operations.
Ready to Learn More? Dive into the Details
Want to see the ACSL story unfold firsthand? Scroll down to explore the individual video highlights and get the full picture of their US market entry.
Keep reading for the highlighted videos
ACSL SOTEN available in the USACSL Inc.2,119 views | 25 | January 23 2024 17:08:03 (4 comments)[ Read more … ]
Learn more about some key features of the ACSL SOTEN, now available in the US through authorized dealers. SOTEN is NDAA compliant and made in Japan by ACSL, Japan’s largest drone manufacturer.
www.acsl-usa.com
Japanese Drone Manufacture to enter the US MarketDroneLife TV1,900 views | 30 | May 4 2023 17:58:08 (3 comments)[ Read more … ]
A New Affordable, NDAA-Compliant Small Drone from Japan: the ACSL SOTEN Enters US Market Posted By: Miriam McNabbon: May 04, 2023 ACSL Soten NDAA Compliant Small UAS from JapanJapanese Drone Maker ACSL Enters US Market
by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby
Leading Japanese drone maker ACSL Ltd. has announced its official entrance into the U.S. commercial drone market.
Continue reading below, or listen:
DroneLife An – Affordable – NDAA – Compliant – Small – Drone – From – Japan The company’s California subsidiary, ACSL Inc., will be introducing an affordable NDAA compliant small UAS to the US market later this year. ACSL Inc.’s market entrance will be led by CEO Cynthia Huang, a member of the Commercial UAV Advisory Board who previously led DJI’s North American Enterprise segment as well as drone software company Auterion.
Japan’s preferred drone developer, ACSL has a wide range of product offerings but plans to enter the market with its flagship small folding fleet drone, the SOTEN. Shipping is expected to take place in late 2023.
“Japan is a country renowned for its manufacturing of premium technology and ACSL is no exception,” said Huang. “There is immense attention to detail and very intentional product development that goes into each system. We are truly excited to bring the next generation of Japanese drone technology to the US market and offer new solutions to an industry looking for more options.”
ACSL Inc. intends to collaborate with US organizations to further refine the SOTEN product in an R&D process led by Global CTO Chris Raabe. Formerly having worked at Boeing, Raabe holds a PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Tokyo. The feedback gathered will inform which features should be prioritized for future versions of the product.
“ACSL has been working hard to establish itself in its home market with a lineup that has consistently proven itself as a reliable tool that delivers results,” said Raabe. “We began arranging product demos for potential US clients late last year. With the opening of our subsidiary here in California, I am making the US my base, to be personally involved in our activity in the field, meeting these clients, demonstrating our capabilities, and learning about their needs.”
Initially launched in late 2021, the SOTEN has seen thousands of deployments by Japanese government and enterprise customers. The first system of its kind to offer a hot-swappable camera system, the SOTEN is a small but effective drone well suited to critical infrastructure inspections and disaster relief efforts. Gathered photo and video data can be optionally encrypted before being recorded to the memory card, and the drone’s communication with the controller is always encrypted.
The SOTEN drone captures 20-megapixel photographs and 4K video using a 1-inch sensor, a mechanical shutter, and a variety of pre-set image capture modes. Its camera system can be hot-swapped with an EO/IR camera, multispectral camera, or an optical zoom camera. The SOTEN has an estimated flight time of 25-29 minutes and is weather resistant. Obstacle detection sensors are present on the front, bottom, and top of the drone. Equipped with the standard camera and battery, the SOTEN weighs a total of 3.8lbs, and its folding design and compact nature lend it to a variety of enterprise use cases.
Those who wish to see the SOTEN up close will be able to do so when the company exhibits at the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit in June in Houston, Texas and at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada in September.
Read more:
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ACSL Unveils New NDAA Compliant SOTEN Drone in the US with Pricing and Authorized DealersDroneLife TV528 views | 4 | January 24 2024 16:48:14 (0 comments)[ Read more … ]
Navigating the Future: ACSL Introduces NDAA-Compliant SOTEN Drone with Affordable Pricing and Authorized Dealers
ACSL, Inc. (ACSL), the renowned Japanese drone manufacturer, reveals the pricing, availability, and authorized dealers for its highly anticipated SOTEN small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). ACSL made its debut in the U.S. drone market in May 2023, and after extensive feedback from potential clients, it is now prepared to introduce the upgraded SOTEN to the American market.
SOTEN, known for its affordability and capabilities, features a swappable camera and robust encryption processes, making it suitable for a wide range of missions, including critical infrastructure projects. The drone has undergone significant enhancements, including reduced video latency, improved gimbal and camera controls, an enhanced user interface, and compliance with FAA remote ID requirements.
new SOTEN droneACSL’s 2024 roadmap includes further improvements such as an upgraded optical/thermal camera, smart controller enhancements, extended flight time, long-range communications, cellular network connectivity, and an SDK for third-party software development.
The initial batch of 50 SOTEN drones arrived in the U.S. in late 2023, with plans for additional units to meet the increasing demand for secure, versatile, and high-performance small UAS. Priced at under $10,000 USD, the standard package is now available for order through authorized retailers.
The standard package includes the essentials for quick setup, comprising the drone, a standard camera (20MP 1” sensor with mechanical shutter), remote controller, smart battery, and all necessary cables. Additionally, ACSL will offer specialized kits, such as the Inspections Kit, which includes the drone, standard camera, 4 batteries, a hard carrying case, spare propellers, and a triple battery charging system.
new SOTEN drone
SOTEN, the pioneer of a swappable camera system, is particularly well-suited for critical infrastructure inspections and disaster relief efforts. Manufactured in Japan, the SOTEN adheres to strict security standards, ensuring the optional encryption of collected photo and video data recorded to the on-board memory card, and always encrypting communication between the drone and the controller.
Dr. Christopher Raabe, Global CTO of ACSL, expressed gratitude for the positive response from the market, stating, “We have been very grateful for the enthusiastic welcome from the market, and we will remain customer and partner focused as we continuously improve our technology.”
As part of its expansion strategy, ACSL has announced a select list of authorized dealers to support SOTEN’s entry into the market. Notable partners include Advexure, Blue Skies Drones, DronesMadeEasy, Frontier Precision Unmanned, General Pacific (GenPac Drones), Gresco UAS, UVT, and Volatus Drones. These authorized dealers will not only serve as distributors but also as certified repair and service experts, ensuring seamless customer service and support in the region.
Cynthia Huang, CEO of ACSL, Inc., emphasized the company’s commitment to bringing Japanese technological leadership into the U.S. market, saying, “Japan has been a renowned technology leader for decades, and we are committed to carrying that legacy into the small UAS as well as the greater robotics industry as we ramp up operations globally.”
ACSL at AUVSI Xponential 2024 | San Diego, CaliforniaThe Droning Company233 views | 7 | April 25 2024 06:21:21 (0 comments)[ Read more … ]
The Droning Company’s Chris Fravel interviewed the fine folks at ACSL at AUVSI Xponential 2024 in San Diego, California. The conversation revolves around the company and more specifically their Soten drone — dubbed unofficially as the next great professional camera drone platform capable of carrying multiple payloads for a variety of mission types.
To learn more about ACSL, check out the links below!
THE DRONING COMPANY LINKS: Website: https://www.thedroningcompany.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroningcompany Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDroningCompany YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiPevjKgtVfwXU2w9ODsrlQ
ACSL US Drone Market Expansion, Rogers And Shaw Merge Wireless PricesAlan Yu657 views | 20 | May 5 2023 11:47:07 (5 comments)[ Read more … ]
-Large drone manufacturer in Japan called ACSL to establish a US presence to sell its drones -Rogers releases its post Shaw merge prices for phone services -Thermal video of squirrel and trees -Squirrels and ducks -Drone video of trees and sky
0:00 Intro And Weather 0:21 ACSL Drone 2:45 Rogers Wireless 3:59 Wildlife and Thermal 5:18 Drone Video
#drone #acsl #rogers
Vlog Entry 2315
The future of mail drone delivery – Interview with ACSLUniversal Postal Union93 views | 2 | October 13 2023 17:05:08 (0 comments)[ Read more … ]
ACSL, a Japanese drone manufacturer and a UPU Consultative Committee (CC) member, talks about developing end-to-end delivery solutions to rationalize postal operations, optimizing postal services in difficult landscapes, partnering with Japan Post, and sharing its technological know-how though the UPU CC membership.
The interview was recorded on the sidelines of the WCO-UPU Global Conference in Tokyo in June 2023.
More about the UPU CC working to facilitate sector-wide cooperation: https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Bodies/Consultative-Committee
About the Author
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