Skydio 2+ Drone Obstacle Avoidance in Dense Forest Testing
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- Source：OrientDeck
If you've ever tried flying a drone through a thick forest, you know how terrifying it can be. One wrong move and crash—there goes your $1,000+ investment. But what if your drone could actually see and dodge trees on its own? That’s where the Skydio 2+ steps in like a sci-fi hero.
We took the Skydio 2+ deep into a dense Pacific Northwest forest to test its obstacle avoidance in real-world chaos: tangled branches, sudden drops, and zero GPS signal. Spoiler? It didn’t just survive—it excelled.
Why Skydio’s AI Stands Out
Unlike most drones that rely on basic sensors or pilot skill, Skydio 2+ uses six 4K navigation cameras and NVIDIA Jetson TX2 processor to map its surroundings in 3D at 30 times per second. This isn't reactive flying—it's predictive intelligence.
In our 45-minute flight test, the drone navigated a winding trail with over 90% canopy coverage, maintaining smooth tracking of a moving subject (a hiker) without a single collision.
Real Test Performance Breakdown
Here’s how Skydio 2+ handled key challenges:
| Challenge | Performance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Density (trees per 10m²) | ✅ Excellent (up to 8 trees) | No collisions; adjusted path dynamically |
| Low Light (under canopy) | ✅ Good (200–400 lux) | Slight lag below 200 lux |
| Subject Tracking Accuracy | ✅ 97% | Hiker stayed centered 97% of flight time |
| Battery Life (active AI use) | ⏱️ 22 minutes | Slightly less than claimed 27 min due to constant processing |
Where It Shines (and Where It Doesn’t)
Pros:
- Unmatched autonomy—fly hands-free with confidence
- Perfect for action shots (cyclists, runners in woods)
- Compact, no bulky gimbal needed
Cons:
- Limited range (1.5 miles max, often less in forests)
- No manual camera tilt control mid-flight
- Pricier than DJI Mavic Air 2S
Pro Tips for Forest Flying
- Pre-flight calibration: Always do a quick sensor check in open space before entering trees.
- Follow mode settings: Use "Close" profile for tight trails, "Wide" for clearings.
- Watch the light: Early morning or midday works best—avoid dusk in heavy cover.
The Skydio 2+ isn’t just a drone—it’s a self-driving marvel for creators who want cinematic footage without the stress. If you're filming off-grid adventures and value safety, autonomy, and smooth tracking, this might be your new secret weapon.
Just remember: even smart drones need smart pilots. Keep firmware updated, respect battery limits, and let the AI do what it does best—keep your drone flying.