Skip to main content

Auterion announces MAVSDK Software Development Kit for the drone communications protocol MAVLink

Auterion, the leading open-source operating system for enterprise drones, today announced the release of MAVSDK, a set of libraries in different programming languages (C++, Python, Swift, Java) that provide a high-level API to the MAVLink protocol for communication between a ground control station and drones, or the drone and a payload sensor.

Auterion announces MAVSDK Software Development Kit

Formerly known as Dronecode SDK, MAVSDK includes all the features of the previous release, along with many improvements. This new release makes it easier to develop applications in various programming languages. It also provides pre-built software libraries that allow developers to install MAVSDK and run scripts that automatically enable a variety of actions, within minutes, like take-off and landing, flying to set coordinates or waypoints or activating sensor payloads.

“Until today, customizing operations in the MAVLink protocol required a deep understanding of complex subjects such as embedded systems, drone dynamics, and the C++ programming language,” said Kevin Sartori, co-founder of Auterion. “Now, with MAVSDK, any qualified mobile developer can write high-level code for complex operations, meaning more developers will be able to build custom applications and contribute to the community.”

  • Why is MAVSDK different?
  • Provides a high-level, user-friendly API for developers (MAVLink is too basic for many use cases, even with language bindings).
  • It allows the community to be cross-platform and supports multiple programming languages in a consistent manner.
  • MAVSDK is scalable. Previous solutions, such as the defunct DroneKit, were difficult to maintain because each language had its own implementation.
  • The performance and scalability allow the use case for swarm scenarios, which requires a highly efficient backend.
  • It empowers the SDK to be extensible for specific use cases and features.
  • Most importantly, given the open nature of the MAVSDK, the goal is to enable a grassroots approach to innovation by sharing and collaborating with different “actors” (service providers, manufacturers) on a common API without hindering them from diversifying and improving.

Auterion, as the largest contributor to the project, is committed to investing and maintaining MAVSDK. The company sees the importance of a reliable and robust integration point to enable multiple use cases and accessing multiple payloads. Auterion will provide seamless integration with it for its customers and partners so that they don’t have to worry about maintaining it.

Stay in touch!

If you’d like to stay up to date with all the latest drone news, scoops, rumors and reviews, then follow us on TwitterFacebookYouTubeInstagram or sign up for our daily email newsletter, that goes out every weekday at 6 p.m. ET.

Buy your next drone directly from manufacturers, such as DJIParrotYuneec or retailers like Adorama, AmazonB&HBestBuy, DroneNerds or eBay. By using our links, we will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping DroneDJ grow!

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading DroneDJ — experts who break news about DJI and the wider drone ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow DroneDJ on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Comments

Author

Avatar for Haye Kesteloo Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo is the Editor in Chief and Main Writer at DroneDJ, where he covers all drone related news and writes product reviews. He also contributes to the other sites in the 9to5Mac group such as; 9to5Mac, 9to5Google, 9to5Toys and Electrek. Haye can be reached at haye@dronedj.com or @hayekesteloo