Sony Mobile Enters Drone Business
SONY is looking to drones for new business opportunities. Specifically, SONY Mobile, the division of SONY responsible for mobile phones, telecommunications and small imaging sensors, founded the company together with Tokyo-based ZMP Inc. But don't expect to buy a SONY drone anytime soon. These unmanned aircraft are not aimed at the average consumer.
It's called Aerosense, and it's the company that will open new doors for SONY Mobile, which is looking for new markets for its technology — most notably in imaging sensors. SONY supplies the imaging sensors in the Apple iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S6. Now it's looking to leverage drones to sell more cameras.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Sony isn't going to sell drones, but rather the services that an unmanned aircraft can provide in industries like agriculture and infrastructure inspection. It also doesn't seem, at least at first, that the average consumer can walk into a Best Buy and buy a Sony drone.
SONY Mobile will provide the camera, sensors, and telecommunications network, while ZMP will provide the autonomous driving and robotics technology. The two companies have previously collaborated on a venture involving autonomous vehicle technology. Each company will own 50% of the new venture.
