Yes, but only to the front, and it only brakes. The DJI Flip has a forward 3D infrared sensing system, a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor that detects obstacles 0.3 to 8 m ahead and stops the drone. It doesn't steer around them, and there's no sensing to the sides, rear or above. It works only when you fly forward manually in Normal or Cine mode with Obstacle Avoidance Action set to Brake, and during Return to Home. Tracking, QuickShots and Smart Snaps have no obstacle avoidance.
How many sensors does the Flip have?
DJI lists three sensors: one forward 3D infrared sensor, plus one downward vision sensor and one downward infrared sensor that work together.
| Sensor | Direction | Range | Field of view |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D infrared sensing system (ToF) | Forward | 0.3 to 8 m | 60° x 60° |
| Vision sensor plus infrared sensor | Downward | 0.3 to 8 m; precise hover 0.5 to 10 m | 60° x 60° |
The forward sensor meets Class 1 laser eye-safety requirements. The downward sensors hold position without GPS and help with landing.
When the Flip brakes for obstacles
Works:
- Flying forward manually in Normal or Cine mode, with Obstacle Avoidance Action set to Brake in DJI Fly.
- Return to Home: if the forward sensor sees an obstacle, the Flip climbs over it, then continues. If it's within 3 m, the drone backs away first, and it can't sense anything while flying backward.
Doesn't work:
- Sport mode turns sensing off.
- Intelligent flight modes and Smart Snaps (ActiveTrack, QuickShots, MasterShots, Follow, DirectionTrack).
- Flying sideways, backward or straight up.
Braking in palm, app and controller use
DJI's FAQ adds that with palm takeoff, the app or a controller, the Flip slows and brakes only when it detects an obstacle within 1 m ahead. It can emergency-brake while following only at speeds under 3 m/s. Above that, braking distance may not be enough. DirectionTrack doesn't auto-brake at all.
What it can't see
DJI says the vision system struggles with:
- Thin objects such as branches and power lines
- Glass, water and mirrors
- Plain white, black or single-color surfaces
- Very dark (under 15 lux) or very bright (over 10,000 lux) scenes
- Large lattice structures like cranes, towers and suspension bridges
Flying fast and low can also make the forward sensor read the ground ahead as an obstacle and hover. DJI says this is normal.
The guards are your backup
The Flip's full propeller guards mean a light bump usually doesn't break a prop. They're not a license to fly into things, but they make close flying less risky than on an open-prop drone. See Flip propeller guards.
Need better avoidance?
The DJI Mini 4 Pro has omnidirectional sensing and can steer around obstacles during ActiveTrack. Compare in Flip vs Mini 4 Pro.
Fly the DJI Flip in open spaces and keep it in sight. For tracking safety, read Flip ActiveTrack.
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