Inside the Matrice 400: DJI’s Next Leap in Enterprise Drone Capability

The Candrone Demo Day 2025 delivered an exciting look at what’s next in drone innovation, and one of the most anticipated showcases was the DJI Matrice 400, presented by Grant Hosticka from DJI Enterprise. In a one-on-one interview with Nicholas S. from Candrone, Grant walked us through the key upgrades and features that make the M400 DJI’s most advanced Matrice platform to date.

360-Degree Obstacle Detection with the LAR Unit

One of the first things you’ll notice on the M400 is the LiDAR obstacle sensing module on the front of the drone. This unit is a major step up from the M350’s visual sensors. While the M350 offered obstacle sensing on six sides, the M400 now delivers full 360-degree coverage, detecting even small hazards like distribution power lines.

The LiDAR obstacle sensor provides an extended horizontal field of view, enabling the drone to stop or avoid obstacles automatically. It’s a game-changer for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) and complex environments where obstacle detection is critical.

Single Battery System with Hot-Swap Capability

Another major redesign is the move from dual batteries to a single high-capacity battery. This simplifies operation—no more pairing batteries—and allows for extended flight time of up to 59 minutes with payload. Grant also emphasized the hot-swap feature: the drone can remain powered for up to 45 seconds using internal capacitors while you switch batteries, maintaining GPS lock and system continuity.

Boosted Payload Capacity and Configuration Flexibility

The M400 now supports up to 6 kg of payload, opening the door for heavier sensors and more diverse loadouts. The drone features four bottom mounting points (expandable to hold up to seven payloads), although most users will balance payload variety with the desire for longer flight times.

Dual and triple gimbal configurations are particularly valuable for public safety and inspection missions. A common setup includes the H30T camera and a spotlight on the front gimbal, with a speaker mounted on the back. Although the top gimbal mount from the M350 is no longer available, DJI has shifted focus to the LiDAR obstacle sensing system, which brings greater utility for most real-world operations.

Expanded Sensing and Connectivity Options

The M400 features millimeter-wave radar on five sides plus upward coverage, providing reliable obstacle avoidance even in foggy or low-visibility conditions. Visual sensors now offer full-color feeds, enhancing situational awareness for pilots when the camera is being controlled independently.

Connectivity has also seen a major boost:

The new RC Plus 2 Enterprise Enhanced controller features an extra antenna and supports 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz bands. Providing up to 40km or transmission range.
Users can also configure the M400 as a relay drone, extending transmission range in relay mode between two M400s—or from an M400 to the Matrice 4 Dock.

Software Innovations: AR Overlays and More

DJI also introduced a suite of software improvements, including a powerful AR (Augmented Reality) street overlay feature. This lets pilots view real-time street names and map data directly in their flight interface, making coordination with ground teams and stakeholders significantly easier during operations.

Final Thoughts

From its redesigned battery system and improved obstacle detection to its unmatched payload versatility and smart connectivity features, the DJI Matrice 400 is clearly built to raise the standard for enterprise drone operations.