DJI teases new drone docking system with automated battery swapping

DJI Enterprise has scheduled an official announcement for October 14, 2026, under the campaign title “Always There, Always Ready.” A teaser released by the company suggests the launch of a new docking system and drone, potentially identified as Dock 4 and the Matrice 5TD.

A key feature revealed in a six-second teaser is an automated battery-swapping mechanism. Unlike previous DJI docks, which charge the battery currently installed in the aircraft, the new system appears to use a rotating carousel and guide rails to lift a charged battery pack into the drone’s rear bay. This capability could significantly reduce turnaround times for inspection and public safety missions compared to the approximately 27 minutes required by the Dock 3 system.

Leaked images and registry filings in China suggest the Matrice 5TD is a successor to the Matrice 4TD and is approximately 750 grams heavier. While DJI has not officially confirmed the product names, the hardware features a folded-arm quadcopter design and a V-shaped dock.