ACSL, a prominent Japanese drone manufacturer, has announced the official U.S. launch and pricing details for its SOTEN small Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). This move marks a significant step in ACSL's expansion into the U.S. drone market, following the company’s entry in May 2023.
The SOTEN, priced under $10,000, is positioned as an affordable and versatile drone, particularly suitable for critical infrastructure inspections and disaster relief efforts. ACSL's focus on incorporating customer feedback has led to enhancements such as reduced video latency, upgraded gimbal and camera controls, and compliance with FAA remote ID requirements.
Notable Features of the SOTEN:
- Hot-swappable Camera System: A pioneering feature in small UAS, allowing flexibility across various missions.
- Robust Encryption: Ensuring security of the data collected, with optional encryption of photo and video data.
- Enhanced User Interface: An improved user experience aligning with FAA regulations and customer needs.
- Future Upgrades: Anticipated improvements include a better optical/thermal camera, extended flight time, and third-party software development capabilities.
The SOTEN package includes the drone, a standard camera with a 20MP 1” sensor, remote controller, a smart battery, and necessary cables. An Inspection Kit, offering additional accessories, is also available.
ACSL’s Global CTO, Dr. Christopher Raabe, emphasized the extensive field testing and demonstrations conducted to align the SOTEN with market needs.
“We’ve been out in the field with dozens of customers and partners, demoing and testing SOTEN extensively with the goal of truly understanding the needs of the market. The response to SOTEN’s flight dynamics, security features, and overall capabilities has been excellent”
ACSL's expansion in the U.S. is supported by a network of authorized dealers and service partners, including Advexure, DronesMadeEasy, General Pacific (GenPac Drones), Gresco UAS, and UVT. These partnerships aim to ensure high-quality customer service and support.
“There is a rising drone ecosystem in Japan and we are excited to bridge that growth with the needs in the US market by working in partnership with some of the best UAS dealers and experts in the industry. They recognize that our SOTEN system showcases some of the best that Japan is uniquely positioned to both improve and offer more of, from flight and image quality, manufacturing precision and secure supply chains, to approachable price points,” said Cynthia Huang, CEO of ACSL, Inc.
“Japan has been a renowned technology leader for decades and we are committed to carrying that legacy into the small UAS as well as the greater robotics industry as we ramp up operations globally.”
The launch of SOTEN by ACSL in the U.S. market represents a blend of Japanese precision, technological innovation, and a keen understanding of customer needs in the evolving drone industry.
.png)
