DJI Unveils Vacuum Cleaner in Surprise Tech Expansion

The whir of propellers is giving way to the hum of vacuum cleaners at DJI headquarters. As regulatory storms gather over the U.S. drone market, the Chinese tech giant is strategically pivoting toward home electronics, unveiling its first robot vacuum—Romo—amid growing uncertainty about its drone future in America.

Strategic Diversification Beyond Drones

DJI’s expansion into home robotics leverages core technologies honed in its drone division. The Romo vacuum utilizes the same advanced sensor systems, obstacle avoidance algorithms, and autonomous navigation capabilities that power DJI’s aerial devices. This technological bridge allows the company to repurpose R&D investments while opening revenue streams less vulnerable to geopolitical friction.

The shift extends beyond floor cleaners. DJI’s Power Series portable stations (1,024Wh Power 1000 and 512Wh Power 500) recharge DJI drone batteries in the field while targeting outdoor enthusiasts. Its Avinox e-bike drive system, adopted by brands like Amflow and Forbidden, delivers 105 Nm of torque in a lightweight 2.52kg motor—directly challenging Bosch and Shimano. Handheld imaging products like the Osmo Pocket 3 and Action 4 cameras further demonstrate DJI’s methodical diversification into consumer tech.

Escalating U.S. Regulatory Pressure

The pivot responds to existential threats in DJI’s largest market. Under the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), DJI faces a mandated security review by U.S. agencies by December 23, 2025. Failure to complete this assessment triggers automatic inclusion on the FCC’s Covered List, banning new DJI drones from the U.S. market.

Current impacts are already severe:

• U.S. Customs detains shipments citing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
• Major retailers report depleted inventories despite no formal ban
• Department of Interior grounded 800 Chinese-made drones in 2023
• Federal agencies prohibited from purchasing DJI products since 2020

Market dominoes are falling: With DJI holding 70-90% of the U.S. commercial drone market, public safety agencies, filmmakers, and surveyors face operational upheaval if access vanishes.

U.S. Drone Industry Realignment

As DJI hedges its bets, Washington accelerates initiatives like “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” to reshore manufacturing. The Blue UAS Framework already certifies NDAA-compliant alternatives from companies like:

• Skydio (autonomous drones)
• Inspired Flight (industrial platforms)
• Ascent AeroSystems (VTOL solutions)

Yet transition pains loom. “DJI’s potential exit creates a capability gap,” admits a Department of Defense report. Public safety officials nationwide warn that alternatives cost 2-3 times more while lacking DJI’s ecosystem maturity.

The clock ticks: With the 2025 NDAA deadline approaching, operators are advised to document operational needs and budget for potential fleet transitions.

DJI’s home electronics push reveals how tech giants are rewriting playbooks amid geopolitical fractures. While Romo vacuums won’t replace drone revenue overnight, they represent strategic insulation against market volatility. For U.S. operators, the message is clear: Diversify your technology portfolio as regulatory skies darken.

Must Know

Why is DJI entering home electronics?
Mounting U.S. regulatory pressure threatens DJI’s drone business, prompting diversification. By leveraging existing sensor and battery tech in products like robot vacuums and e-bike systems, DJI reduces dependence on unstable drone markets.

What is the Romo robot vacuum?
Romo is DJI’s first home vacuum, utilizing drone-derived navigation and obstacle-avoidance systems. It marks DJI’s official entry into home electronics amid shrinking drone opportunities.

How do U.S. regulations impact DJI?
The 2024 NDAA mandates a security review by December 2025. If incomplete, new DJI drones face an automatic U.S. sales ban. Customs currently detains shipments, causing widespread shortages.

Can I still buy DJI drones in America?
Currently yes, but inventories are low due to detained shipments. After December 2025, new models may be banned if DJI fails the NDAA review. Existing drones remain operational.

What are DJI alternatives for U.S. operators?
Blue UAS Framework-certified drones from Skydio, Inspired Flight, and Ascent AeroSystems offer NDAA-compliant options. However, they typically cost more and lack DJI’s feature depth.

What’s DJI’s non-drone product strategy?
Beyond Romo, DJI is expanding into portable power stations (Power Series), e-bike motors (Avinox), and handheld cameras (Osmo series)—all leveraging core drone technologies.