The Linux Foundation has launched the Dronecode Project that aims to build a shared open source platform for drones or unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).
The group, which is also behind the OpenStack, OpenDaylight and OPNFV projects, announced the Dronecode Project at its Embedded Linux Conference in Düsseldorf today.
It said the project will help developers to explore existing and future opportunities for drones, which are currently being used by the defence and commercial sectors.
In particular, Dronecode could help advance technologies for businesses, especially in data analysis, storage and display applications, alongside environmental research, wildlife conversation and search and rescue operations.
"Open source software and collaborative development are advancing technologies in the hottest, most cutting-edge areas. The Dronecode Project is a perfect example of this," said Jim Zemlin, executive director at The Linux Foundation.
"By becoming a Linux Foundation Collaborative Project, the Dronecode community will receive the support required of a massive project right at its moment of breakthrough. The result will be even greater innovation and a common platform for drone and robotics open source projects.
More than 1,200 developers are already working on Dronecode with more than 150 code commits a day on some projects, according to the Linux Foundation.
Founding members include file sharing firm Box, DroneDeploy, Chinese search giant Baidu, jDrones, Laser Navigation, SkyWard, Squadrone System, Walkera and Yunee, as well as 3D Robotics, which has until now hosted the APM UAV software platform.
