Why has the drone battery life for Aerobotics' AeroScan X200 model decreased by 15% over the past month?

Introduction

The AeroScan X200 drone model from Aerobotics has experienced a concerning 15% decrease in battery life over the past month. This issue directly impacts the drone's operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. I'll approach this problem systematically, focusing on identifying the root cause, validating hypotheses, and developing both short-term and long-term solutions.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking this could be a recent change. Has there been any software update or hardware modification in the last 1-2 months?

Why it matters: Recent changes often correlate with performance shifts. Expected answer: Yes, a firmware update was released 6 weeks ago. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd prioritize investigating the update's impact on power management.

• Considering user behavior, I'm curious about usage patterns. Have there been any significant changes in how customers are using the drones recently?

Why it matters: Changes in usage could explain increased power consumption. Expected answer: No major changes reported in customer usage patterns. Impact on approach: If true, we'd focus more on technical aspects rather than user behavior.

• Thinking about environmental factors, has there been any unusual weather patterns in major operating regions?

Why it matters: Extreme temperatures can affect battery performance. Expected answer: Some regions experienced higher than average temperatures. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd investigate temperature impact on battery life and potential mitigation strategies.

• Regarding quality control, have there been any changes in battery suppliers or manufacturing processes?

Why it matters: Supply chain or manufacturing changes could affect battery quality. Expected answer: No recent changes in suppliers or processes. Impact on approach: If true, we'd shift focus away from supply chain issues to other potential causes.