China's Low-Altitude Mobility Sector Showcases Drone Innovations and Growth

A gathering of over thirty prominent companies from China's low-altitude mobility sector took place at Shanghai Yuehu Sculpture Park. The event, held over Sunday and Monday, featured demonstrations of over one hundred drone applications and solutions. These solutions spanned a wide range of sectors, including forest inspection, firefighting, logistics, supply transportation, and water rescue.

The show commenced with an aerial floral performance by Funtastic, a Shanghai-based company specializing in aviation technology and cultural creativity. A drone showered the audience with dried rose petals, creating a festive atmosphere.

Another notable demonstration featured a hydrogen-powered drone designed for inspection purposes. Developed by Shanghai Jimei Propulsion Technology Co Ltd, the long-duration hydrogen fuel cell unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) showcased impressive battery life and flight time. The drone's design emphasizes efficiency, reliability, low noise, a wide operating temperature range, and zero pollution.

According to Song Ke, founder of Jimei Propulsion and an associate professor at Tongji University, the drone's fuel cell system offers advantages such as high energy density, lightweight design, efficient conversion, fast refueling, and a long lifespan. Internal tests indicated a flight time of nearly four hours at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour. Song highlighted the potential of hydrogen fuel cells to surpass fossil fuels and lithium batteries, envisioning significant growth in the low-altitude economy through the widespread adoption of this clean energy source.

Vectoragr, with headquarters in Shanghai and Harbin, Heilongjiang province, showcased its VF80 firefighting drones. Designed for firefighting, emergency rescue, and aerial support, the drone offers specialized editions for various scenarios. The city edition, equipped with a fire hose, can ascend to 100 meters within a minute for remote firefighting. The forest edition provides wildfire monitoring capabilities with high-resolution cameras and remote deployment of fire suppression agents.

Zhou Zhenfei, product manager at Vectoragr's low-altitude economy department, noted the positive impact of national policies on the low-altitude economy and the growing demand for emergency rescue solutions. The VF80 drones are already in use in several provinces.

The increasing use of drones across various sectors is driving a rise in demand for licensed drone pilots. Qin Song, general manager of Funtastic, observed a significant increase in the number of trainees seeking licenses. He also noted growing interest in drone pilot training among teenagers and youths. These lessons provide comprehensive training in theory, logic, math, and physics, as drones are essentially a form of smart robotics.

The event served as a comprehensive showcase of practical drone applications and also served as a prelude to the upcoming International Advanced Air Mobility Expo in Shanghai.