🚁 Drones are scaling new heights! Chinese drone maker DJI just made history by conducting the world's first drone delivery tests on Mount Qomolangma 🌄, on the Nepal side. This could totally change the game for high-altitude mountaineering, emergency rescues, and saving our planet 🌍!
Christina Zhang, senior corporate strategy director at DJI, said, \"The ability to safely transport equipment, supplies and waste by drone has the potential to revolutionize Mount Qomolangma mountaineering logistics, facilitate trash clean-up efforts and improve safety for all involved.\"
In April, DJI's FlyCart 30 drone flew three bottles of oxygen and 1.5 kg of other supplies from Base Camp (5,364 meters) to Camp 1 (about 6,000 meters) and even brought back garbage on the return trip ♻️. Talk about multitasking!
The drone soared up to 6,191.8 meters on the mountain, carrying a steady 15-kg payload at 6,000 meters altitude. That's like carrying a suitcase full of stuff up Everest—no sweat!
The big challenge? The Khumbu Icefall ❄️, one of the scariest parts of the climb on the southern slope. DJI's team wanted to solve the transportation bottleneck between Base Camp and Camp 1 without risking lives. An unmodified drone can carry 15 kg between the two camps in just 12 minutes round trip, day or night. Helicopters could do it, but they're risky and super expensive 💸.
The drones aim to give local Sherpa guides a break. These heroes usually have to cross the dangerous icefall over 30 times a season to haul supplies like oxygen bottles, tents, and food. With drones, we can help keep them safe and sound 🙌.
Plus, more climbers mean more trash and waste on the mountain 😔. DJI hopes their drones can boost environmental efforts by carrying down garbage, protecting this majestic peak for future generations.
Since May 22, a Nepali drone operator has started offering regular drone delivery services on Mount Qomolangma. In China, DJI's delivery drones are already helping out on climbs like Mount Gongga.
Jin Wei, deputy secretary-general of the China UAV Industry Innovation Alliance, said, \"China's delivery drones have broken through the limits of Mount Qomolangma, accumulating valuable experience and data for the development of the country's unmanned aerial vehicle industry.\"
Experts believe this success will open up new possibilities for drones in harsh environments like high altitudes, deserts, and oceans. Imagine the adventures! 🌐
\"Drones can replace helicopters as a relatively low-risk transport vehicle to supplement supplies on the plateau, which will greatly expand the application space of UAVs,\" said Cai Yong, a senior engineer at East China Normal University.
This milestone is expected to boost China's low-altitude economy and give a jumpstart to the civil drone industry. China's UAV industry has been flying high with over 20% annual growth in recent years 🚀.
With more electric drones being used in agriculture, power line inspections, logistics, and emergency rescue, each new breakthrough helps save resources and protect lives and property ❤️.
Qi Juntong, chairman of drone manufacturer EFY Intelligent Control (Tianjin) Technology Co., Ltd., said, \"China's policies on the low-altitude economy, low-altitude airspace management, and application scenario development will surely give a further strong boost to the UAV industry.\"
So, keep your eyes on the skies! Drones aren't just for cool videos anymore—they're changing the world one flight at a time! ✨
Reference(s):
World's first drone delivery tests conducted on Mount Qomolangma
cgtn.com
