Drone firms fly higher with versatile models

In August, DJI, the world's largest commercial drone manufacturer by market share, unveiled the FlyCart 30, its first cargo drone, thus foraying into the burgeoning delivery and logistics sector.

The FlyCart 30, which may be available only in the China market initially and whose price is 125,000 yuan, has a four-axis, eight-propeller multi-rotor configuration that allows a maximum range of 16 kilometers on a maximum payload of 30 kilograms in dual battery mode, DJI said.

It can be used to move cargo to mountainous regions, ports and rural areas, with flight altitude reaching 6,000 meters, which means it can serve a range of needs.

DJI said trials of the model have been underway in the mountainous areas of Qinghai, Sichuan, Guizhou and Anhui provinces and Xizang autonomous region. It has successfully transported daily supplies, photovoltaic panels, building materials and emergency supplies so far.

The Huangshan Mountain Scenic Area in Anhui province has taken a lead in using DJI's cargo drones to deliver supplies. Initial reports suggest the FlyCart 30 drones have helped improve transportation efficiency in the mountainous region, besides relieving labor shortage. They have transported more than 96 metric tons of materials like daily necessities and garbage since they started operations, DJI said.

"We are bullish on the prospects for aerial transport and hope to effectively solve the challenges arising from complex terrain and last-mile transportation for the industry," said Zhang Xiaonan, strategic director of DJI.

Zhang said DJI has invested heavily in industry-level drones, which have been widely used in the fields of agriculture, energy, mapping and public security, and become an indispensable productivity tool.

"The emergence of industry-level drones has reshaped people's lives and production modes, as well as promoting the development of various industries," Zhang said, highlighting that although such drones are still in the initial stage of development, their applications will be more extensive in the future as related technologies advance.

Delivery drones have become increasingly widespread in recent years, helping increase the reach of e-commerce companies. Chinese e-commerce giant JD and courier and logistics company SF Holding have been exploring the application of drones to logistics, especially last-mile deliveries.