Zhang Qian

    zhqcindy@163.com

    A GROUP of experts, engineers and manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems predicted that drones will be broadly adopted for civilian use in coming years at an exhibition that opened at the Universiade Sports Center Stadium during the China Hi-Tech Fair yesterday.

    The four-day exhibition, which will run until Saturday, showcases drones, drone related devices and information transport vehicles for both civilian and military use. Over 110 UAV research institutes, national organizations as well as private and State-owned enterprises are displaying their drones and other products at the exhibition.

    Shi Wen, chief engineer from the special aircraft section of the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics, gave a keynote speech at a ceremony.

    Shi said UAVs have been used mainly by militaries for the past few decades, but will soon be used more broadly in agriculture and maritime affairs.

    Shenzhen is well known as a young city with cutting-edge drone technology, according to Yuan Zhe, the brand manager of EWATT AeroSpace, a Hubei-based science and technology company.

    He said the market for UAV systems in China is promising, especially in Shenzhen. Shenzhen is home to many well-known technology companies such as DJI-Innovations (DJI).

    He also said that over the last two years many mobile phone companies transformed into drone makers.

    “The market is vast, yet competitive at the same time. To enter the consumer UAV market does not require as high a demand for the drones as for industrial use,” said Yuan. “I believe Shenzhen will become the hottest market for industrialized UAV systems.”

    Yuan also said that good marketing strategies contributed to the success of DJI. The exhibition yesterday will help corporations and research institutes achieve greater connection and trade, said Yuan.

    Peter Van Blijenburgh, the president of UVS International, also delivered a speech at the ceremony. UVS is an international nonprofit association registered in the Netherlands and operating out of offices in Paris, France.

    Blijenburgh said in his speech that China needs a national standard for the industry, otherwise manufacturers won’t meet the expectations of customers.

    Currently, China does not have a national UAV standard, only an array of industrial standards.

    Blijenburgh wants to bring more research institutes, manufacturers and dealers in China together to develop a national standard.

    He also thinks government involvement is a cornerstone of development.

    Blijenburgh said he was not satisfied with the Chinese Government’s efforts in the UAV industry before, but said he is excited to see that the government is now engaged in the industry.