From May 24 to 26, the 2024 8th World Drone Conference grandly opened at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, themed "Low-Altitude Economy, The Future is Here". The conference was hosted by the China Electronics and Information Industry Development Institute, the China Civil Airports Association, the China Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the China Information Association, and the China International Economic and Technical Cooperation Promotion Association, with the Shenzhen UAV Industry Association and other units co-organizing.
The conference covered topics such as drones and the low-altitude economy, low-altitude digital transportation, low-altitude flight services, eVTOL technology innovation and application, low-altitude airspace opening and management, logistics emergency drones, artificial intelligence robots, manned unmanned aerial vehicles, low-altitude flying cars, low-speed unmanned vehicles, and waterborne unmanned systems. It featured over 40 parallel forums and more than 60 product and technology exchange sessions.
Image: 2024 World Drone Conference
Highlights of the conference include:
1. eVTOL Commercial Operation: eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) is emerging as a new star in the development of the low-altitude economy, quickly advancing towards commercialization. By 2040, China's market is expected to account for 20%-25% of the global eVTOL market.
2. Drone Logistics Model: Drone logistics is becoming increasingly mature, with courier companies entering the drone transport sector. By 2040, drone delivery could account for 30% of same-day parcel deliveries.
3. Low-Altitude Economy Section: The new low-altitude economy section attracted active participation from various government departments, showcasing over 4,000 new drone systems, including unmanned helicopters, unmanned fixed-wing aircraft, and unmanned multi-rotor aircraft.
4. Awards Selection: The conference featured the 8th Global Drone Contribution Award, the International Unmanned Systems Innovation Product Award, and the Unmanned Systems Design Award to recognize individuals and companies making outstanding contributions to the drone industry.
5. Industry Reports and Standards Release: The conference released several standards, including the "2024 Drone and Low-Altitude Economy Development Report," the "2024 eVTOL Industry Development Report," and the "2024 China Drone Procurement Guide."
These highlights not only showcase the innovative achievements of the drone industry but also demonstrate the development potential and future trends of the low-altitude economy.
Notably, the conference attracted a significant number of overseas attendees from Russia, the Middle East, Japan, and Southeast Asia, all showing great interest in the exhibited products and actively seeking detailed information. This phenomenon reflects several positive signals:
1. Global Influence: The wide participation of international attendees indicates that the World Drone Conference has significant international influence, becoming a major event in the global drone industry.
2. Industry Recognition: The interest and participation of overseas professionals show the high level of recognition within the industry and the conference's authority as a platform for industry exchanges.
3. Technical Exchange and Cooperation: The presence of international attendees promotes cross-border technical exchange and cooperation, aiding the development and innovation of global drone technology.
4. Market Expansion: International participation also implies opportunities for Chinese drone companies to expand into global markets and establish connections with international customers.
5. Cultural and Knowledge Exchange: The addition of international participants brings diverse cultural and knowledge exchanges, adding richness and diversity to the conference.
6. Industry Trend Insights: The interest from international attendees may also reflect the global market's demand and development trends for drone technology, providing valuable market insights for industry participants.
7. International Standards and Norms: International participation could further the formulation and unification of international standards and norms in the drone industry.
8. Shenzhen as an Industry Hub: Shenzhen, as a center for the drone industry in China and globally, further consolidates its position in the global drone industry through such international conferences.
In summary, the participation of many overseas attendees is a significant marker of the World Drone Conference's success and a reflection of the expanding global influence of China's drone industry. This not only helps to enhance the conference's level of internationalization but also provides opportunities for the international development of China's drone industry.
