The 5th drone convention was held at Songdo Convensia over the course of three days. From May 9th to the 11th many companies and organizations that show remarkable development of drones participated in the drone expo titled ‘The world of drones: Drones come true.’
At every turn in the exhibition, the use and development of drones in various fields was shown. Thus emphasizing how drones are presently used in daily life beyond just simply take pictures or videos. For example there is a drone delivery industry.
In fact, Seongnam is pushing the delivery industry with drones and last year they successfully delivered food to a park via drone. Also it is actively used in keeping social order such as saving a life and searching for someone. In fact, the National Police Agency introduced drones as an aide for search and rescue missions. There are 36 drone officers and so far, drones have dispatched a total of 1,834 calls. Additionally, The National Fire Agency similarly utilizes drones for searching for people as well as operation command. Fire Chief Jeong Min-seok stated that, "Drones are used for complete fire operations, and command in areas where fires occur." Regarding prospects, he said, "We are developing a drone that can extinguish fires, but it still seems like a long way off." As drone technology develops, many drone specific infrastructures such as drone education facilities were established. Moreover, the ongoing construction of drone air (aerial) cities are being made to promote the commercialization of drones in local government. In drone air cities, people can use drone delivery services and enjoy drone sports activities such as drone racing and drone soccer. Park Joo-hyun, a researcher at the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology, introduced the drone support projects in Korea, saying, "In Korea, we are conducting a demonstration city construction project and a commercialization support project." She also added, "We are also conducting a project to support overseas expansion. We are making profits through exports by connecting drone companies with overseas countries." She added, "If support increases and commercialization occurs, the development of drones will be accelerated."
In one part of the exhibition, FIDA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, the drone soccer competition, was held. This was the second competition following the 1st competition in 2023, so this year 400 participants and 20 countries participated. It is the first FIDA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP after establishment of Federation International DroneSoccer Association, FIDA. People with various nationalities showed their passion for drone soccer and Korea’s participants also fiercely competed.
In addition to FIDA, the 2024 Korea Drone Global Conference was held there as well. Experts discussed drone transportation, as well as drone sports. Also, in the National Defense Drone Seminar, the direction of national defense with the added use of drones was discussed.
In this year's drone expo, Korea's advanced drone industry was displayed. The drone industry, which is moving into more and more diverse fields, seems to realize the theme of
this expo, “Drone Come True.” Drone technology, which will be further developed in the future, will take up a large part of our lives, and we will face a world sustained by drones.
By Staff Reporter Kim Soomin (1-1)
Kim Soeun (2-3)
