The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has revealed a roadmap for the commercialization of drones in eight major industries. (Image : Yonhap)
SEJONG, Jan.27 (Korea Bizwire) – The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has revealed a roadmap for the commercialization of drones in eight major industries.
The eight industries have a high demand for the usage of drones, such as the product delivery, forest conservancy, coastal surveillance, national land survey, structural stability evaluation, communications network, filming and leisure, and agricultural support.
Through the roadmap, the ministry will develop operations, expand safety awareness, develop technology and establish infrastructure. Trials will officially start next month.
The ministry has already selected 15 companies to participate in the trials, including Korean Air, CJ Korea Express and Hyundai Logistics. In addition, five regions were selected to participate in the drone development project. The skies up to 300-450 meters in areas of Yeongwol, Daegu, Busan, Goheung and Jeonju were designated as business areas.
Short daytime drone flights will be tested this year, and in 2017, further tests such as night time flights and remote control options will be undertaken to verify possibilities for commercialization, and develop further business opportunities.
Product delivery through low altitude flights under 150 meters will be tested in 2018, and in 2020, the ministry plans to commercialize businesses using drones.
To make this possible, policies and regulations regarding drones will be developed.
The ministry will devote itself to developing technologies related to safety for long distance flights, and systems to manage low altitude traffic.
Testing grounds specified for drones will be established by 2018, and education facilities for drone controlling requirements will be expanded.
In addition, web services that enable the military and regular citizens to register to fly drones will be established.
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
