OUR TAKEThe advancement of drone technology in Hangzhou has significantly transformed urban life. By extensively applying drones in food delivery, medical rescue, and emergency support, the city has improved efficiency and greatly enhanced residents’ quality of life. Hangzhou’s low-altitude economy policies provide a platform for drone companies, driving technological innovation and industry upgrades. With continued policy support and infrastructure improvements, drones are set to play a larger role across various sectors, with Hangzhou leading the way in the low-altitude economy.–Jasmine Zhang, BTW reporter
When Yuval Noah Harari wroteHomo Deusin 2015, drones could already fly low over fields to monitor crop growth and capture crystal-clear images of landscapes and skyscrapers. Fast forward a decade, and these technological marvels are now integral to daily life in Hangzhou, China, transforming sectors like food delivery, healthcare, and emergency response. Hangzhou has emerged as a pioneering city in drone applications, with low-altitude economic activities such as urban logistics and specialised operations becoming mainstream. Central to this transformation is Antwork, a leader in the drone industry, which has achieved significant milestones, including obtaining the world’s first urban logistics drone trial operation license.
Drone food delivery services: Redefining delivery speed
Enhanced efficiency and convenience
With the “Songba Air Transport” app, ordering food in Hangzhou has never been easier. Simply place your order, and within minutes, a hexacopter drone will swiftly descend from the sky, delivering your meal right to the specified location. Once the drone lands, all you need to do is scan the QR code on your phone to unlock the compartment and retrieve your order. This innovative drone delivery service offers a new level of convenience for getting your meals in Hangzhou.
Drone delivery not only provides convenient service but also reduces contact during the COVID-19. In Hangzhou, Antwork’s network covers multiple universities and communities, allowing residents to place orders via mobile apps and enjoy fast, contactless delivery. Drones, with their speed and efficiency, avoid traffic congestion and deliver food quickly. As drone delivery becomes more widespread, Hangzhou is emerging as a model city for this technology, attracting more businesses and consumers.
Innovations by Antwork
Antwork’s innovation in drone delivery services has brought significant changes to urban logistics. In 2018, Antwork began a pilot project in Hangzhou Future Science and Technology City. During this trial, drones partnered with brands like Starbucks and KFC to serve residents, handling up to 400 orders per day at peak times. This success made Antwork the first company in China to scale urban drone delivery operations, showcasing the immense potential of drones in commercial logistics.
“The timeliness of medical emergency supplies is crucial; a delay of even one minute can mean the difference between life and death.”
Smart healthcare: Enhancing emergency response
Innovative medical solutions
The potential of drones in the medical field is being continuously explored. Antwork has collaborated withZhejiang University Second Affiliated Hospitalto develop a 5G mobile ambulance equipped with medical emergency drones. In a simulated emergency, a car accident victim needed urgent blood transfusion. The hospital used drones to quickly deliver emergency blood to the scene, significantly shortening rescue times. This technology was highlighted in a live broadcast of the Asian Games medical emergency drill on CCTV, attracting widespread attention.
Improving medical logistics
Since 2019, Antwork has provided drone-based medical sample transport services in various streets and towns in Yuhang District, Hangzhou. This service model has greatly improved the operational efficiency of grassroots medical institutions. For example, in Cangqian, Yuhang, Zhongtai, and Jingshan, Antwork uses drones to swiftly and securely transport medical samples and testing materials to designated institutions, reducing delays and costs while enhancing service quality.
Expanding medical applications
To further expand medical applications, Antwork has partnered with the Liangzhu Community Health Service Centre in Yuhang District to transport blood samples and emergency supplies, covering several villages and towns and serving about 30,000 residents. These services play a crucial role in emergency situations and everyday medical needs, demonstrating the immense potential of drones in modern healthcare systems.
Currently, Antwork’s medical supply delivery service has expanded to 21 cities across the country, becoming one of the key commercial scenarios for the company’s development.
Pop Quiz
How many cities in China has Antwork expanded its medical supply delivery service to?
The correct answer is at the bottom of the article.
Emergency support: Versatile drone applications
Rapid response in events
Drones’ quick response capabilities make them ideal for emergency support. At the 19th Asian Games, Antwork will serve as the aerial medical support, providing emergency coverage at event sites. By collaborating with Zhejiang University Second Affiliated Hospital, Antwork has developed a 5G mobile ambulance with drones capable of taking off and landing from the ambulance’s roof. This innovation improves emergency medical response efficiency, ensuring rapid rescue during events.
Handling emergency situations
In recent months, Antwork has conducted multiple test flights and drills at Chun’an Jieshou Sports Centre for triathlon and mountain biking events. In these high-intensity environments, drones quickly respond to emergencies, transmit live footage, and deliver medical supplies via aerial drops, ensuring the safety of athletes and staff. This multi-faceted emergency application highlights drones’ adaptability in complex scenarios, offering valuable experience for future applications.
Disaster response
Drones also excel in natural disaster situations. For example, in July 2024, a landslide in the mountainous areas of Quzhou near Hangzhou trapped residents. Local rescue teams used Antwork’s drones to deliver food and medical supplies, providing timely aid to those in need. These successful rescue operations showcase the potential of drones in emergency response and offer insights for future applications.
Also read:Interview with Chen Jiaquan, head of Antwork’s Deqing area: ‘We don’t just deliver packages, we save lives’
Also read:Antwork drones take medical delivery to new heights in China
Postal and express delivery: Expanding rural logistics
Improving rural logistics
Drones are making significant contributions to rural logistics. In 2016, Antwork partnered with China Post to launch the first drone mail route in Qiguan Village, Anji, Zhejiang. This initiative ended the era of motorcycle mail delivery, offering more convenient logistics services to remote areas. With drones, mail and packages reach recipients faster, improving logistics efficiency.
Expanding delivery routes
Antwork continuously explores drone logistics applications, partnering with major e-commerce and express companies to expand drone delivery routes. This model addresses rural logistics challenges, improves efficiency, and reduces costs, providing high-quality logistics services to remote areas. These efforts not only improve rural living conditions but also boost rural economic development.
“With policy support and infrastructure development, Hangzhou is striving to become a global leader in the low-altitude economy.”
Policy support: Promoting drone industry development
Supporting policies
The Hangzhou Low-Altitude Economy High-Quality Development Plan (2024-2027) is a comprehensive initiative designed to support the rapid growth of the drone industry in Hangzhou. One of the core elements of this plan is the development of essential infrastructure, including the establishment of over 275 low-altitude aircraft take-off and landing sites. These facilities are critical for enabling extensive drone operations, particularly in urban logistics. Additionally, the plan aims to attract and cultivate over 600 companies in the low-altitude sector, creating a dynamic ecosystem that supports technological innovation and industry collaboration. By setting clear goals and providing the necessary infrastructure, Hangzhou is positioning itself as a national leader in the burgeoning field of low-altitude economic activities.
Opportunities for drone companies
These policies present significant development opportunities for Hangzhou’s drone companies. On one hand, the policies provide excellent infrastructure, supporting companies in expanding their business scope. On the other hand, policy support enhances public and market acceptance of drone technology, driving its widespread application. With policy guidance and support, companies like Antwork can better leverage their technological advantages and lead the drone industry.
The correct answer is B, 21.
