The world’s highest peak, Mount Qomolangma, has witnessed a groundbreaking technological feat. Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has successfully conducted the world’s first drone delivery tests on the Nepal side of Mount Qomolangma, showcasing the potential of drone technology in high-altitude mountaineering, emergency rescue, and environmental protection.
“The ability to safely transport equipment, supplies, and waste by drone has the potential to revolutionize Mount Qomolangma mountaineering logistics, facilitate trash clean-up efforts, and improve safety for all involved,” said Christina Zhang, senior corporate strategy director at DJI, headquartered in Shenzhen, in the Chinese mainland’s Guangdong Province.
In April, DJI’s FlyCart 30 drone transported three bottles of oxygen and 1.5 kg of other supplies from the Base Camp at 5,364 meters to Camp 1 at approximately 6,000 meters. On its return trip, it carried down garbage, demonstrating a new approach to reducing human risk and environmental impact on the mountain.
During the tests, the FlyCart 30 reached an altitude of 6,191.8 meters, carrying a payload of up to 15 kg. This unmodified drone completed the round trip between the two camps in just 12 minutes, operating both day and night. The route between Base Camp and Camp 1 is particularly treacherous, requiring climbers to navigate the Khumbu Icefall, one of the most dangerous sections on the southern slope.
“DJI’s delivery drones aim to ease the burden on local Sherpa guides, who repeatedly risk their lives navigating the treacherous Khumbu Icefall,” DJI stated. Traditionally, Sherpa guides are responsible for transporting supplies and clearing trash, often crossing the icefall over 30 times in a single season.
With the increasing number of climbers, environmental concerns on Mount Qomolangma have grown due to the accumulation of garbage and waste. Zhang expressed hope that DJI’s drones could play a role in reducing accidents and environmental damage through efficient transportation and waste removal programs.
Following the successful tests, a Nepali drone operator began offering regular drone delivery services on the mountain from May 22. In China, DJI’s delivery drones have already been utilized on established commercial climbing routes, such as Mount Gongga, to assist in transporting supplies.
Experts believe this technological advancement marks a significant milestone for the drone industry. “China’s delivery drones have overcome the challenges of Mount Qomolangma, gaining valuable experience and data for the development of the country’s unmanned aerial vehicle industry,” said Jin Wei, deputy secretary-general of the China UAV Industry Innovation Alliance.
The implications extend beyond mountaineering. “Drones can replace helicopters as a relatively low-risk transport vehicle to supplement supplies on the plateau, greatly expanding the application space of UAVs,” noted Cai Yong, a senior engineer at East China Normal University.
This success is expected to spur rapid development in the civil drone industry, expanding application scenarios and market demand. “The high-altitude transport tests lay the foundation for China’s low-altitude economy to gain an early advantage,” commented Zhu Hang, a professor at Jilin University’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
China’s UAV industry has seen annual growth exceeding 20% in recent years, becoming a new driver of the country’s economy. Drones have increasingly been used in agriculture, power line inspection, logistics, and emergency rescue. “Each major breakthrough helps save human and material resources and protects the safety of life and property,” Jin Wei added.
Looking ahead, China’s policies on the low-altitude economy and UAV industry are expected to provide a strong boost. “Our UAVs will be used in harsh environments such as high-altitude regions, deserts, and oceans, helping us accomplish work in more scenarios,” said Qi Juntong, chairman of drone manufacturer EFY Intelligent Control (Tianjin) Technology Co., Ltd.
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World's first drone delivery tests conducted on Mount Qomolangma
cgtn.com
