Development chief points to greater use of drones

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn said on Sunday that the government is planning to introduce high-performance drones to boost efficiency and safety in public works and emergency response. These would include models capable of carrying heavy loads and equipped with robotic arms. "With their high mobility and ability to quickly gather information from high altitudes, drones play a role in various fields and application scenarios, including aerial surveillance, disaster relief and patrol support," she wrote on her blog. "Now, drones can be combined with artificial intelligence for in-depth analysis, further enhancing departmental efficiency." She said the government is exploring broader drone applications, such as transporting building material and tools at construction sites and infrastructure projects. Linn also suggested the use of drones for slope maintenance, where they could send repair supplies to hard-to-reach areas. The development chief added that drones have overcome physical barriers and captured high-definition images of remote areas, as well as illegal rooftop structures and illegal building renovation works. The initiative is tied to the government's "Regulatory Sandbox X" under the low-altitude economy framework. In April, four pilot projects involving non-traditional aircraft were selected for phased testing, including a Development Bureau project in collaboration with industry players focused on aerial lifting operations. Linn said the authorities are also studying the use of drones for routine maintenance of infrastructures such as dams, reservoirs and surrounding slopes. She also noted that field trials are expected to begin soon. Edited by Edmond Fong