By Fang Jingyi
Many people still regard drones primarily as "toys" or "tools" for activities like aerial photography and performances. However, Antwork Technology in Hangzhou has integrated drones into the urban transportation network, continually exploring the potential of the low-altitude economy.
In 2016, the company collaborated with China Post to launch the first drone mail route in Anji County, followed by experiments in cross-sea delivery in the next year. Since 2022, drones have been delivering milk-tea orders to students and staff at Zhejiang University of Technology's Moganshan Campus, handling over 100 orders daily. Additionally, Dream Town and Haichuang Park in Yuhang district have gained fame for using drones to transport coffee, becoming popular tourist destinations for those seeking the experience of drone-delivered coffee.
Apart from fulfilling the demands of goods transportation and food delivery, drones are also being deployed in medical transportation. In March 2021, China's first regular drone blood delivery route was established between the Zhejiang Blood Center and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, completing deliveries within 5 minutes and imporving transportation efficiency by 60%.
Currently, Antwork has established 193 regular routes in 23 cities nationwide, covering a total flight distance of over 800,000 kilometers. While medical emergency scenarios have seen the widest application, utilization in other areas is continuously being enhanced and optimized.