Two leading Chinese companies - BYD, a top electric vehicle manufacturer, and DJI, the world's premier drone maker - jointly unveiled the world's first integrated vehicle-mounted drone system Ling Yuan on Sunday.
This makes BYD the first automaker globally to mass-produce cars equipped with onboard drone technology.
Drivers in BYD cars with integrated drones can launch them with a single click to film road trips, monitor traffic, or assist in emergency situations.
"The cooperation between BYD and DJI is not about simply placing a drone on a vehicle, but about rebooting vehicle design from the ground up, achieving deep fusion between the car and the drone," said Wang Chuanfu, chairman and CEO of the BYD Group.
Industry observers see this as a bold step in integrating digital and automotive technologies, opening new possibilities for smart mobility and aerial applications.
"This is a cross-industry collaboration between the digital and automotive sectors, which is incredibly cool," said Yu Long, a tech blogger.
This project drew from a joint innovation fund of 200 million yuan, or 27.5 million U.S. dollars, involving 2,000 engineers across 185 research and development breakthroughs.
"We're seeing a new trend in Chinese enterprises. That is a shift from isolated operations to collaborative innovations among Chinese enterprises. This trend reflects growing confidence among major firms and marks a promising start," said Cao Zhongxiong, assistant president of the China Development Institute.
BYD and DJI's groundbreaking vehicle-mounted drone system showcases the soaring ambitions of China's private sector, offering drivers thrilling new perspectives and hinting at a future where technology transcends earthly boundaries.
BYD and DJI launch world's first vehicle-mounted drone system
