A helicopter in Pingshan District. Photo from Development and Reform Bureau of Pingshan District
Shenzhen's land-and-air intelligent transport test base was launched July 16 at the Shenzhen Intelligent Connected Traffic Test Demonstration Zone (also known as Bay Area Intelligent Connected Test Field) in Pingshan District.
The Bay Area Intelligent Connected Test Field, covering 43 hectares, offers optimal conditions for low-altitude airspace tests. The primary testing zone provides a clear airspace height of up to 600 meters, catering to various requirements for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), according to a staffer.
Following the establishment of the land-and-air intelligent transport test base, comprehensive tests of low-altitude aircraft's functions will be conducted, and an all-encompassing cloud control system utilizing digital twins and big data will be built. Moreover, it will furnish a conducive environment for various UAV flight tests, streamlining specialized testing, inspection, and certification processes.
During the July 16 event, a platform promoting synergy within the city's low-altitude flight industry was introduced. This platform aims to foster integration and collaborative innovation along the low-altitude industrial chain, facilitating resource consolidation, enterprise services, incubation, and commercial applications.
To further enhance innovation, Pingshan District is partnering with Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, to establish a low-altitude economy innovation center, fostering a collaborative ecosystem among enterprises, universities, and research institutions.
A local eVTOL manufacturer's chairman said that the newly established synergy platform eliminates the need to test products outside of Shenzhen, saving invaluable time and simplifying regulatory compliance. The chairman noted significant improvements in testing professionalism and convenience, expediting research and production processes.
Additionally, collaborative efforts between Pingshan District and prominent insurers such as PICC, CPIC, and Ping An led to the creation of an insurance service platform. This platform offers specialized services including consultation, risk assessment, solution provision, policy management, coordinated claims, and rescue services tailored to autonomous driving and low-altitude flight enterprises.
With a thriving low-altitude industry comprising over 60 companies, Pingshan District aims to establish dedicated low-altitude industrial parks and innovation research centers, focusing on UAVs, satellites, ground equipment, core components, and other sectors, fostering continued growth and innovation.