More low-altitude economy measures likely in upcoming policy address
發佈日期: 2025-09-14 21:00
TVB News
Sources say the government plans to expand its low-altitude economy regulatory sandbox programme. This is likely to be announced in the chief executive's policy address on Wednesday.
In June, the city's first drone food delivery route was launched between the Science Park and the Ma On Shan Promenade. Customers can place orders with two designated restaurants at the Science Park.
It will take about five minutes for the food to be delivered to the customers. The service is among the first batch of projects which received approval from the government's low-altitude economy regulatory sandbox programme.
But many residents say they have not used the service, citing inconvenience as the biggest reason.
Alpha AI is a company taking part in the sandbox programme. The company combines its drone and AI technology to inspect slopes and check building maintenance.
It is currently developing auto-patrolling drones, aiming to put the technology to work at a Tseung Kwan O private housing estate.
Its founder, Desmond Ho, says the team has been collecting data in the past few months to design drone flying routes. The process also requires communications with governmental departments.
While trials for the drones is expected to start this month, Ho says the official operation cannot be carried out until the first quarter of next year.
Ho said the project will certainly cause concerns because it will involve residents of the community and they may ask questions such as "will I be filmed by the drones?" In the first phase of the sandbox programme, 38 projects received approval.
Sources say the upcoming policy address will launch the programme's second phase, including the introduction of autonomous aerial vehicles, or passenger-carrying drones. The goal is to launch it before the first quarter of 2026.
The government also plans to introduce an ordinance to allow the weight limit for drones to exceed 150 kilograms.
