The Current Status of the Next-Generation Growth Engine, ‘K-Drone Industry’ in Ulsan – Part 2: Hearing About the Future of the Drone Industry from Vololand
Collaboration with Ulju County Began Through the 2023 Smart City Project
Proven Capabilities in ‘K-Drone Delivery’… Achieved Over 80% Localization
“No Local Factory for FC Precision Components—Unable to Manufacture in the Region”
Vololand, a drone company based in Ulju County, participated in “Drone Show Korea” held at BEXCO in Busan from January 26 for three days. Director Jeong Tae-hyun explained the company’s self-developed delivery drone at the event.
Founded in 2022 in Ulju County by just two individuals, Vololand has grown into the only company in South Korea that manufactures flight controllers (FC) using proprietary technology.
As domestic and international regulations tighten on Chinese-made FCs due to security concerns, Vololand is benefiting significantly from this shift.
Director Jeong Tae-hyun of Vololand stated, “Since Vololand is the only company producing and selling FCs in Korea, we’ve received a great deal of attention. There have also been many inquiries at the exhibition—especially from the U.S.”
A Connection Built with Ulju County
Vololand’s relationship with Ulju County dates back three years.
Through the 2023 Smart City Project, the company implemented drone systems closely tied to real-life applications.
In the Guyoung-ri area, patrol drones were deployed for public safety, while mountain rescue drones were stationed at the Yeongnam Alps Complex Welcome Center to ensure the safety of hikers.
Building on this collaboration, Vololand launched the “K-Drone Delivery” service with Ulju County last year, demonstrating its capabilities.
The delivery drone used in the project was self-manufactured by Vololand, achieving over 80% localization.
Notably, the takeoff and landing station used for the drone was 100% developed in-house.
The drone successfully carried out missions in areas such as Jinha Beach and Ganwoljae, where high winds and elevation posed challenges. It also participated in a blood and medical supply transport drill with the Army’s 28th Infantry Division in November last year.
Over three months, the delivery project achieved 312 deliveries and approximately 4 million KRW in revenue, placing Ulju County among the top-performing local governments. On December 11, Ulju County and Vololand received top honors (Minister’s Award and Excellence Award, respectively) from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Jeong remarked, “Thanks to the interest of Ulju County and its citizens, we were able to achieve these results. Starting this year, we plan to operate a dedicated K-Drone Delivery team to further enhance service quality.”
Vololand and Ulju County received the Minister’s Award and Excellence Award, respectively, at the K-Drone Delivery commercialization results presentation on December 11. CEO Ahn Seong-ho (right) and officer Kim Soo-kyung pose for a commemorative photo.
Photo courtesy of Vololand
Vololand’s Vision for the Drone Industry
At this year’s exhibition, Vololand showcased its core technologies such as its FC, as well as self-developed GPS units, AI computers, and triple-redundant FCs.
They also presented their proprietary tethered drone converters and stations capable of autonomous battery replacement, drawing considerable interest.
Jeong commented, “While many products gained attention, the most interest was directed toward our FC. Until now, we’ve focused on FCs for large drones, but we’re also developing FCs for medium and small drones to meet market demand.”
However, Vololand’s FCs are currently manufactured and distributed in Gyeonggi-do.
This is because there are no factories in Ulsan or the surrounding Gyeongsang region capable of producing the precision components required for FCs.
Jeong added, “While interest in drones and support from local governments is increasing, there is still a lack of focus on the manufacturing side. There are no companies in Ulsan or even in the nearby Gyeongsang area capable of producing these components, so we are forced to rely on manufacturers in Gyeonggi-do.”
He emphasized the need for Ulsan to launch its own city-led drone industry initiatives, especially at a time when the sector is gaining global momentum.
“From large metropolitan governments like Busan to smaller cities like Icheon and Goyang, many local governments are actively entering the drone industry,” Jeong said. “Given the global shifts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and regulations on Chinese drones, the drone market is heating up. I hope Ulsan will also take a more active interest in fostering its drone industry.”
Reporter: Lee Min-hyung
Source: Ulsan Jeil Ilbo (http://www.ujeil.com)