TapTechNews reports on May 11 that according to 'Changjiang Shipping' WeChat account, the Yibin section of the Changjiang mainline has recently pioneered the use of automated UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). These drones operate entirely autonomously over a 91-kilometer (approximately 56.5 miles) stretch of the waterway, conducting independent inspections and data collection.
TapTechNews learned from various sources that the Yibin section, which spans 384 kilometers (about 238.6 miles) in total, has implemented UAVs that cover 91 kilometers of the major waterway corridor. This particular corridor is a complex, high-level Grade III national waterway characterized by its narrow and meandering path and shallow waters. Traditional inspections rely on human effort, posing safety risks during adverse weather conditions and endangering hydrological staff.
The UAVs currently in use in the Yibin section can cover an area with a 10-kilometer (about 6.2 miles) radius. Reportedly, these drones can travel from Yibin Hejiangmen to Lizhuang ancient town without considering the return trip. They have a maximum cruising speed of 15 meters per second and a no-load endurance of 60 minutes. Future enhancements will include image recognition of navigational aids, automatic collection of hydrological elements, and capabilities for rapid-response water emergency search and rescue to improve maintenance efficiency and reaction time to urgent incidents.