The municipal government of Ho Chi Minh City has officially authorized the trial deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and autonomous vehicles within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP) and Quang Trung Software City. This marks a significant milestone in advancing research and the practical application of intelligent transportation technologies. It also presents a transformative opportunity for enterprises, researchers, and startups specializing in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence.
A Well-Structured High-Tech Testing Zone
Under the newly enacted regulations, designated testing zones must meet stringent requirements, including comprehensive monitoring systems, secure perimeters, robust communication infrastructure, safety mechanisms, and emergency response facilities. Participating entities must be legally registered in Vietnam and demonstrate adequate technical proficiency, human resources, and financial capacity to ensure controlled and effective trial operations.
Furthermore, Ho Chi Minh City has pledged investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure to facilitate a safe and controlled testing environment while simultaneously fostering innovation. Projects exhibiting high potential for real-world application will receive support in obtaining intellectual property protections, including patents, industrial designs, and trademarks, in accordance with regulatory frameworks.
Technical Standards and Compliance for Drones and Autonomous Vehicles
1. Drone Testing Requirements:
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- Standard Dimensions: Wingspan ranging from 0.4m to 1.57m, fuselage length from 0.2m to 1.57m, and height between 0.1m and 0.715m.
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 70 kg.
- Flight Speed:
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- Maximum speed: 100 km/h.
- Vertical ascent/descent speed: up to 60 km/h.
- Cruise speed: 80 km/h.
- Flight Altitude: Must not exceed 200m.
- Flight Monitoring: All drones must be equipped with a black box to record flight data, ensuring retrievability for analytical and safety purposes.
2. Autonomous Vehicle Testing Requirements:
- Maximum Speed: 20 km/h.
- Monitoring System: Vehicles must be equipped with onboard data loggers to document travel history and ensure safety within the testing zone.
Both drones and autonomous vehicles are strictly limited to the designated testing areas and are only permitted to operate between 7 -17 hours under suitable weather conditions (i.e., light rain or no precipitation, wind speeds not exceeding 10 m/s). Additionally, each test session must include at least one experienced operator to oversee the trial execution.
Practical Applications of Drone and Autonomous Vehicle Technologies
The deployment of these advanced technologies is not solely confined to research; it is strategically oriented toward real-world applications across various sectors, including:
- Public Safety & Emergency Response: Drones facilitate surveillance, search-and-rescue missions, and disaster relief operations in challenging environments.
- Intelligent Transportation & Logistics: Autonomous vehicles enable efficient goods delivery and automated logistics solutions.
- Precision Agriculture: Drones support crop monitoring, automated pesticide spraying, and yield optimization.
- Environmental Protection: Air quality assessment, forest conservation, and natural resource monitoring.
- Artistic & Entertainment Applications: Drone light shows, professional aerial cinematography, and creative media productions.
A Launchpad for Smart City Development
By pioneering the regulatory framework for drone and autonomous vehicle testing, Ho Chi Minh City is making a strategic move toward its Smart City ambitions. This initiative not only accelerates the growth of domestic technology firms but also enhances the city’s appeal as a premier destination for global technology investments. With cutting-edge infrastructure, progressive policies, and an innovation-driven ecosystem, Ho Chi Minh City is positioning itself as a leading hub for automation and intelligent transportation solutions in the region.
Cre: vnexpress.net
