FPT develops AI for tilt-rotor electric UAVs

According to the agreement announced on the morning of August 10, FPT develops autonomous flight software, AI-operated systems, and target detection and avoidance features to improve safety and operational efficiency for drone platforms developed by Narma.

Narma is a Korean technology company, spun out of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), specializing in aerodynamic technology and drone platforms with tilt rotors. The company is famous for its long-distance vertical take-off drone inventions.

According to the announcement, AF100 is the first electric drone in the world to use two propeller clusters that can change the tilt angle. This design allows the device to take off and land vertically without a runway, then switch to high-speed cruise mode, suitable for tasks requiring fast and flexible movement such as transporting goods, emergency support, patrol and surveillance.

Cooperation between the two parties is expected to contribute to bringing UAV solutions into practical applications, serving goods transportation, emergency support, patrolling and surveillance. FPT and Narma are also looking for opportunities to expand the supply chain, including component localization and production cooperation to bring products to the Vietnamese and Korean markets.

At the signing ceremony at the end of July, FPT General Director Nguyen Van Khoa said that the Government is promoting science and technology, mastering core technology and creating conditions for businesses to participate in product research and development, contributing to the country's technological capacity. Among them, drones are identified as one of the strategic technologies.

Mr. Kwon Ki-jung, General Director of Narma, said that Vietnam is showing its determination to be technologically independent, so cooperation in the field of drones needs to be associated with technology transfer and capacity building. He said Korea has more than 6,000 drone companies, but most serve agricultural spraying or 3D map photography. Only about 80 businesses are capable of producing drones and components, including Narma.

Nam Nguyen