China's booming IT industry helps drones fly high

DJI headquarters in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Then, there is China's mobile Internet industry, which provides talents, technology and capital for the civilian drone industry. Most of the core technologies used in civilian drones are from the IT industry.

Among Ehang's 300 staff, over half are in the research-and-development team, said Xiong. "Most of them majored in computer science from well-known domestic universities and have rich experience in the information technology industry."

Some technologies that Ehang uses, like motion sensors and virtual eyeglass, have been in use globally, although Ehang is the first firm to use them in UAVs, after innovating its products.

"The advanced information technology is the base of our drone development and we also improve some technologies, including the flight control system," Xiong said.

Given the well-established manufacturing base and the associated industrial chain, it is possible for Chinese drone-makers to supply to the whole world, some experts said.

In the civilian drone segment, Chinese companies are strong in avionics and complete machine design, said Zhang Feng, secretary general of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of China.