DJI Achieves Historic Drone Delivery on Mount Everest, Easing the Burden on Sherpas

In April 2024, DJI, in collaboration with Airlift, 8KRAW, and Nepalese certified mountain guide Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, successfully conducted the world's first drone delivery tests on Mount Everest. The DJI FlyCart 30 drone carried 15kg payloads in extreme altitude and environmental conditions, marking a significant milestone in aviation and mountaineering logistics.

The DJI FlyCart 30 transported three oxygen bottles and 1.5kg of other supplies from Everest Base Camp to Camp 1, situated between 5,300 to 6,000 meters above sea level. The drone then returned with trash, showcasing its ability to operate efficiently in temperatures ranging from -15° to 5°C and wind speeds up to 15 meters per second.

Why this matters: This achievement has significant implications for the logistics and sustainability of high-altitude expeditions, potentially reducing the risks faced by Sherpas and improving waste management. The successful deployment of drone technology in extreme environments could also pave the way for its adoption in other challenging regions, leading to improved efficiency and safety in various industries.

Christina Zhang, Senior Corporate Strategy Director at DJI, expressed her enthusiasm about the project: *"From the end of April, our team embarked on a groundbreaking endeavor to help make cleanup efforts on Everest safer and more efficient. We are thrilled to share that our DJI FlyCart 30 was up to the task.'*

Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, a mountain guide with Imagine Nepal, highlighted the dangers faced by Sherpas: 'We need to spend 6-8 hours each day walking through this icefall. Last year I lost three Sherpas. If we're not lucky, if our time is not right, we lose our life there.'

The successful trials have led to the Nepalese government contracting a local drone service company to establish drone delivery operations on the southern slope of Everest starting on May 22. This deployment aims to reduce the burden on Sherpas and enhance safety by minimizing their exposure to the hazardous Khumbu Icefall, marking a significant milestone in mountaineering logistics.

The DJI FlyCart 30 has already been deployed in various countries, including Japan, Mexico, Norway, and Antarctica, for tasks such as planting saplings, line pulling, solar PV installation, mountain fire rescue, and scientific research operations. Its performance on Everest highlights its potential to transform logistics in high-altitude regions, making it a first delivery solution.

The deployment of delivery drones on Mount Everest promises to enhance safety and efficiency in these challenging environments. The FlyCart 30's ability to transport equipment, supplies, and waste efficiently makes cleanup efforts safer and more environmentally friendly, addressing the critical issue of waste accumulation on the mountain, promoting sustainability.

The trials on Mount Everest demonstrate the transformative potential of drone technology in high-altitude logistics. By reducing the risks faced by Sherpas and improving waste management, DJI's FlyCart 30 sets a new standard for safety and sustainability in mountaineering.

Key Takeaways

• DJI's FlyCart 30 drone successfully conducted delivery tests on Mount Everest.
• The drone carried 15kg payloads in extreme altitude and environmental conditions.
• The trials aimed to reduce risks faced by Sherpas and improve waste management.
• The Nepalese government has contracted a drone service company for drone delivery operations.
• The FlyCart 30 has potential to transform logistics in high-altitude regions.