Hold onto your hiking boots! In a groundbreaking leap for tech and environmentalism, Chinese drone maker DJI just tested the world’s first high-altitude delivery drones on Mount Qomolangma (aka Everest) 🏔️. The mission? To tackle the mountain’s deadliest challenges: dangerous supply runs, waste cleanup, and protecting climbers.
Using the DJI FlyCart 30, the team delivered oxygen bottles and supplies from Base Camp (5,364m) to Camp 1 (6,000m) in just 12 minutes—while hauling trash back down. Talk about multitasking! ⚡ This route crosses the Khumbu Icefall, a treacherous zone where Sherpa guides risk their lives daily. With drones, DJI aims to reduce dangers and environmental harm caused by mountaineering gear and waste.
🚨 Why it matters: Over 30 trips per season, Sherpas navigate icy crevasses to carry essentials. Now, drones could lighten their load—literally. Plus, Everest’s trash problem (think abandoned oxygen tanks and tents) might finally get a high-tech fix. 🌱
DJI’s Christina Zhang called it a ‘revolution’ for safety and sustainability. And this is just the start! A Nepali operator has already launched regular drone services on Everest since May, while DJI’s tech is also aiding climbers on China’s Mount Gongga.
Experts say drones could replace costly, risky helicopters in harsh environments, boosting China’s booming UAV industry (growing 20% annually! 🚀). From icy peaks to deserts, the sky’s no longer the limit. 🌏
