Exploring the Future Sky: PLK Wu Chung College Low Altitude Economy & Drone Experience Day

With the rapid development of technology, the "low-altitude economy" has become a newly emerging field of global interest. To keep students in tune with this current trend, we successfully held the "Drone and Technology Experience Day" at Po Leung Kuk Wu Chung College on January 8, 2026. During the brief 70-minute event, the campus transformed into five technology exploration zones. Through a rotating group model, students personally engaged in drone operation, AI smart photography, programming control, and 3D modeling technology. This event was not only a technology showcase but also a unique exploration journey that led students from theory into practice, opening up endless possibilities for the future of aviation.

Technological Inspiration at Five Experience Stations

This event covered a comprehensive experience that spanned from hardware understanding to software applications:

• Drone Hardware and Swarm Flight Demonstration (Hardware & Robotics) Students not only reviewed the evolution of drones and robots but also witnessed a drone swarm flight demonstration, gaining an intuitive understanding of the charm of swarm control technology.
• DJI NEO AI Smart Photography Experience (AI Filming & Mobile Control) Under the guidance of instructors, students experienced the latest DJI NEO drone. Through AI face tracking and handheld takeoff and landing functions, students personally experienced how artificial intelligence empowers modern photography, making aerial filming accessible.
• Obstacle Flight Challenge (Obstacle Flight Challenge) This segment tested hand-eye coordination. Instructors guided students to manually control small drones through obstacles; during the waiting period, students experienced the "first-person view" flight through the DJI FPV Simulator, feeling the visual impact as if they were in the cockpit.
• 3D Photogrammetry Workshop (3D Photogrammetry) 3D photogrammetry is a blend of technology and art. Instructors taught students to use the Polycam App to transform static objects (such as sculptures) into 3D digital models, helping students understand how physical objects are "digitized" into the virtual world.
• Tello Talent Programming Task (Programming) Instructors led students in block-based programming. Students were not merely playing but were writing instructions for the Tello drone to execute automated flight paths, practicing the logic of "code controlling physical objects".

This experience day was far more than just an enjoyable "test-drive"; its core value lies in transforming abstract concepts into tangible future skills. First, the event successfully materialized the originally rigid economic term "low-altitude economy". Through the swarm flight demonstration and various drone application introductions, students deeply understood that these flying machines are not just toys, but essential tools for future urban management, logistics delivery, and performing arts; this early career enlightenment greatly broadened their horizons.

More importantly, this event served as an excellent practice ground for interdisciplinary applications of STEAM. In the Tello programming task, students needed to use mathematical logic to calculate paths and angles, translating computational thinking into physical actions; while in the 3D photogrammetry workshop, the process of scanning objects from multiple angles subtly trained their perception of three-dimensional space, which is foundational for future metaverse and digital twin technologies. At the same time, the AI smart photography segment transformed students from passive technology users into active operators, allowing them to test "face tracking" and "automated camera movement" features firsthand, giving them an intuitive understanding of the principles of computer vision and eliminating the unfamiliarity with advanced technology.

The 70-minute experience may have been short, but the seeds of technology planted in the students' minds will have a profound impact. From programming logic to spatial awareness, from AI applications to control technology, this event successfully transformed book knowledge into practical experience. Po Leung Kuk Wu Chung College will continue to be dedicated to promoting cutting-edge technology education, equipping students to embrace future opportunities and challenges.