Dongwon Industries announced on the 20th that it has developed the world's first dedicated fish detection (hereafter referred to as fish detection) drone and has begun to deploy it at fishing sites. The goal is to innovate the paradigm of the traditional fishery industry into a technology-based fishery industry by integrating advanced technologies like fish detection drones.
According to Dongwon Industries, the fish detection drone was developed after approximately two years of research. This drone will first be installed on the 'Ocean Ace (OCEN ACE)' fishing vessel.
Dongwon Industries plans to introduce fish detection drones on 13 fishing vessels by 2026. Until now, fishing corporations have been using helicopters and general-purpose drones to locate fish schools. However, this is the first time a drone has been custom-made specifically for fish detection from the design stage.
The fish detection drone development project was led by the Comprehensive Technology Institute, the R&D (Research and Development) control tower of Dongwon Group. The Comprehensive Technology Institute was established in 2023 to drive productivity innovations and technology development across the group and has recently been reorganized into the technology sector of Dongwon Industries.
The technology team at the Comprehensive Technology Institute collaborated with 'Prinew,' a domestic drone manufacturing company, to incorporate flight time, speed, wireless communication range, and wind resistance into the design. In particular, they optimized the operational performance to enable automatic takeoff and landing on moving vessels, focusing on the unique conditions of distant seas.
The fish detection drone is environmentally friendly. While helicopters and existing general-purpose drones are powered by fossil fuels, resulting in high carbon emissions, the fish detection drone operates on batteries, eliminating fuel consumption. Additionally, it poses no risk of safety accidents and allows for easy maintenance and repair due to its detachable battery. This means that it can continuously operate without performance degradation while preventing accidents in the variable marine environment.
Dongwon Industries plans to continuously enhance fish detection performance by integrating AI (artificial intelligence)-based software in the future. The AI software for fish detection can precisely identify signals such as backscatter that can estimate the locations of tuna schools using deep learning techniques and transmits this information in real time to improve operational efficiency.
Dongwon Industries expects that once fish detection drones fully replace helicopters and general-purpose drones, they will reduce expenses, including fuel costs, by up to 60%. A representative from Dongwon Industries noted, "The fish detection drone, which enables environmentally friendly fisheries while ensuring safety, productivity, and economic efficiency, will change the paradigm of the global fishery industry."