Aiming to Build Domestic Full-Stack Drone Ecosystem · Participating in Agriculture Drone Development Led by Transport Ministry

Choi Se-hwan (right), CEO of SM Vexel's Battery Business Division, and Ahn Seong-ho, CEO of Vololand, pose for a commemorative photo after signing an MOU for the joint development of drone core components and power systems at SM Vexel's headquarters in Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do on the 15th. Photo courtesy of SM Group

SM Bexel is advancing drone battery technology in partnership with drone solution specialist Vololand.

SM Bexel's battery business division announced Wednesday it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Vololand for joint development of core drone components and power systems. The two companies plan to pioneer the next-generation drone platform market by collaborating on batteries and power systems needed to improve drone flight control.

Vololand is a full-stack company that integrates all processes from drone design to production using domestic technology. SM Bexel aims to build a domestic full-stack ecosystem by combining its expertise in batteries and energy with Vololand's precision drone control and autonomous flight technology.

The two companies agreed to cooperate on developing high-performance drone batteries and battery management systems (BMS), high-output and high-efficiency power supply systems and extended flight duration technology, integrated drone station (takeoff and landing facility equipment) and automatic charging and replacement systems, and optimized power system design for industrial drones including defense applications.

In particular, as their first project, the two companies plan to release batteries and power systems within this year for use in agricultural medium and large drone development, a project led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport with the goal of localizing drone technology. They also plan to sign supply contracts. This initiative is significant as it aims to reshape the drone ecosystem through domestic production of core components and technology localization, breaking away from the existing global market structure where China has led technological competition.

"We will provide differentiated solutions leveraging high-reliability and high-efficiency battery technology required in the drone industry," said Choi Se-hwan, CEO of SM Bexel's battery business. "We will continue to expand our business areas in this field."