The hybrid-type transformable drone 'Third Eye Jiho' developed by Third Eye Robotics is flying. [Photo by Seoul Startup Hub]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] A startup supported by the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) Seoul Startup Hub has attracted attention by developing and commercializing a top-quality hybrid drone in less than two years.
Third Eye Robotics Co., Ltd., a startup that develops and manufactures unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) applicable in various industries such as military, construction, agriculture, marine, and energy, announced on the 10th the launch of the world's top-level hybrid drone 'Third Eye Ji-Ho (THIRDEYE JI-HO)'. They plan to produce about 300 units (worth approximately 3.6 billion KRW) and target the global drone market.
The hybrid drone Third Eye Ji-Ho, developed with new technology by Third Eye Robotics Co., Ltd., is a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) drone featuring a hybrid tilt system that combines rotary and fixed wings. It can perform stationary reconnaissance missions through hovering when fixed surveillance is needed during flight, and is suitable for long-distance and long-duration flights as well as flying in narrow domestic environments.
Additionally, it incorporates a system that automatically navigates by clicking the desired mission area on a tablet map, allowing even non-experts to operate it. When paired with a smartphone or tablet, the drone and video data can be monitored in real-time without distance limitations via 4G communication and radio frequency (RF) communication.
Recognizing this technological capability, Third Eye Robotics was selected as one of the 'Top 20 Promising Smart City Startups in Seoul' in January. At CES 2020 held in Las Vegas, USA, the company received continuous product demonstrations and purchase inquiries from various buyers including governments, companies, and defense industry officials from multiple countries.
Last month, it was selected as a participant in the 'AI-based Object Recognition and Drone Identification Technology' sector of the drone regulatory sandbox project led by the Aviation Safety Technology Institute. Together with Seoul City and 4S Mapper, Third Eye Ji-Ho will be used to produce 3D data of Gangbyeonbuk-ro and build detailed road maps.
Third Eye Robotics first connected with Seoul Startup Hub in July 2018. At that time, it was an early-stage company only one year after its founding, possessing technological capabilities but unable to afford expensive equipment necessary for manufacturing and production. Even if products were produced, it was difficult to receive help in identifying and improving product issues.
The Seoul Startup Hub resolved these problems. Through the Hub’s space, R&D support, and the Product Commercialization Support Center’s global mass production support program, Third Eye Robotics received assistance in manufacturing products at the mass production facility of 'Daegongbang' in Shenzhen, China. Within less than two years, the company launched a new product based on its own technology.
Im Jin-gu, CEO of Third Eye Robotics, expressed gratitude, saying, "Manufacturing-based startups face enormous initial costs such as mold production, and the support from SBA Seoul Startup Hub was a great help." Kim Dong-jo, head of Seoul Startup Hub, said, "Recently, manufacturing-based startups have faced significant difficulties in product development and mass production due to COVID-19. Seoul Startup Hub will fully support these startups."
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