Zhoushan, widely known as the “City of a Thousand Islands,” is composed of more than 1,000 islands and features vast maritime and airspace resources. In recent years, the municipal government has actively embraced China’s national strategy for developing the low-altitude economy, promoting general aviation operations and intelligent drone applications to enhance urban governance.
Against this backdrop, the People’s Government of Putuo District in Zhoushan signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Hyperchain Technology to jointly develop island-specific digital governance scenarios. A key initiative under this partnership is the Air–Ground Command & Intelligence Center developed by Hyperchain’s Zhoushan regional subsidiary. Leveraging advanced AI algorithms, the center enables drone-based patrols and intelligent incident analysis across key areas in Putuo District, supporting more responsive and data-driven urban management.
Core Capabilities
Early Fire Detection and Alerting
Drones equipped with AI-powered image recognition conduct night patrols to identify smoke and fire anomalies. Once detected, the system automatically triggers alerts and coordinates with local fire services, enabling early intervention and minimizing potential casualties and property damage.
Crop Residue Burning Monitoring
To address illegal open burning of agricultural residue, the Putuo District Public Security Bureau leads a coordinated digital enforcement campaign using predefined drone flight routes. AI-based smoke detection algorithms rapidly pinpoint the source of incidents. The drones can issue real-time voice warnings and simultaneously notify relevant authorities for on-site handling.
Public Safety Patrol over Open Waters
In reservoirs, rivers, and other open water areas, patrol drones automatically detect risky behaviors such as unauthorized swimming. Through onboard loudspeakers, the system issues immediate warnings to prevent accidents and enhance water safety management.
Emergency Response and Dispatch
In the event of emergencies, such as a person falling into water, the system’s “point-to-fly” command capability enables drones to be dispatched instantly to designated coordinates. Drones can arrive ahead of ground teams, providing real-time situational awareness and supporting faster, more informed rescue operations.
This integrated “Drone + AI” solution combines efficient patrol coverage, rapid response, and flexible deployment. By introducing intelligent automation into routine inspection and emergency management, the platform significantly reduces manual labor requirements and improves interdepartmental coordination.
As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve and digital infrastructure further matures, drone-enabled AI applications are expected to expand into additional urban governance scenarios, unlocking greater operational efficiency and public safety value for smart cities worldwide.
