NARMA Inc., a company specializing in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones, announced on June 26 that it has completed flight performance verification and obtained performance certification from the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) for its AF400, one of the largest delivery VTOL drone platforms developed in Korea.

The AF400 is a medium-sized logistics drone that began development in 2023 through the Deep Tech TIPS program of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. It was developed with the goal of carrying a mission payload of 20 kg and achieving a flight range of 50 km. Last year, with support from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, NARMA also completed the localization of key components.

With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 140 kg and a wingspan of more than 4 meters, the AF400 is currently the largest delivery VTOL drone platform developed in Korea. Through this TTA performance certification, the technological maturity of NARMA’s large-scale delivery drone platform has been officially recognized.

NARMA is also developing the AF400EH, a hybrid engine-powered model. The company plans to target the long-distance logistics delivery market by extending the flight range to up to 250 km, with development scheduled to be completed within this year.

“During the development of the AF400, we faced several challenges, including a fire incident, but our research team successfully completed performance verification through continuous technical improvements,” said Kwon Ki-jung, CEO of NARMA. “Building on this TTA performance certification, we will open the era of 250 km-class long-distance delivery drones and demonstrate the competitiveness of Korea’s drone technology in the global market across logistics, defense, public safety, and other sectors.”

NARMA, a specialist in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone technology, announced that it has been selected as an Award Vendor in both the Small Lift and Medium Lift categories of the State of North Dakota’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) procurement program.

The procurement program evaluates and selects drone manufacturers and related service providers that comply with the requirements of the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). NARMA was selected alongside leading U.S. companies such as Skydio, Teal Drones, and Motorola Solutions. NARMA is the only Korean company included among the selected vendors.

Companies designated as Award Vendors receive priority consideration when North Dakota state agencies and affiliated organizations procure drone systems. NARMA’s proposed platforms, the AF100 (Small Lift) and AF200 (Medium Lift), are based on tiltrotor VTOL technology originally developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. These aircraft combine vertical takeoff and landing capability in confined spaces without the need for a runway with the high speed and long-range performance of fixed-wing aircraft, making them well suited for a wide range of public-sector missions across the vast regions of the American Midwest, including patrol, surveillance, and cargo transport operations.

This achievement was made possible through connections established with North Dakota agencies during a U.S. market entry roadshow organized by the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology last year. Continued support, including local consulting services provided by the Korea Unmanned Vehicle Systems Association, helped pave the way for NARMA’s final selection, creating a successful example of public-private cooperation in expanding Korean drone technology into the U.S. market.

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Cho Seung-han = A new demonstration facility capable of deploying domestically developed unmanned land, sea, and air vehicles for coastal security missions has officially opened in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 8th that, in cooperation with Dangjin City, it has established the “Unmanned Mobility Coastal Mission Demonstration Test Site” at the Dangjin Drone Industry Support Center in Chungnam Province.

​

The facility is the nation’s first integrated test site where unmanned ground, maritime, and aerial vehicles can be operated simultaneously while also demonstrating inter-platform cooperative technologies.

​

Equipped with a runway and helipad and located adjacent to the coastline, the site enables a wide range of vehicle testing and demonstrations.

​

Last month, Dangjin City signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) to establish the unmanned mobility demonstration test site and promote related industries, with the support center serving as the hub of the project.

​

The Ministry stated that the opening of the facility lays the groundwork for applying integrated control technologies, developed through the national unmanned mobility core technology program, to maritime surveillance and coastal security missions.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), the Korea Coast Guard, and the Korea Drone Industry Association.

​

During the event, KARI and the Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) demonstrated an integrated control system capable of simultaneously monitoring and conducting reconnaissance over nearby waters using multiple heterogeneous unmanned vehicles.

Flight demonstrations by three Korean drone companies — NARMA, AMP, and UMACAIR — were also carried out.

​

NARMA showcased a dual tiltrotor flight demonstration of its “AF100” platform featuring shipboard takeoff and landing technology. AMP demonstrated maritime surveillance operations using its AMP-1100 multicopter, while UMACAIR conducted wide-area coastal patrol demonstrations around Gukhwado Island and coastal reconnaissance missions using Starlink-based communications with its UM4 multicopter.

​

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that, in cooperation with KASA and the Korea Coast Guard, integrated unmanned mobility control demonstrations for coastal security applications — including illegal immigration surveillance, pollution monitoring, and maritime accident observation — will begin this month.

​

Oh Dae-hyun, Director General for Future Strategic Technology Policy at the Ministry, stated, “This will serve as an important turning point for our unmanned mobility technologies to take root in real-world applications,” adding, “We will continue supporting the use of unmanned mobility technologies not only for security and surveillance, but also in disaster response situations where the public can directly experience their benefits.”

Kwon Ki-jung, CEO of NARMA, is a veteran aerospace researcher who spent more than 30 years at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), the birthplace of South Korea’s aerospace technology. Yet he is not satisfied with simply creating “another drone.” Instead, he has taken on an ambitious challenge: building drones that anyone can immediately purchase and deploy into the sky.

​

Carrying a strong sense of responsibility to commercialize Korea’s core national technologies, NARMA is focusing not on lethal weapon systems, but on practical and industrial applications. The company is now expanding beyond Korea onto the global stage, including the United States and Kazakhstan, proudly demonstrating the competitiveness of Korean drone technology worldwide.

NARMA, a drone startup based in the Daedeok Innopolis in Daejeon, has been selected as the inaugural private-sector chair of the Drone Industry Alliance.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), led by Minister Kim Yoon-duk, held the “1st General Assembly of the Drone Industry Alliance for 2026” on the 9th, where it established operational regulations and elected the first chair company. Launched in May last year, the Drone Industry Alliance has transitioned from a government-led consultative body to a private sector–centered operational system through this general assembly.

Founded in October 2018 as the first research institute spin-off of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), NARMA is a deep-tech company in the drone sector. By commercializing KARI’s tilt-rotor technology, the company developed and launched the world’s first electric tiltrotor drone.

In an interview on the 10th, CEO Kwon Ki-jung stated, “As the chair company, we are now able to consolidate the perspectives of domestic drone companies and communicate them to the government, while also officially engaging in international activities.” He added, “As an official body under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, our most important role is to leverage our credibility to translate industry voices into institutional improvements and policy proposals.”

He particularly emphasized the urgency of expanding into overseas markets. “The industry cannot grow on domestic demand alone, making export expansion essential,” Kwon noted. “As drones are closely tied to national defense and security, countries are making extensive efforts to secure technologies, and regulatory frameworks are extremely stringent rather than simply focusing on procurement.”

He further added, “It is important to establish frameworks for cooperation among allied nations through mechanisms such as BASA (Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements). Leveraging the network I have built, I will propose such cooperative frameworks to the government and work toward achieving tangible outcomes.”

The government is expanding the use of drones across public services, ranging from delivery of essential goods to island residents to wildfire monitoring and bridge safety inspections. Five cities and counties in Gyeongsangbuk-do have been selected for the government’s drone demonstration city project and will participate in pilot programs for drone delivery services and public safety applications.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology (KIAST) announced the results of this year’s “Drone Demonstration City Development Project” and “Drone Commercialization Support Project” on the 11th. According to MOLIT, 44 local governments nationwide applied, with 30 ultimately selected. In Gyeongbuk, Gimcheon, Gumi, Yeongju, Sangju, and Uljin were included.

Uljin will conduct a pilot project for hybrid mid- to long-range drone delivery services, using Hupo Port as a base. The demonstration will take place between Hupo Port and Baekamsan, deploying hybrid aircraft with extended endurance.

Additionally, several advanced drone technologies will be developed, including a firefighting heavy-lift drone capable of carrying 200 kg and flying for over three hours (Angelux), a tiltrotor drone for island delivery (NARMA), and a fully localized agricultural drone (Seowoo). LG Energy Solution will develop five types of commercial drone batteries, while KRM and Alux will each localize five types of core drivetrain motors. Seven companies will also lead the commercialization of key technologies such as collision avoidance, video transmission, and anti-jamming systems.

Joo Jong-wan, Director General for Aviation Policy at MOLIT, stated that commercialization across key sectors and the establishment of a domestic ecosystem are essential for the sustainable growth of the K-Drone industry, adding that continued support will be provided to strengthen global competitiveness.

NARMA, a developer of dual tilt-rotor VTOL UAS, today announced it will be strengthening its U.S. presence amid the recent FCC expansion of the "Covered List."

​

While some new foreign-produced UAS face hurdles, NARMA is moving forward with a compliance-first strategy and doubling down on the U.S. market.

​

NARMA has already been participating in the AUVSI Green UAS Cleared process.

​

This provides independent review of cybersecurity practices, data handling, and supply chain integrity as part of the company's broader approach to compliance in the U.S. market.

​

The process will also land NARMA's AF100 on the exempt DIU Blue List.

​

"By pursuing Green UAS Clearance, we are proving that NARMA's dual tilt-rotor technology is built to meet U.S. security standards," said Kijung Kwon, CEO of NARMA.

​

To lead this effort, the company has appointed Ian Annase as Director of U.S. Airspace Integration and Strategy for NARMA US.

​

Annase will focus on navigating the evolving FCC and FAA requirements while scaling NARMA's deployments and customer base.

​

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, NARMA encourages public safety agencies and enterprise operators currently utilizing product lines affected by the FCC Covered List to reach out for a consultation.

■ The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) announced on the 27th that it held the first session of the “Aerospace SOS (aeroSpace On-site Solution)” roundtable at NARMA, a small and medium-sized enterprise in Daejeon, focusing on the drone industry. The Aerospace SOS roundtable is an on-site communication initiative aimed at addressing challenges faced by aerospace companies and gathering field-level input on key policy agendas. It covers areas such as next-generation launch vehicles, low Earth orbit satellite communication networks, lunar exploration, drones, and international joint development of civil aircraft. The program is scheduled to visit companies nationwide twice a month moving forward.

Professor Moon Sung-tae’s research team has been conducting related studies since 2013 and has developed Korea’s first swarm drone operation technology applicable to both indoor and outdoor environments. This achievement is particularly significant as the technology has advanced beyond theoretical research to a level ready for immediate commercialization in industrial settings.

The research team also developed a web-based ground control system that enables multiple users to operate numerous drones simultaneously, significantly improving operational efficiency. In addition, communication redundancy technology was applied to greatly enhance flight stability.

Through this technology transfer, the swarm drone operation technology developed by Professor Moon’s team will be integrated into NARMA’s proprietary model, the “AF100 VTOL.” The AF100 is a tiltrotor-based aircraft capable of freely adjusting flight speed, offering a distinct advantage in enabling high-speed, precision swarm formation flight.

Professor Moon stated, “By integrating our independently developed swarm drone operation technology with NARMA’s tiltrotor technology—the first of its kind to be commercialized globally—we aim to further enhance the competitiveness of tiltrotor drones in the market.”

NARMA, a tiltrotor drone specialist led by CEO Kwon Ki-jung, has taken a significant step toward entering the U.S. drone delivery market by obtaining a Maturity Level Attestation (MLA) from the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI), an organization under the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

From February over a four-month period, NARMA successfully completed a total of 30 hours of accident-free flight using its tiltrotor drone model “AF100” at an official FAA unmanned aircraft test site in Texas. The MLA certification was achieved with support from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ Super Gap Startup Program.

The testing process was conducted by FAA-affiliated test pilots who directly operated the aircraft. The project is particularly noteworthy as NARMA fully complied with U.S. certification procedures, including the development of training materials, pilot training, and the establishment of a Concept of Operations (CONOPS).

Since late 2023, the FAA has temporarily suspended its type certification process for unmanned aircraft. As a result, drone companies worldwide have been seeking alternative pathways. NARMA chose the MLA as a practical and credible method to demonstrate reliability equivalent to type certification and successfully completed the process.

​

NARMA is the first Korean drone company to obtain the MLA.

Precision in Process and Execution

CEO Kwon Ki-jung emphasized that the core of this project lies in strict adherence to procedures. By fully complying with the FAA’s stringent safety regulations and testing protocols, NARMA spent approximately two and a half years preparing all aspects required for certification—an approach rarely seen in the domestic drone manufacturing environment.

To obtain FAA Part 135 certification for air carrier operations, type certification is typically required. However, with the current suspension of the type certification system, drone delivery companies in the U.S. are operating under temporary approvals known as “waivers.” These are conceptually similar to Korea’s special airworthiness certification, and companies such as Wing and Zipline have adopted this approach. By obtaining the MLA, NARMA has secured a credible and formal certification pathway to support its drone delivery business.

Korean drone companies Vololand and NARMA have agreed to collaborate on the development of domestically produced flight controllers (FC), including both hardware and onboard software. Through this partnership, the two companies aim to advance flight control technologies and further enhance overall drone performance.

To support future expansion and growth in the drone market, both companies have formed a strategic partnership and plan to actively cooperate based on mutual benefit.

This collaboration is expected to strengthen their competitiveness in the market and expand their respective positions within the industry.

As partners, the two companies will actively support each other’s business areas and work together to explore and expand market opportunities. They will continue discussions to define specific areas and methods of cooperation.

Through the convergence of different business domains, the companies aim to build a new industrial ecosystem and establish a structured framework for joint collaboration, contributing to the overall advancement of the drone industry.

This agreement is expected to accelerate the development of drone flight controller technology and support the global expansion of domestically developed drone solutions.

Based on this partnership, NARMA and Vololand plan to create various win-win opportunities in the future drone market.

Drones, a type of unmanned aerial vehicle, are aircraft that can be remotely controlled from the ground or operate autonomously. They are currently utilized across various fields, including defense and industrial applications.

As drone-related technologies continue to advance, their use in firefighting is also expanding. From assessing on-site conditions during large-scale fires to conducting search and rescue operations, drones have become essential equipment across all stages—prevention, preparedness, response, and management.

However, conventional drones (multicopters) have limitations in flight time, range, and speed due to battery constraints. Recently, a company has drawn attention for overcoming these challenges—NARMA Inc., led by CEO Kwon Ki-jung.

NARMA Inc. is a specialized company focused on the development and manufacturing of tiltrotor drones. Under the leadership of CEO Kwon, the company is expanding its business by developing drones capable of transporting heavy payloads.

CEO Kwon studied Mechanical Engineering at POSTECH and Aerodynamics at KAIST. He joined the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) in 1994, where he conducted research in aerodynamics and built extensive expertise and experience.

In 2018, he founded NARMA Inc. based on the philosophy of “benefiting people widely through drones.” The company successfully commercialized an electric dual tiltrotor drone by inheriting the tiltrotor technology from KARI’s Smart UAV TR-100 project, which was developed over more than a decade with an investment of KRW 140 billion.

More recently, NARMA Inc. received a Maturity Level Attestation (MLA) from an FAA-affiliated organization in the United States, gaining recognition for its technological capabilities on the global stage. 119 Plus met with CEO Kwon Ki-jung to discuss the company’s technology and future vision.

NARMA, led by CEO Kwon Ki-jung, has officially launched a “Class 2 VTOL training drone” in response to the mandatory introduction of pilot certification for unmanned vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

Previously, the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA) established a new VTOL pilot certification system in May this year, with a one-year grace period. Starting next May, all VTOL operators will be required to obtain certification according to their respective categories.

The newly released training drone is designed to enable training institutions and certification candidates to practice under conditions similar to the actual test environment.

NARMA explained that the product was developed in anticipation of increased demand for short-term training to acquire fundamental piloting skills before the certification system takes full effect.

The training drone is based on a tiltrotor platform and derives from NARMA’s VTOL aircraft “AF100,” which passed the FAA maturity evaluation earlier this year.

This training model supports both fixed-wing cruising stability and multicopter takeoff and landing capabilities, and can be integrated with NARMA’s proprietary ground control system (GCS) to enable repetitive training programs.

NARMA plans to expand collaboration with drone training centers, universities, and local government training facilities, while also providing customized training packages for institutions.

CEO Kwon Ki-jung stated, “The implementation of the VTOL certification system marks an important turning point in enhancing the safety and reliability of the industry. As a technology company, NARMA will provide effective training infrastructure aligned with this change and lead the development of VTOL pilot training systems in Korea.”

NARMA Inc., a leading Korean tiltrotor drone company, has officially launched its next-generation heavy-lift drone “AF400,” marking a new direction in the domestic drone industry.

The company recently drew attention by consecutively unveiling the AF400, a VTOL aircraft equipped with heavy-lift tilting technology, at the “2025 International Drone Industry Symposium (Jeonju),” the “Namwon International Drone & Robot Festival,” and “Seoul ADEX 2025.”

The AF400 was initially developed under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ “Deep Tech TIPS” program and has achieved localization of key components through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s “Drone Commercialization Technology Development Program.”

The AF400 features NARMA’s proprietary dual tiltrotor-based heavy-lift flight platform, capable of both vertical takeoff and landing and fixed-wing flight. Compared to conventional multicopter drones, it significantly improves flight range, payload capacity, and energy efficiency. Combined with autonomous flight and integrated control technologies, it is recognized as a leading model for long-range industrial VTOL drone operations.

At each exhibition, the AF400 attracted strong interest from both domestic and international stakeholders. In Jeonju, it received positive evaluations from experts for its technical excellence, while in Namwon, it captured public attention through on-site display. At Seoul ADEX 2025, aviation and defense industry professionals examined the aircraft firsthand, recognizing the potential of domestically developed heavy-lift drones.

A NARMA representative stated, “This launch represents not just a new product introduction, but the beginning of a new era for domestically developed heavy-lift VTOL drones.”

NARMA plans to expand real-world applications across sectors such as disaster logistics, defense support, and industrial transportation, while continuing to strengthen the global competitiveness of Korea’s tiltrotor technology.

NARMA, a tiltrotor drone specialist led by CEO Kwon Ki-jung, has achieved a meaningful milestone in the United States.

​

On the 17th, NARMA announced that its drone, “AF100,” had obtained a Maturity Level Attestation (MLA) from the Autonomy Research Institute under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

​

The certification is being recognized as more than a simple technical evaluation, as it provides NARMA with a practical certification foundation for its full-scale entry into the North American market. A company representative described it as “a major milestone in NARMA’s global drone business strategy.”

​

The MLA certification was obtained through testing conducted over approximately four months beginning in February in Corpus Christi. Supported by Korea’s Super Gap Startup Program, the project demonstrated the reliability of NARMA’s technology, with the company successfully completing a total of 30 accident-free flight hours using a single aircraft.

​

The ARI, which conducted the testing, is a specialized institution under the FAA responsible for verifying autonomous flight technologies. It operates its own testing infrastructure, including dedicated airfields, testing equipment, and professional pilots. Under its evaluation system, drone companies submit their aircraft for testing, after which ARI conducts verification procedures and issues maturity assessment reports.

​

NARMA’s strategy for entering the North American market originally centered on obtaining FAA Type Certification (TC). However, the plan changed after the FAA temporarily suspended the issuance of TC approvals for small unmanned aircraft in the second half of 2024 as part of revisions to Part 108 regulations.

Daejeon is moving forward with its “Public Demand-Based Problem-Solving Demonstration Support Project” in collaboration with regional public institutions, aiming to simultaneously promote the commercialization of innovative technologies and improve public services. Through a comprehensive support system that connects demonstration projects to entry into the public procurement market, the city plans to establish a strong growth foundation for local companies.

According to the city government on the 16th, a public demonstration agency council meeting for the “2025 Public Demand-Based Problem-Solving Demonstration Support Project” was held at the first-floor conference room of QuantumCat. Around 30 participants attended, including representatives from participating companies and supporting organizations.

The core objective of the project is to identify on-site challenges faced by local public institutions, connect them with companies possessing relevant technologies, and support the process from demonstration testing to commercialization and entry into the public procurement market.

Earlier this January, the city conducted a survey of local public institutions to identify demonstration needs. Following expert consultations, six projects with strong public value and innovation potential were selected. Through an open recruitment and evaluation process, four companies were ultimately chosen to participate.

The companies participating in this year’s demonstrations are:

• Standard Energy (CEO Kim Boo-ki) — power reduction technology based on energy storage systems (ESS)

• NARMA (CEO Kwon Ki-jung) — development of tiltrotor drones for mountain rescue and firefighting operations

• QuantumCat (CEO Kim Sung-bae) — technology for predicting and extending the lifespan of activated carbon in deodorization facilities

• Ironnix (CEOs Seo Il-young and Lee Yeon-shin) — an automated fee assessment and processing system for large-scale waste disposal

NARMA’s Emergency Medical Delivery Drone, AF100-AED

One of the most common fatal accidents on golf courses is sudden cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction. In cases of cardiac arrest, rapid treatment within four minutes is critical. Now, even if a golfer suffers cardiac arrest during a round, NARMA’s emergency delivery service can provide immediate assistance.

Among sports activities, golf is known for having one of the highest rates of sudden death. In Japan, approximately 200 people die annually during golf rounds, with nearly 80% of those deaths reportedly caused by heart attacks. Ku Ok-hee, a legendary first-generation Korean women’s golfer, also passed away from cardiac arrest at a golf course in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

Golf is often considered a mental game, where constant tension and concentration on every shot can place significant stress on the heart. Even amateur golfers can become excessively focused and nervous during competitive rounds. In such situations, platelets may clot together and increase blood viscosity in a short period of time. As a result, blood vessels can become blocked, or blood clots and arterial plaque fragments may travel to the heart, causing severe pain and potentially leading to stroke or cardiac arrest.

Cases of cardiac arrest at golf courses have also become an issue in South Korea. In addition to incidents involving amateur golfers, the chairman of a major pharmaceutical company reportedly died of cardiac arrest at a golf course in Daegwallyeong. In 2020, a player competing in a KPGA Champions Tour event also died from a heart attack during the tournament.

CPR is often referred to as the “miracle of four minutes.” When cardiac arrest occurs during a round, the survival rate decreases by approximately 10% every minute. Without CPR or the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) within four minutes, the risk of severe brain damage rises dramatically, potentially resulting in death or permanent brain injury.

To address these risks, South Korean golf courses have been required since July 1, 2020, under revised sports facility regulations, to install AEDs on-site. Not only caddies but all golfers are encouraged to be capable of performing CPR in emergency situations. However, even people who have received CPR training often hesitate to act during real emergencies due to fear and uncertainty. In addition, most golf courses are located in mountainous areas, making it difficult for ambulances to arrive within the critical four-minute window.

To respond quickly to such emergencies, a new drone solution has emerged: the AED delivery drone developed by delivery drone specialist NARMA. As the name suggests, the drone rapidly delivers an automated external defibrillator to the site of a cardiac arrest emergency on a golf course.

NARMA was founded by CEO Kwon Ki-jung, a former researcher who spent 24 years at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. The company has gained industry attention for its delivery drones, which combine the vertical takeoff and landing capability of helicopters with the speed and efficiency of fixed-wing aircraft.

In cardiac emergencies, securing the four-minute golden time is crucial. NARMA’s AED delivery drone is designed specifically for rapid response. The drone cruises at an average speed of 80 km/h and can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h. From launch, it can travel and land at a destination 1.5 kilometers away in approximately three minutes. Within a 5-kilometer radius, the drone can deliver an AED to a patient in under four minutes, helping secure the critical golden time.

The system is also simple and easy to operate. NARMA developed a kiosk system capable of fully automated flight with just a few touches, and the technology has received patent certifications in both South Korea and the United States. In the event of cardiac arrest, an operator simply presses the departure button after selecting the starting point and destination, allowing the drone to automatically fly to the designated location.

As the number of golf courses in South Korea has surpassed 500, the number of accidents and emergencies occurring on golf courses has also increased significantly. Beyond safety education and institutional improvements, golf courses are now encouraged to adopt rapid emergency response systems such as NARMA’s AED delivery drone to better protect golfers’ safety and lives.

Sudden cardiac arrest and other accidents can also occur during professional golf tournaments attended by large crowds. In such situations, ambulances or carts carrying AEDs often struggle to access the scene quickly due to the number of spectators. To strengthen emergency medical response systems, NARMA AED delivery drones will be deployed at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open held at Namseoul Country Club from May 1 to 4, and at the Sh Suhyup Bank MBN Women’s Open held at The Star Hue in Gapyeong from May 30 to June 1. In emergency situations, the drones will rapidly and accurately deliver AEDs to the requested course location, helping secure the golden time for players and spectators alike.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) will invest a total of KRW 17.8 billion in the 2025 Drone Demonstration City Project and Drone Commercialization Support Project to expand drone applications and foster South Korea’s domestic drone industry. On the 5th, MOLIT and the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology announced that 26 local governments and seven drone companies had been selected following a public competition held for approximately 30 days from January 16 to February 14.

According to MOLIT, the Drone Demonstration City Project aims to develop drone utilization models tailored to regional characteristics and apply them to public services. This year, demonstration projects will be conducted across various sectors, including K-Drone Delivery, drone leisure sports, and advanced drone administrative services.

In particular, 23 local governments were selected for the K-Drone Delivery sector, where drones will deliver a variety of items such as blood supplies, expired pharmaceuticals, and administrative documents across islands, parks, and ports. Daejeon Metropolitan City plans to establish an emergency blood delivery network connecting military hospitals and blood centers, while Yeongju City in North Gyeongsang Province will introduce book rental and civil document delivery services for mountainous regions. Boryeong City in South Chungcheong Province will conduct demonstration projects centered on Wonsan Island for medical supply delivery and expired pharmaceutical collection.

Among the 23 K-Drone Delivery service regions, the 13 existing participants are Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Tongyeong City in South Gyeongsang Province, Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province, Incheon Metropolitan City, Gongju City in South Chungcheong Province, Gimcheon City in North Gyeongsang Province, Seosan City in South Chungcheong Province, Yangju City in Gyeonggi Province, Pocheon City in Gyeonggi Province, Ulju County in Ulsan, Yeosu City in South Jeolla Province, Changwon Special City, and Namwon City in North Jeolla Province.

The 10 newly selected regions are Daejeon Metropolitan City, Yeongju City in North Gyeongsang Province, Wonju City in Gangwon Province, Goheung County in South Jeolla Province, Siheung City in Gyeonggi Province, Icheon City in Gyeonggi Province, Boryeong City in South Chungcheong Province, Gimje City in North Jeolla Province, Sangju City in North Gyeongsang Province, and Anyang City in Gyeonggi Province.

In the drone leisure sports sector, Pocheon City, Namwon City, and Busan Metropolitan City were selected to host international drone leisure events and drone light shows. Pocheon City plans to attempt a Guinness World Record in October with a 6,000-drone light show linked to the natural environment of the Hantan River, while Namwon City plans to host an international drone racing competition.

In the advanced drone administration sector, five local governments will introduce public administrative services utilizing AI and identification detection technologies. Incheon Metropolitan City will conduct drone safety management demonstrations for tidal flat harvesting management and monitoring of the Five West Sea Islands, while Uiseong County in North Gyeongsang Province will advance illegal drone detection technologies.

Under the Drone Commercialization Support Project, seven companies were selected to promote the localization of drone airframes and core components. The Vololand Consortium will support domestic production of key components for racing and reconnaissance drones, while NARMA plans to develop heavy-lift, long-range tilt-prop drones. In addition, the Systech Consortium will pursue exports of road and railway 3D monitoring services based on domestically developed drones.

MOLIT stated that through these projects, it aims to accelerate the growth of the drone industry and facilitate the early adoption of practical drone technologies.

Kim Young-gu, Director General of Aviation Policy at MOLIT, stated, “Achieving a balance between drone supply and demand is important,” adding, “Through the Drone Commercialization Support Project, we will promote the localization of key components, while expanding drone utilization through the Drone Demonstration City Project.”

NARMA Co., Ltd. unveiled the “AF100-AGRI,” a drone designed to monitor crop growth and field conditions, for the first time at CES 2025, held in Las Vegas, United States, from January 7 to 10 (local time).

The exhibition marked an important first step in the full-scale promotion of NARMA’s tiltrotor VTOL technology in the U.S. market and was regarded as a meaningful opportunity to present the future of agricultural technology.

Selected in 2023 as part of Korea’s Super Gap Project, the AI-based AF100-AGRI was developed as a specialized drone capable of monitoring crop health and growth conditions in real time. The system is designed to maximize operational efficiency in agricultural environments and enable data-driven precision farming.

In particular, the drone is equipped with agriculture-optimized cameras and an advanced navigation system, allowing it to quickly and accurately assess crop conditions across large-scale farmland.

South Korean unmanned aircraft manufacturer NARMA announced on the 26th that it had carried out a volunteer cleanup operation to collect trash from the coastal cliff areas of Marado, the southernmost island of South Korea, as part of its year-end community activities.

The coastal areas of Marado have long faced difficulties in waste collection due to extremely limited access for ships and the near impossibility of transporting trash using vehicles or heavy equipment.

​

Following the completion of the Jeju Drone Special Free Zone project, NARMA proposed the initiative to Jeju Special Self-Governing Province as part of its mission, “Fly for People.” The cleanup operation was conducted with support from local authorities and participation from local residents.

​

NARMA utilized the superior accessibility and transport capability of its drones to move waste from the coastal cliffs to inland areas of the island.

Kwon Ki-jung, CEO of NARMA, stated, “Through this activity, we demonstrated that drone technology can make a practical contribution to regional environmental improvement efforts,” adding, “By utilizing the drones’ high payload capacity and stable flight performance, we were able to safely carry out operations even in areas inaccessible to vehicles.”

​

For the operation, two of NARMA’s AF160 drones were deployed to collect waste from cliff areas and transport it to locations accessible by vehicles.

An official from the Korea Expressway Corporation stated, “Since the Serious Accidents Punishment Act came into effect, awareness and interest in construction site safety have increased significantly,” adding, “To prevent accidents, we have developed core technologies that digitalize site management using artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, while automatically detecting workers’ safety conditions.”

​

The corporation has now reached the stage of commercializing key smart construction safety technologies developed through national research and development (R&D) projects after conducting on-site demonstrations.

​

Since last year, researchers at the Korea Expressway Corporation’s Smart Construction Project Division have been making efforts to apply various safety enhancement technologies in real-world environments, ranging from small-scale construction sites to large-scale highway construction projects.

​

Key safety technologies include advanced safety management systems, smart safety education, and integrated control platforms.

In addition, the Korea Expressway Corporation is applying automated earthwork technology to the construction site of a new highway Hi-Pass interchange at the Sintanjin Service Area. Automated structural construction technologies are also planned for use at sites such as the Seoul Metropolitan Area Second Ring Expressway construction project.

[Seoul = Newsis] Reporter Shim Ji-hye — Curevis, a company established with investment from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), along with NARMA, backed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, and Soul Material, backed by the Korea Institute of Materials Science, have been selected as outstanding research institute companies by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

​

In particular, Curevis received high recognition for securing an overseas technology transfer agreement valued at approximately KRW 500 billion.

On the 27th, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it will hold the “2024 Regional Technology Commercialization Innovation Forum” to promote regional innovation based on science and technology and accelerate technology commercialization.

​

The forum, which will be held on the 28th at the ICC Hotel in Daejeon, will include awards for contributors and outstanding performers from regional innovation clusters and special R&D zones, presentations on policy achievements and future visions for regional technology commercialization, and discussions on technology commercialization policies and startup creation within research and development special zones.

​

Since the first designation of the Daedeok Innopolis in 2005, the Ministry has promoted the growth and expansion of research and development special zones while supporting the commercialization of public technologies.

Over the past three years, comprehensive support for startup creation and commercialization utilizing public research outcomes has resulted in 760 technology transfer cases, the establishment of 703 research institute companies, 755 innovative startups, and commercialization sales totaling KRW 727.1 billion.

​

The market capitalization of publicly listed companies within special R&D zones has also grown approximately 59-fold, increasing from KRW 850 billion in 2005 to KRW 50.8 trillion as of June this year.

In addition, plaque ceremonies for outstanding research institute companies selected based on factors such as investment attraction, reinvestment cycles, and large-scale technology transfer achievements will be held, alongside commendations for individuals and organizations contributing to research and development special zones and regional R&D initiatives.

​

Curevis, selected as an outstanding research institute company and backed by KAIST, focused on developing treatments for dementia and neurological disorders with support from the Gangso Special Zone Development Project during its early startup stage. The company recently signed one of the largest overseas technology transfer agreements in Korea, valued at approximately KRW 500 billion.

​

NARMA, which develops smart unmanned aircraft and was established with investment from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, achieved major milestones including securing KRW 5 billion in Series A investment and establishing a Texas corporation in the United States through support programs such as the Daedeok Innopolis Research Institute Company R&BD and growth support projects.

​

Soul Material, backed by the Korea Institute of Materials Science, developed heat dissipation products based on magnesia materials through the Daegu Special Zone Research Institute Company R&BD program and successfully secured KRW 15 billion in Series B investment.

Daejeon Technopark (Daejeon TP) announced on the 6th that it received institutional commendations from both the Minister of SMEs and Startups and the Minister of Science and ICT at separate government events held in Chuncheon and Busan.

ㅤ

That afternoon, Daejeon TP received the Minister of SMEs and Startups Award for contributions to regional innovation at the “2nd Regional Innovation Expo” hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups at Songam Sports Town in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. The event was jointly organized by the Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs (TIPA) and local governments.

ㅤ

Daejeon TP was recognized for fostering Daejeon’s six core strategic industries, building ecosystems for future emerging industries, and contributing to management and regional innovation through company-centered customized support programs.

ㅤ

Last year, Daejeon TP was selected for the Daejeon Convergence Defense Regional Specialized Project and designated as a candidate special zone for Daejeon’s Space Satellite Regulatory Free Zone. It also received consecutive “excellent” ratings in the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ regional industry development project evaluations and institutional management assessments.

ㅤ

Earlier that same day, Daejeon TP also received an institutional commendation from the Minister of Science and ICT at the “2024 Industry-Academia-Research Cooperation Expo” held at BEXCO in Busan.

ㅤ

The award recognized Daejeon TP’s contributions to advancing Daejeon’s research industry through the development of the Daejeon Research Industry Promotion Complex, strengthening the competitiveness of research equipment companies, and revitalizing the research industry ecosystem.

ㅤ

In March of last year, Daejeon became the first city in Korea to be designated as a Research Industry Promotion Complex based on the research equipment infrastructure concentrated within the Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone.

ㅤ

Accordingly, Daejeon TP has been promoting the localization of research equipment and supporting innovative growth among research equipment companies linked to Daejeon’s key strategic industries.

ㅤ

Meanwhile, NARMA, a company supported by Daejeon TP, received the Minister of SMEs and Startups Award at the Regional Innovation Expo. NARMA has been advancing into logistics and emergency service sectors with its tiltrotor drone technology capable of vertical takeoff and landing.

ㅤ

Kim Woo-yeon, President of Daejeon TP, stated, “Following our achievement of the highest grade in management performance evaluations, we have now received ministerial commendations from two government ministries,” adding, “We will continue working together with our employees to help build Daejeon into a world-class economic city.”

Founded in 2018, the company became the first research institute startup established by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute.

Based on its tiltrotor vertical takeoff and landing technology, the company develops delivery drones for transporting pharmaceuticals and other goods.

Recently, the company was also selected to supply pilot products for the Korea Expressway Corporation to respond to emergency situations that may occur during highway construction projects.

ㅤ

Kwon Ki-jung, CEO / First Research Institute Company of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute

ㅤ

“Since this technology was developed over nearly 14 years, we have accumulated extensive expertise and know-how. Based on that experience, we received investment and established the company.”

ㅤ

Since the launch of the first research institute company in 2005, the number of such companies has surpassed 1,900 as of August.

ㅤ

As of the end of last year, these companies generated combined sales of KRW 680 billion and employed more than 5,500 people, demonstrating rapid growth and a high survival rate during the early startup stage.

South Korea’s drone delivery market is rapidly growing beyond its early stages of development. The advantages of drone delivery — quickly transporting various goods over long distances — are also gaining attention in the medical field.

ㅤ

From the 17th to the 19th, the Unmanned Mobility Industry Expo 2024 Conference, hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Science and ICT, was held at COEX Hall C.

ㅤ

During the event, Executive Director Ahn Seung-hoon of NARMA presented cases demonstrating the commercialization of drone delivery in emergency medical services.

ㅤ

NARMA, the first research institute startup company established by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, is a logistics drone company that commercialized the world’s first electric small tiltrotor drone.

ㅤ

The company aims to safely deliver blood supplies and pharmaceuticals between hospitals both domestically and internationally.

ㅤ

Recently, NARMA successfully delivered pharmaceuticals by flying along a designated route between Konyang University Hospital and Chungnam National University Hospital.

ㅤ

NARMA is also expanding its activities overseas.

ㅤ

In January, the company completed a demonstration flight for pharmaceutical delivery at a healthcare center in Kenya.

ㅤ

Executive Director Ahn stated, “NARMA’s drone can transport payloads weighing approximately 5 kilograms at a cruising speed of 70 km/h over a range of 40 kilometers.”

ㅤ

“If conventional delivery methods required more than one hour and thirty minutes, drones can complete the delivery in just 30 minutes.”

ㅤ

NARMA’s AF200 drone used in the operation is capable of beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight and enables long-range real-time observation using EO/IR cameras.

NARMA announced on the 17th that it will collaborate with Samsung Electronics on a drone delivery service.

​

The company plans to use its self-developed drones to deliver Samsung Electronics’ newly unveiled Galaxy Z6 series smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6.

This marks the first case in South Korea of mobile devices being delivered by drone.

​

NARMA previously conducted an inter-island logistics delivery demonstration project in collaboration with Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology as part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s “Drone Demonstration City Project.”

​

Samsung Electronics, which showed interest in the initiative, reportedly proposed a partnership to NARMA, and the two companies have been conducting demonstration tests for electronic device delivery since May.

​

Under the new drone delivery service, Samsung products arriving at the Jeju Drone Delivery Center are loaded onto drones and transported to designated destinations.

The AF160 drone developed by NARMA for the service is capable of unmanned flight for up to 30 minutes at speeds of 60–70 km/h and can carry payloads of up to 20 kilograms.

Using the drone delivery system, transportation time takes approximately 20 minutes from Jeju to Marado and about 10 minutes from Jeju to Gapado.

​

Kwon Ki-jung, CEO of NARMA, stated, “We are very pleased to become the first company to deliver Samsung Electronics smartphones, which are recognized as world-class products, using drone technology.”

​

He added, “NARMA will continue striving to lead in providing greater convenience and benefits to the public.”

As shown in the video earlier, the service will begin on the 19th.

Samsung Electronics announced that it will launch a drone delivery service for its newly released Galaxy smartphones targeting island regions near Jeju, Yeosu, and Tongyeong.

Most notably, this marks the first drone delivery service for mobile products in South Korea.

By using drones, delivery times can reportedly be reduced dramatically from about one week to just a single day.

​

Samsung Electronics also stated that it plans to expand drone delivery services in the future, focusing primarily on mobile products such as smartphones weighing under 10 kilograms.

The Daedeok Innopolis Venture Association (Chairman Kim Byung-soon, hereafter referred to as the Association) announced on the 5th that it successfully concluded a business and technology exchange meeting between defense companies in the Daejeon region and South Korean defense contractor LIG Nex1.

​

The Defense Business Club is a company-led cluster established by Daejeon Metropolitan City to promote information sharing on defense industry trends, joint business development, technology advancement, and new business planning.

​

Since its first meeting in May 2013, the organization has grown to include approximately 130 companies across the defense industry, covering areas such as weapon systems, unmanned aviation, and military support systems.

​

The recent business and technology exchange meeting was attended by representatives from LIG Nex1, along with five Daejeon-based defense companies: NARMA (CEO Kwon Ki-jung), Duta Technology (CEO Lee Dong-guk), BlueWaveTel (CEO Ha Jae-kwon), MCK Tech (CEO Cho Seung-min), and Y&DK (CEO Bok Min-gap).

​

In addition, around 20 representatives from industry and government organizations, including Daejeon Metropolitan City and Daejeon Technopark, participated in the event.

[Asia Times = Reporter Shin Jin-yeol] SYP announced on the 21st that it successfully concluded the “Super Gap Startup 1000+ Relay IR @ Singapore” event, held in Singapore from the 18th to the 20th.

The “Super Gap Startup 1000+ Project,” overseen by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, is managed by the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development. The project supports promising startups across ten advanced technology sectors, including AI and big data, by providing assistance in commercialization, R&D, open innovation, investment attraction, and policy financing.

The 15 startups participating in the event included DoWiseChem, BJ Biochem, Hugect, Grinergy, NARMA, ElLine, Morphing I, Nemesis, RC Tech, IDEAS, Faraday, Grade Health Chain, BeamWorks, Infopla, and Giwon Tech.

Reporter Shin Jin-yeol / New Media

Experts point out that the ultimate goal of establishing the Korea Aerospace Administration is focused on industrialization to realize the space economy, making public-private cooperation for expanding the space industry ecosystem a key priority.

​

To achieve this, investment and support should be expanded so that Korean companies can strengthen their competitiveness in global space service sectors — including satellite communications, satellite navigation, and remote sensing — which account for more than 70% of the overall space market.

​

As global competition intensifies over securing leadership in emerging space communication markets such as low- and medium-earth orbit satellite communication services, experts emphasize the need to implement industrialization strategies based on South Korea’s strengths in advanced ICT sectors including electronics and telecommunications.

​

Baek Hong-yeol, Chief Research Fellow at NARMA and former President of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute as well as former Director of the Agency for Defense Development, stated, “A space industry ecosystem led by the Korea Aerospace Administration is necessary so that Korean companies can secure leadership in the global space service market.”

​

He added, “As demand for strengthening space defense capabilities — including space surveillance, space reconnaissance, and satellite navigation — continues to increase, cooperation between the civilian and military sectors must also be established in a more systematic manner.”

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Innopolis Foundation announced that they introduced their strategic policy direction at the “Regional Science and Technology Policy Sharing Conference” held at Shinsegae Expo Tower in Daejeon on the same day.

The event was held to present policy directions related to regional research and development (R&D) innovation.

​

More than 150 participants attended the event, including officials from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Presidential Committee on Balanced National Development, the Innopolis Foundation, 17 regional R&D support groups nationwide, and research institute companies.

​

Prior to the event, the Ministry of Science and ICT held a luncheon meeting with technology-based companies and visited NARMA, a research institute company located in the Daedeok Innopolis, to review the status of its drone technology development.

​

During the event, participants shared Daejeon’s science and technology innovation strategy, technology-based corporate networking initiatives, and best practices from companies such as Cosmax.

대전시는 지역 기업의 성장을 촉진하기 위해 25일 대전시청 3층 세미나실에서 '대전 신기술 개발 제품 공공기관 우선 구매 설명회 및 전시회'를 개최했다.

​

이번 행사는 지솔코퍼레이션(주), (주)토핀스, (주)미래뷰, (주)에스엘엠, (주)트위니, (주)나르마, (주)두시텍, 대영M&S(주), (주)워터제네시스, (주)소암컨설턴스, (주_위플랫, (주)과학기술분석센타, (주)크린바이오, (주)쉘파스페이스, (주)지오필테크, (주)에프에스, (주)씨엔테크, (주)부강테크, (주)가이온, (주)모바휠, (주)티알, (주)와이티, (주)트렌토시스템즈, (주)아누타 등 24개 대전 혁신기업이 개발한 각종 로봇, 드론, 바이오제품, 시험장비, 소프트웨어 및 네트워크 솔루션 등 약 25개 제품에 대한 공공기관 우선구매 협조와 제품 홍보를 위해 마련됐다.

코이카(KOICA.한국국제협력단)의 CTS(혁신적 기술 프로그램)가 자리잡고 있다. CTS는 개발도상국의 사회,경제 문제를 해결할 수 있는 혁신기술과 사업모델을 보유한 초기 창업팀을 발굴해 글로벌 비즈니스 역량을 강화하고 현지 사업화를 지원하는 프로그램이다.

​

CTS 대표 기업으로는 케냐 지역보건소 의약품 배송 병목현상을 수직이착륙 드론(무인기)로 해결한 '나르마', 분광기술을 활용한 간이 수질 측정기를 개발, 식수 안전 개선에 도움을 준 '파이퀀트', 케냐 시각장애인을 위한 점자기기를 개발하고 보급한 '닷' 등이 꼽힌다.

이달 1일 아프리카 케냐 타라카 니티 카운티(Tharaka Nithi County)의 한 병원. 한국 기업이 만든 의료용품 배달용 드론인 '나르마(AF200)'가 상공으로 치솟아 올랐다. 잠시 상공에서 자세를 가누더니 쏜살같이 검은 대륙의 숲이 울창한 평원 하늘을 내달렸다. 불과 3분 만에 차로 40분가량 걸리는 두 병원을 오가며 의료용품을 성공적으로 배달했다.

나르마의 응급 의료용품 배송 시범 비행이었다. 한국 기업 최초로 케냐 민간항공청(KCAA)으로부터 연장 가시권 비행 허가를 받았다.  나르마는 5kg가량을 탑재한 채 시속 70km로 40km를 이동했다. 현재 시중에 나온 대부분의 멀티콥터 드론은 10km 안팎까지 갈 수 있다. 최대속도도 평균 15km이며 최대 40분까지 밖에 비행하지 못한다.

전동식 듀얼 틸트로터 기술이 들어간 나르마의 드론은 고속 비행과 제자리비행, 수직 이착륙이 가능하다. 일반 멀티콥터 드론보다 약 3배 장거리 비행하며 현존 수직이착륙기 중 최고의 내풍성을 자랑한다. 

한국산업기술진흥원(KIAT), 미국의 플로리다 대학(University of Florida, 이하 UF), 미국의 반도체 기업 브리지(BRIDG)가 공동 주최한 '제2회 KIAT-UF-BRIDG 연구개발 워크숍'이 서울과학기술컨벤션센터(ST Center)에서 최근 개최됐다. KIAT와 브리지는 공동연구 협력 활성화를 위해 양해각서를 체결했으며, 지난해 하반기에는오세올라 카운티에서 동일한 성격의 워크샵을 진행한 바 있다.

​

'프로젝트 아웃라인 피칭 세션'에서는 이상수 아이블포토닉스 CEO, 권기정 나르마 CEO, 유광호 뉴로센스 CEO, 조상준 파크시스템스 CTO, 피터 장 아이엠이 에이스타 프로그램 매니저, 우마 자 엘쓰리해리스 테크놀로지 선임연구원, 윤용구 UF 전지정공학부 교수, 김영환 스마트 레이더 시스템 CEO, 글로리아 킴 UF 공학교육학과 교수, 이상윤 인텍플러스 CEO, 최환 센트럴 플로리다 대학 항공우주공학과 교수, 박형준 서울대학교 항공우주공학과 교수, 그리고 육종민 한국전자기술연구원 ICT 디바이스•패키징 연구센터 연구원 등의 발표가 진행됐다.

의료제품 운반용 드론을 만드는 나르마는 사업 확장을 위해 신규 시장을 알아보던 중 케냐가 아프리카 정보기술(IT) 강국이라는 점에 착안해 판로 개척을 시도했다. 이미 남아프리카공화국과 크로아티아 등에 샘플 수출 경험이 있던 나르마는 기존 거래선을 활용해 케냐 드론시장을 공략했지만 현지 기관과의 소통에 큰 어려움을 겪었다. 케냐에 드론 제품을 출시하기 위해서는 데모비행이 필수인데. 이를 주관하는 기관과 접촉이 되지 않았기 때문이다. 같은 시기에 상용기술 개발을 위해 막대한 비용을 지출 중이었던 나르마는 사업 운영에 지장이 생기자 돌파구 마련을 위해 코트라 해외지사화사업에 손을 내밀었다. 나르마의 상황을 파악한 코트라는 곧바로 현지 데모비행 주관 부서와 수차례 면담을 진행했고, 나르마와 보건부 간 기술제휴 업무협약(MOU)을 이끌어냈다. 이를 계기로 데모비행에 성공한 나르마는 지난해 3595달러(약 480만 원) 규모의 첫 수출 물꼬를 텄고, 한국형 의료용품 후송용 드론을 케냐에 납품할 수 있는 공식 자격도 곧 획득할 예정이다. 권기정 나르마 대표는 "코트라 해외지사화사업의 도움이 없었다면 자칫 회사가 큰 어려움에 빠질수 있었다"며 "케냐는 주요 도로 중 48%가 흙길, 36%가 자갈길일 만큼 도로 인프라가 열악해 드론운송이 가능해지면 향후 의약품 배송은 더욱 확대할 것"이라고 말했다.​​

최종목 부총리 겸 기회재정부 장관은 15일 "민간이 단독 투자하기 힘든 혁신•도전적 연구개발(R&D)과 첨단기술 분야 글로벌 R&D 협력에 정보 재정을 집중 투자하겠다"고 밝혔다.

​

​최 부총리는 이날 종로구 정부서울청사에서 'R&D 혁신 전문가 간담회'를 주재했다. 이자리에는 양희원 현대자동차 R&D본부장, 권기정 나르마 대표이사, 강대희 에이엘로봇 대표이사 등 기업 측 대표가 참석했다. 박남규 성균관대 화학공학과 교수와 윤지웅 경희대 행정학과 교수, 이호성 한국표준과학연구원장도 함께 자리했다.

​

​

Safomar Technologies has demonstrated the Narma AF200 vertical takeoff and landing(VTOL) fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV) to potential cilvil and military users in South Africa, who could use it for everything from blood transport to surveillance.

​

The AF200 is an electric dual tilt-rotor aircraft that operates as a multicopter when hovering and a fixed wing UAV when cruising. Maximum flight time is 25minutes when hovering with a 3 kg payload, or 45 minutes when cruising in level flight with a 3 kg payload. Maximum altitute is 3,000 metres.

(주)나르마(대표 권기정)는 한국 기업으로 최초로 케냐 민간항공청(KCAA)으로부터 연장가시권 비행허가를 받았다. 또한 병원 간 응급 의료용품 배송 시범 비행을 착수했다고 밝혔다.

​

나르마는 "이번 시범 비행에서 드론을 활용한 긴급 배송의 사업화 가능성을 확인했다"며 "실제 지형, 도로 연건이 이유로 두 의료기관을 연결하는 육로 배송으로 30분 이상 소요되는 거리를 단, 3분 만에 배송을 완료했다"고 말했다.

​

​이는 차량 접근이 어려운 지역의 의료기관 사이에 교류가 잦은 의료용 항생제, 백신 등을 신속하게 배송할 수 있는 혁신적인 대안을 제시한 것으로 평가받고 있다.

대전시는 이장우 시장이 22일 대전컨벤션센터에서 열린 대전시 지방통합위회의에서 지역방위 작전용 드론 2대를 505여단에 기증했다고 밝혔다. 

시에 따르면 이번 기증은 지난달 이 시장이 505여단 방문 당시 드론 지원을 지원하겠다는 약속이 이뤄진 것으로, 시는 그동안 드론 제품 사양과 작전 능력을 검등하고 시험비행을 완료했다.

​시 관계자는 "국가 방위에서 드론이 차지하는 비중이 지속적으로 증가하고 있다"면서 "이번에 기증하는 드론은 시의 드론하늘길 조성사업을 통해 실증까지 마친 지역기업 제품으로, 군의 향토방위역량이 한단계 도약하는 데 중요한 역할을 할 것으로 기대한다"고 말했다.

이번 토크 콘서트는 한남대 로봇산업육성사업단과 대전테크노파트 주최, 중소기업벤처부, 중소기업기술정보진흥원, 대전지역사업평가단이 주관했으며 대전 더반스 컨벤션홀에서 개최됐다.

​이날 행사는 한국로봇산업진흥원 박일우 실장이 '첨단로봇산업 비전과 전략'을 주제로 한 특강을 시작으로 두위니, 라스테크, 플레토로보틱스, 두시텍, 네스앤텍, 나르마 등 대전지역 물류 및 국방서비스 로봇산업 관련 기업 대표가 토크콘서트에 대거 참여해 대전의 특화 산업인 로봇산업의 발전을 위한 정보교류와 발전 방향을 제시했다.

​최근 미국 라스베이거스에서 열린 세계 최대 IT•가전 전시회 'CES 2024'에서 수많은 K-스타트업들이 선전한 가운데,뛰어난 기술력으로 글로벌 참관객들의 발길을 사로잡으며 크게 흥행한 스타트업이 있다. 한국항공우주연구원(항우연) 1호 연구소기업으로 장거리 수직이착륙 틸트로터 드론을 개발한 '나르마'다. 나르마는 2022년 11월 머니투데이 스타트업 미디어 플랫폼 유니콘팩토리의 간판코너'스타트UP스토리'에 소개되며 업계의 주목을 받았던 곳이다.

충남교육청이 12일 미래사회에 활약할 드론 분야 기술인재 양성을 위해 5개의 드론 산업체(△(주)베셀에어로스페이스,△(주)유아이헬리제트,△(주)베이리스,△(주)네스앤텍,△(주)나르마)와 업부 협약을 체결했다고 밝혔다.

​​이날 협약은 5개 드론 산업체 대표들이 참석한 가운데 이뤄졌으며, 학생 현장실습과 교원연수, 교육과정 개발 등을 위해 함께 노력하기로 합의했다.

'미래창조경영우수기업대상'은 정부 핵심 정책인 혁신경영을 통한 고용창출우수기업 및 고용안정을 추구하는 기업을 발굴, 육성하고자 제정됐으며 올해로 11회째를 맞았다. 수상 기업 선정은 사전조사 기간을 거쳤으며 각계 전문가들로 구성된 심사위원단의 심사를 거쳤다. 서류심사 및 공적서 검토, 경영자 인터뷰, 현장 답사 등의 과정을 거쳐 최종 수상 기업이 확정됐다.

올해 첫 수상기업으로는 ▲(주)그래피(대표 심운섭) ▲(주)나르마(대표 권기정, 연구소장 이태형) ▲(주)돌봄드림(대표 김지훈) ▲리누바이오 헬스(Renu Bio Health)(대표 방효복) ▲(주)리모(대표 배은경) ▲(주)메디리타(대표 배영우) ▲(주)모던텍(대표 김성두) ▲서진씨엔에스㈜(대표 김재영) ▲신소애여성의원(대표 박정원) ▲(주)애니셀(대표 이명신) ▲(주)에이치에스88(회장 김호성) ▲에인에이㈜(대표 김현철) ▲(주)유일로보틱스(대표 김동헌) ▲(주)조은에듀테크(대표 조성호) ▲(주)커피에반하다(대표 임은성) ▲(주)크로커스(대표 임지섭) ▲탑셀바이오뱅크(주)(대표 김유수) ▲파이온코퍼레이션(대표 전찬석, 정범진) ▲(주)푸른농산(대표 배종용) ▲(주)피마펜코리아(대표 신명자) ▲한국ST거래㈜(대표 조원동, 정상준) 등이 수상의 영예를 안았다.

기술보증기금은 12일 대전컨벤션센터에서 대전시와 창업•벤처투자 활성화를 위한 업무협약을 체결하고 유기적인 협조체제를 구축한다고 밝혔다. 기보와 대전시는 지역 우수기업 공동투자, 민간 공동투자와 후속 투자 참여 활성화, 상호 후속 투자 추천 등을 공동으로 추진할 계획이다. 기업설명회에서는 나르마, 뷰브레인헬스케어, 비햅틱스, 스칼라데이터가 비즈니스 모델과 성과를 소개하며 투자유치에 나선다. 

[충남일보 윤근호 기자] 배재대 IPP사업단은 IT분야 학과 3학년 재학생 10여명이 틸트로터 드론 생산‧운영 기업인 ㈜나르마를 견학했다고 11일 밝혔다.

8일 진행된 견학에서 배재대 학생들은 회사에 대한 정보를 안내받고 연구소, 생산시설을 둘러보며 일학습병행 참여학생이 받을 직무훈련을 소개받았다. 또 인사담당자 및 현직자와 질의응답으로 궁금증을 풀었다.

나르마는 정부 출연연구소인 한국항공우주연구원이 투자한 기업으로, 대형드론 분야에서 우리나라 최초 기록을 여럿 보유한 세계 선두권 기술력을 보유했다.
 

​대전시와 대전국방벤처센터가 국방산업 분야 지역 중소벤처기업 19개 사와 국방기술지원 협약을 체결했다. 이들 협약기업은 신규 국산화 과제발굴과 시험평가 지원, 수출 활성화를 위한 자문(컨설팅), 기술교류 등 다양한 지원을 받게 된다.

협약 체결 기업은 이노스페이스(대표 김수종), 나르마(대표 권기정), 라온에이엔씨(대표 조연수), 시소디앤유(대표 정현권), 어반어소시에이츠(대표 이민석), 와이즈컨(대표 전세형), 이아이에스(대표 조성철), 지에스에스(대표 박민수), 파블로항공(대표 김영준), 한국정보시스템(대표 윤영호), 한컴어썸텍(대표 황상연), 진솔터보기계(대표 이시우), 인옵틱스(대표 강세경), 유뱃(대표 이창규), 에이유(대표 김백현), 시정(대표 채신태), 셀렉트스타(공동대표 김세엽, 신호욱), 더피치(대표 송문섭), 글로벌시스템스(대표 조영란, 박승국) 등이다.

출처 : 충남일보(http://www.chungnamilbo.co.kr)

16일(현지 시간) 미국 실리콘밸리 스타트업 엑셀러레이터인 플러그앤 플레이에서 '한국 스타트업 데모데이 겸 네트워킹 데이'가 열려 예비유니콘 꿈나무 스타트업들이 실리콘밸리에서 사업 아이디어를 발표하는 시간을 가졌다. 

골프장에서 코스 내 배송에 활용할 수 있는 드론 솔루션이 나왔다. 골프장 코스에는 다양한 상황이 발생한다. 특히 심정지나 타구사고 등 갑작스런 안전사고가 발생하면 AED나 구급키트 등의 물품이 필요하게 된다. 이때 나르마 배송 드론이 호출된 코스 위치로 신속정확하게 물품을 배송해 골든타임을 지킬 수 있다. 

​국토교통부와 행정안전부, 제주특별자치도는 오는 21일부터 제주도에 실제 비행 중인 드론의 위치를 실시간으로 확인하는 드론식별시스템을 시범 구축하고, 택배사 들어가지 않는 가파도에 드론택배 서비스를 실시한다고 18일 밝혔다. 

한경 긱스(Geeks)의 [그래서 투자했다]는 벤처캐피털(VC)이나 액셀러레이터의 투자심사역이 발굴한 스타트업과 투자 비하인드 스토리를 소개합니다. 오늘은 이강훈 하나벤처스 수석심사역이 130년만의 항공 혁명으로 불리는 드론 기업 중에서도, 도서산간 긴급배송에 특화된 나르마에 투자한 뒷이야기를 전합니다. 나르마는 헬리콥터와 날개가 있는 비행기의 장점을 결합한 '틸트 로터' 드론 개발에 성공해 해외 진출을 노리는 스타트업입니다.1903년 12월 17일. 이날 미국 노스캐롤라이나주 키티호크라는 작은 마을에서 라이트 형제는 12초 동안의 짧은 비행에 성공했다. 고대 그리스 로마신화 속 이카루스가 그랬듯 하늘을 날고자 하는 인류의 오랜 꿈이 마침내 실현되는 순간이었다.

그로부터 130년이 흐른 지금 항공의 역사에 또 한 번의 엄청난 변화가 일어나고 있다. 바로 드론이다. 단돈 몇만 원이면 나만의 드론으로 촬영, 레이싱 등 취미 활동을 할 수 있다. 더 나아가 교통 체증 없는 드론 배송도 가능하다. 이 밖에도 러시아-우크라이나 전쟁을 통해 드론이 강력한 비대칭 전력으로 활용될 수 있다는 점이 부각됐다.

​

​드론의 미래에 대한 청사진은 어디서나 쉽게 찾아볼 수 있다. 드론 산업 전문 조사기관인 드로니는 글로벌 드론 시장이 2026년 413억 달러까지 성장할 것으로 내다봤다. 또 다른 시장조사기관 마켓앤마켓은 글로벌 드론 물류 시장이 2030년 180억 달러 규모에 달할 것으로 전망했다.

필자도 드론 시장이 다른 어떤 산업보다도 빠르게 성장하고, 그 결과 도심에서 항공기를 활용해 사람과 화물을 운송하는 도심항공교통(Urban Air Mobility·UAM)이 부상할 것이라는 사실에 대해서는 적극적으로 동의한다. 다만 단기적으로 기술적, 경제적, 제도적 문제가 아킬레스건으로 작용할 것이며 이를 극복하는 것이 당면 과제가 될 것으로 본다.

드론 시장의 과도기에 사람보다는 화물, 도심보다는 도서·산간 지역, 일반 배송보다는 특수·긴급 배송에 먼저 드론이 적용될 것이다. 이들 영역에서 충분한 레퍼런스를 확보한 기업이 시장의 헤게모니를 쥐게 될 것은 분명하다. 하나벤처스가 나르마에 투자한 이유다.

울주군은 드론특구 2차 지정에 따라 보다 확대된 구역, 선택과 집중을 통한 내실있는 실증사업을 추진키로 하고, 전담기관인 울산정보산업진흥원과 참여기관 12곳이 함께 '울주 드론특별자유화구역 2차' 운영계획을 확정했다. 울주군은 이번 착수보고회를 시작으로 물류배송, 관광 안전, 행정 등 다양한 분야에서 주민들이 체감할 수 있는 실증에 나서 대한민국 드론 선도도시의 위상을 제고할 방침이다.

경북도와 경북창조경제혁신센터가 'GB-유니콘기업 육성 프로젝트'추진을 위한 첫걸음으로 경북도 예비유니콘 육성기업 12개사를 선정했다. 이번에 선정된 12개사는 자체 공보 선발 3개사, 지역의 대기업인 포스코홀딩스 밸류업 대상 기업 추천 5개사, 삼성전자 C-Lab Outside경북 프로그램 추천 4개사로 글로벌 성장성이 높은 기업들이다.

현재 드론 시장은 비행속도/시간, 수직이착륙/정지 비행  불가 등 여러 제한 요소를 가진 기체가 대부분을 점유하고 있는 상황이다. 나르마는 이러한 문제를 보완하고 장점을 추가한 새로운 기체 개발의 필요성에 주목했다. 그 결과, 헬리콥터처럼 '수직이착륙'과 '고속비행이 가능한 AF100,200 시리즈 배송 드론을 개발했다. 더 나아가 드론 배송 분야 기술 확보를 통한 글로벌 표준 드론 및 플랫폼 개발에 주력하고 있다.

한국과학기술원 글로벌기술사업화센터(KAIST GCC)는 중소벤처기업부 초격차 스타트업 1000+ 사업 로봇분야 기술사업화 주관기관으로, 지난 6일 대전 D-유니콘라운지에서 '2023 초격자 로봇 기술 교류회'를 개최하였다고 9일 밝혔다.

울산시 울주군이 대한민국 드론 1번지 '드론 표준도시' 구현을 목표로 드론특별자유화구역 2회 연속 지정을 위한 본격 준비에 나섰다. 국토부가 지적하는 드론 특별자유화구역은 도심 내에서의 드론활용 실증을 촉진하기 위한 각종 규제를 해제해 운영하는 구제자유특구이다.  

한국항공우주연구원의 장자라 할 수 있는 항우연 1호 연구소 기업인 나르마는 누구도 따라오지 못할 기술력을 확보해 D-유니콘 기업에 이름을 올렸다. 

#뿔소라, 성게알 전복 등 가파도 인근에서 해녀가 갓 잡은 해산물이 드론을 통해 제주 본섬으로 당일 배송된다. 본섬에 도착한 해산물은 항공편으로 서울에 도착, 식당이나 가정집 식탁에 신선한 해산물이 오른다. 반대로 가파도 주민들은 간단한 생필품을 사러 배를 타고 본섬까지 갈 필요가 없다. 드론택배로 받아볼 수 있기 때문이다.

대전시와 대전테크노파크는 8일 D-유니콘라운지에서 지난달 2023년 D-유니콘 프로젝트 참여기업으로 선정된 제2기D-유니콘기업 10개사에 현판을 증정했다. D-유니콘 프로젝트는 유망 기술창업 기업이 글로벌 유니콘 기업으로 도약할 수 있도록 지원하는 스케일업 프로그램이다. 제2기 D-유니콘기업은 나르마, 로보아르테, 듀오픽스레이...

나르마는 한국항공우주연구원 1호 연구소기업이다. 항우연이 개발한 전동식 듀얼 틸트로터 기술을 이전받아 설립됐다. 검증된 기술력을 기반으로 배송 서비스에 특화된 드론을 직접 개발 및 생산하며 국내 드론 기업 일부만이 보유한 '드론직접생산증명'을 보유하고 있다.

올해 D-유니콘 기업으로 나르마, 페리지에어로스페이스, 에이유, 바이오오케스트라 등 5개 분야  10개사가 선정됐다.
대전시 (시장 이장우)는 글로벌 유니콘 기업으로 성장 가능성이 높은 유망 벤처창업기업 10개 사를 '2023년 D-유니콘 프로젝트' 참여기업으로 선정했다고 13일 밝혔다.

한국여자프로골프투어(이하 KLPGT)가 2023년부터 정규투어에 드론을 활용한 스마트 응급의료 시스템을 도입한다고 밝혔다. 심장 제세동기를 운반하는 드론은 국내 기업인 나르마가 제작한 틸트로터(tilt-rotor)방식의 드론으로, 수직 이륙후 프로펠러를 통해 이동속도를 극대화하는 방식의 최신 기술이 접목된 드론이다.

선정된 지자체의 실증모델의 다수가 드론배송 서비스를 포함했다. 추후 국토부는 드론배송을 실증하는 지자체 및 택배·유통 업계까지 참여하는 드론배송 협의체도 운용한다. 택배 받기가 불편한 도서지역부터 시작해 도심 내 공원지역까지 드론 배송 상용화 지역을 점차 넓혀나갈 계획이다.

Today, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Dr. Josephine Mburu, received a courtesy call from NARMA INC to discuss their planned collabora...

"한국항공우주연구원 1호 연구소기업, 이번에도 앞서 갔다." (주)나르마가 지난 22일 고중량 배송 드론(AF160)에 대한 안전성 인증을 획득하였다고 발표했다. 나르마는 한국항공우주연구원 1호 연구소기업으로 틸트로터 무인기를 기반으로 드론 배송분야를 개척하고 있는 회사다. 이번에 인증을 받은 기체는 고중향 배송을 위한 멀티콥터 형태의 드...

스타트업은 미래다! 이 시간에는 아이디어로 창업의 꿈을 이룬 새싹 기업을 소개합니다.
하늘을 나는 장난감에서 시작된 드론! 이제는 다양한 목적의 드론이 속속 등장하면서 4차 산업의 꽃이라고 불립니다.
한 스타트업은 헬리콥터처럼 수직 이착륙을 하고 비행기처럼 고속 비행이 가능한 배송용 드론을 만들었는데, 세계...

이장우 대전시장은 현지시간 5일(한국시간 6일) 공무 국외출장 첫 일정으로 세계 산업 기술트랜드와 흐름을 파악하기 위해라스베이거스 컨벤션센터에서 개최된 'CES2023'전시장을 찾아 메타버스, 디지털헬스, 스마트시티, AI, 로보틱스 등 미래 신기술을 선도하는 주요 기업부스를 방문했다.

세계 최대 테크놀로지 전시회 'CES 2023'이 1월 5일부터 8일까지 총 4일간 미국 라스베이거스에서 개최된다.
에이빙뉴스는 글로벌 기업 및 유튜버와 함께 국내 혁신 기업을 대상으로 'BEST OF MIK @ CES2023' 어워드를...

데이터 바우처를 밑거름 삼아 새로운 수확을 거두는 기업들의 현장을 4회에 걸쳐 소개한다...헬기 대신 드론으로 어군 탐지 = 나르마는 한국항공우주연구원의 1호 연구소기업으로 드론을 전문적으로 개발,제작한다. 이 회사는 쿼드톱터 형태가 아니라 수직이착륙 비행기 등에 적용되는 틸트로터 형태의 드론에 주력하는게 특징이다. 

나르마는 한국항공우주연구원(이하 항우연)이 14년간 1400억원의 R&D(연구개발) 비용을 들여 완성한 틸트로터 기술을 이전 받아 2018년부터 사업화에 나선 항우연 1호 연구소 기업이다. 

​

아프리카의 관문인 남아프리카공화국에 한국 드론 업체로선 처음으로 나르마(대표 권기정)가 진출했다. "지난 9월 요하네스버그에서 열린 아프리카 최대방산 전시회(AAD)를 계기로 3만달러 상당의 나르마 드론을 현지업체에 수출했다"고 밝혔다. 계약은 코트라(KOTRA) 요하네스버그 무역관(관장 김명희)를 통해 발굴한 현지 파트너사 사포마와 체...

​한국항공우주연구원의 1호 연구소 기업인 '나르마'가 하나벤처스, 포스텍홀딩스로부터 15억원 규모의 프리A투자 유치에 성공했다고 밝혔다.

​

이번 로보월드에는 응급의료, 배송, 정찰 등에 활용 가능한 드론인 AF100, AF200 등을 선보인다. AF100은 짧은거리에 응급 환자 발생 시, 자동 제세동기(AED) 응급 의료품을 고속으로 배송 가능하며, 수직으로 이륙 후 비행 시 양쪽 로터가 앞으로 기울어져 날개의 양력과 모터의 추력을 이용해 고정익 비행기처럼 고속 비행이 가능하다.

편의점 업계 1위 CU를 운영하는 BGF리테일이 한국항공우주연구원의 1호 연구소 기업인 나르마와 드론을 활용한 재난 예방 및 구호 활동 협력을 위한 업무협약을 체결했다고 밝혔다.

​

​| 항우연 1호기업 틸트로터 기술 출자.... 110번 통영-사량도 편도 12km
나르마의 틸트로터 배송 드론 'AF200'는 비가시권 비행이 가능하다. 나르마는 배송품 드롭시스템을 2가지 보유하고 있다. 현재 SK플래닛에 2대가 납품 완료됐다.

(주)나르마는 부산 벡스토에서 열리는 '2022 드론쇼 코리아(Drone Show Korea 2022)'에 참가해 틸트로터 배송 드론 'AF200'을 선보인다.

​

나르마는 드론 중에서도 '배송 드론'에 특화된 기업이다. 2018년 설립 이래 지금까지 두 종류의 배송 드론,AF100과 AF200을 개발했다. --- 최근 이를 제어하는 키오스크도 개발했다. 심장마비 환자가 발생했을 시, 시작-위치 선택-출발 버튼만 누르면 드론을 원하는 목표지점까지 이동시키는 원리다

IoT, AI 기반 스카트 솔루션 및 고중량 드론 기술 개발 기업 (주)니나노컴퍼니가 파블로항공-나르마와 전략적 제휴를 통해 드론 활용 물류서비스 기반 확충 마련에 돌입한다고 밝혔다.