Harmony Tech Compares Unmanned Traffic Management Systems to Air Traffic Lights

Hong Kong's growing low-altitude economy will rely heavily on unmanned aircraft traffic management systems to maintain safety and order in increasingly congested airspace, according to Jacqueline Kang Junjun, chairman of Harmony Tech Innovation. Speaking during an interview at the Super Terminal Expo, Kang described these management systems as the traffic lights of the skies, noting they form a crucial part of the infrastructure necessary to support the expanding sector.

Kang explained that low-altitude traffic management encompasses much more than standard drones and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, commonly known as eVTOLs. The airspace also hosts helicopters, gliders, seaplanes, and hot-air balloons. Comparing the airspace to roadways, she noted that without proper systems to oversee routes, schedules, takeoffs, and landings, low-altitude travel would quickly become disorderly. Authorities must establish this management framework before opening up additional low-altitude airspace to the public.

Hong Kong benefits from an early foundation in general aviation, boasting decades of civilian helicopter operations that outpace historical mainland usage. Harmony Tech's system has already spent six months participating in the government's Regulatory Sandbox X, successfully completing technical testing and cross-border trials within the Greater Bay Area. Kang highlighted that cross-border management capabilities are vital for linking regional low-altitude transport networks.

Following the completion of regional testing, the company sees strong international potential for its technology, particularly in markets like Singapore and Malaysia where geographic conditions create rapid demand for island-to-island air transport. Effective traffic management, however, requires advanced hardware capable of accurately detecting airborne objects of all sizes. Harmony Tech utilizes remote optoelectronic equipment alongside specialized low, slow, and small radar systems.

These sophisticated radars can identify small targets flying below 600 meters with enough sensitivity to detect a single pigeon. The company has already installed a 12-kilometer detection range radar system on Lung Kwu Chau in Tuen Mun, covering vital cross-border corridors linking Hong Kong with Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Furthermore, the company's remote optoelectronic devices are capable of transmitting images and identifying targets from distances of five to ten kilometers.

Beyond managing compliant aircraft operating within the established network, the system incorporates counter-drone functions to monitor uncooperative targets. This capability allows the technology to evolve past basic traffic coordination, granting operators the power to monitor and manage both participating aircraft and unauthorized or uncooperative airborne activity within the controlled airspace.