Abstract:

[Significance] The low-altitude economy in orchards represents a key emerging direction in the integrated development of new quality productive forces in agriculture. As a burgeoning industry driving the high-quality development of the fruit sector, it relies on the integration of advanced equipment manufacturing, the application of smart agriculture technologies, and the expansion of consumer-centric ecosystems. Together, these elements contribute to building a full-cycle industrial chain encompassing orchard production, management, and services. This fosters the coordinated development of the entire low-altitude value chain and supports the formation of a closed-loop industrial ecosystem. This paper systematically reviews the key technological pathways and development trends of the orchard low-altitude economy across three dimensions: upstream equipment manufacturing, midstream operational processes, and downstream service systems. The aim is to provide strategic reference for technological innovation and industrial planning in related fields. [Progress] In the upstream segment, research and industrial development are increasingly focused on lightweight, multifunctional aerial platforms tailored to the complex terrain of mountainous orchards. By utilizing carbon fiber composites, high energy-density batteries, and hybrid power systems, these platforms achieve significant reductions in weight and improvements in flight endurance. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing chips, Light Detection and Ranging(LiDAR), and multispectral sensors equips drones with advanced capabilities for precise fruit tree recognition, obstacle avoidance in complex landscapes, and multimodal environmental perception. With centimeter-level Real-time kinematic(RTK) positioning and multi-sensor fusion flight control algorithms, operational safety and autonomy have been greatly enhanced. Furthermore, low-altitude infrastructure, such as distributed takeoff and landing points and mobile battery-swapping stations, based on integrated 5G-A and BeiDou navigation communication systems, is being systematically deployed. This provides strong support for continuous unmanned operations in hilly and mountainous orchards. In the upstream segment, current research and industrial development efforts are centered on lightweight, multi-functional aerial platforms designed to operate in the complex terrain of mountainous orchards. By incorporating carbon fiber composite materials, high energy-density batteries, and hybrid power systems, these platforms achieve significant reductions in overall weight while enhancing flight endurance. The integration of AI processing chips, LiDAR, and multispectral sensors enables drones to perform precise fruit tree identification, navigate complex topographies, and perceive the environment through multimodal sensing. Coupled with centimeter-level RTK positioning and advanced multi-sensor fusion flight control algorithms, the safety and autonomy of aerial operations have been significantly improved. In addition, the deployment of low-altitude infrastructure, such as distributed takeoff and landing stations and mobile battery-swapping cabins, based on 5G-A and BeiDou-integrated communication systems, is rapidly taking shape. These developments provide robust support for continuous, unmanned operations across hilly and mountainous orchard regions. At the downstream service level, the orchard low-altitude economy has evolved beyond single-equipment sales into a diversified service ecosystem. This emerging model centers on pilot training, drone insurance, equipment leasing, and the integration of orchard tourism, forming a new type of business landscape. On one hand, standardized pilot training programs and operational quality evaluation systems have enhanced both talent development and safety assurance. On the other hand, risk control models developed by insurers based on operational data, along with "rent-to-own" financing schemes, have effectively lowered entry barriers for farmers. Moreover, the rise of integrated low-altitude agri-tourism models is steadily boosting the brand value of fruit products and generating new income streams through cultural and tourism-related activities. [Conclusions and Prospects] As a vital carrier of new quality productive forces in agriculture, the orchard low-altitude economy has established a comprehensive industrial chain encompassing equipment manufacturing, operational systems, and service platforms. This integrated structure is driving the transformation of orchard management toward greater intelligence, precision, and sustainability. Despite current challenges such as limited equipment endurance and underdeveloped service systems, the sector is expected to achieve continuous breakthroughs through the development of high-payload aerial platforms, the integration of data-driven operational systems, the construction of diversified service ecosystems, and the refinement of relevant policies and standards. With the gradual opening of low-altitude airspace and the rapid iteration of core technologies, the orchard low-altitude economy is poised to become a key driver of agricultural modernization and rural revitalization.

Key words: orchard, low-altitude economy, current situation, development trend, low-altitude flying vehicle, UAV