Wiflo Named to Defense Innovation 100, Establishes Drone Inspection System

Whiplo, a company specializing in Future Air Mobility (AAM) solutions, is making its mark in core defense sectors. Whiplo has been ultimately selected in the drone sector of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA)'s '2024 Defense Innovation Company 100' public competition, securing comprehensive growth opportunities along with up to 5 billion won in government funding over the next five years. The 'Defense Innovation Company 100' program is a government initiative to discover and foster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and venture companies possessing innovative technologies that will lead the five major advanced defense strategic industries: space, drones, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and robots. This signifies the official recognition of Whiplo's unique technological prowess, and the selected companies will receive comprehensive support including technology development, consulting, funding, research and development, and export. Leveraging this selection as a stepping stone, Whiplo will accelerate the development of an 'Automated and Intelligent Smart Aircraft Inspection System' for the operational deployment of drone systems. This system combines multi-modal sensors and advanced AI technology to precisely diagnose the overall condition of drone bodies – including the propulsion system, structural components, battery unit, and exterior – in a non-contact manner. Furthermore, it will implement predictive maintenance features that forecast the remaining lifespan of individual components, dramatically enhancing the stability and efficiency of drone operations. Kim Eui-jung, CEO of Whiplo, emphasized, “Aircraft safety inspection solutions are a task as crucial as drone development, and their importance will only grow further in the defense sector,” adding, “We will maximize the safety and reliability of drones, which are key elements of future battlefields, and dramatically increase their operational efficiency.” The system to be developed will be applied to drones for various military missions such as surveillance and reconnaissance, strike operations, and material transport, playing a crucial role in the hangars and launch sites of respective units. Additionally, it plans to provide comprehensive support for the rapid operational deployment of drone systems by linking with maintenance training, manuals, insurance, and other related services. Meanwhile, Whiplo is proactively preparing for the commercialization of Future Air Mobility (AAM) by 2030 and is taking the lead in establishing smart infrastructure. Last year, through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's 'Drone Delivery Commercialization Project,' it successfully established drone delivery infrastructure in approximately 30 local governments nationwide. It has also created drone infrastructure for military material transport at two locations, thereby firmly solidifying the foundation for the upcoming AAM era.