In Dongying, a city in Shandong province, East China, a "steel spider"-shaped drone hovers steadily over skyscrapers, spraying water across glass facades with remarkable precision.
Operators on the ground monitor its flight in real time, ensuring every corner is spotless. Developed by Dongying Hangfei Aviation Technology, the only company in Shandong capable of such a feat, the drone offers a faster, safer, and more efficient alternative to traditional high-rise cleaning.
Founded in April 2025, Dongying Hangfei specializes in drone manufacturing, industry applications, training, and academic collaboration. Its cleaning drone can carry up to 30 kilograms, operate for 40 minutes continuously, and cover up to 10,000 square meters per day — over 10 times more efficient than manual labor. Equipped with autonomous navigation, Real-Time Kinematics (RTK), radar stabilization, and onboard cameras, it can handle complex wind conditions while detecting and cleaning every spot.
The company has also developed custom solutions for battery life, water pressure, and cleaning agents to suit different building materials.
Drones are transforming the workforce: former high-rise cleaners are retrained as drone operators, gaining safer, more stable employment.
Through innovation, green service, and partnerships with many local institutions, Dongying Hangfei is cultivating talent while advancing the low-altitude economy.
The drone cleans a glass facade with a high-pressure water spray. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_178e6573d316]
