Drone makers see soaring growth but dark clouds circle industry

A customer carrying a box containing DJI's Phantom 3 drone leave from their first flagship store in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China December 20, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

FLYPRO Aerospace Tech Co Ltd, a Shenzhen-based drone maker, made its Consumer Electronics Show debut in Las Vegas this year from Jan 6 to 9, and immediately sparked chatter about the entire Chinese drone industry.

At the CES, FLYPRO launched its latest product XEagle, designed for sports enthusiasts, which can be controlled by voice and linked to a smartwatch. The product received positive reviews.

That's saying something about FLYPRO because the annual CES attracts more than 3,600 exhibitors from over 150 countries and regions, who showcase their latest inventions and breakthrough technologies. So, to be able to stand out from the crowd is no mean achievement for a Chinese firm.

"The market for drones used in smart sports is huge and untapped," said Lin Hai, chief executive officer of FLYPRO. "As people become health-conscious and seek physical activity that could also prove entertaining, smart sports like engaging with intelligent drones are expected to see huge opportunities."