Objective: To address the high aging rate and “meal difficulty” for elderly in Tonglu’s mountainous areas by leveraging UAV low-altitude logistics, creating a national pioneering model integrating “Low-Altitude Economy and Silver Economy” to bridge the last-mile service gap.
Achievements: Established an end-to-end “Device-Network-Cloud-Security” operational system. Launched 7 regular flight routes covering 7.6 sq km across 6 villages. Served 168 elderly residents with meal delivery, reducing time from 30 minutes to 4 minutes and improving temperature compliance rate from 65% to 92%.
Impact: Pioneered a sustainable “Public Welfare + Commercial” dual-cycle model, generating 4 patents and 16 software copyrights. Provides a replicable blueprint for tech companies to serve inclusive public welfare and address national aging strategy.

https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1829546298220306115&wfr=spider&for=pc

• Tonglu County, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China

• Older persons
• Refugees and internally displaced people
• Remote and rural communities

The replicability of this project stems from the standardized, modular “Technology Core + Ecosystem Collaboration” paradigm led by China Unicom Digital Technology, along with its validated full-stack low-altitude logistics solution. As the core driver and technology foundation provider, China Unicom Digital Technology has designed a clear blueprint for capability export and integration: it provides the complete “Device-Network-Cloud-Security” technology system and operational capability as the core, and flexibly connects with various types of localized partners (e.g., community service providers, public welfare funders). This decoupled design, supported by a robust technology platform, allows the model to adapt to the resource endowments of different regions, lowering the overall implementation barrier. The project outcomes have been consolidated into a standardized digital asset package wholly owned by China Unicom Digital Technology, including the Smart Low-Altitude Platform comprising 4 patents and 16 software copyrights, and the “Low-Altitude Public Welfare Logistics Implementation Guide” covering site survey, compliance, and operations. Its strong scenario adaptability lies in the fact that the low-altitude logistics network built by China Unicom Digital Technology is a “general-purpose digital infrastructure.” By connecting different service demands (elderly meal delivery, medical distribution, e-commerce logistics, etc.) at the application layer, it can be rapidly replicated to various “last-mile” service scenarios. The Tonglu project successfully validated a replicable pathway where a leading ICT enterprise exports core capabilities and integrates social resources to solve inclusive social problems.

The sustainability of this project is ensured by the innovative “Technology Empowerment + Ecosystem Co-creation” hybrid value model pioneered by China Unicom Digital Technology, which guarantees a long-term balance between social mission and operational vitality. The cornerstone is the low-altitude logistics network, independently built and operated by China Unicom Digital Technology, which carries multiple layers of value. This network is not merely a delivery tool for public welfare but a digital asset capable of generating derivative value. On the public welfare side, the network secures its foundational social service role by undertaking government livelihood service projects and absorbing corporate social responsibility resources. On the value-extension side, China Unicom Digital Technology leverages the network’s idle capacity and mature capabilities to naturally expand into commercial service scenarios (e.g., agricultural product transport, emergency logistics). Revenue generated from these services is used to feed back into network operations and technological upgrades, forming a virtuous cycle of self-sustainability. Project data has proven this model can reduce comprehensive delivery costs by approximately 40%. Deeper sustainability stems from the “Social Innovation Leadership” and “Inclusive Technology Standard” established by China Unicom Digital Technology through this project. As the lead organization, China Unicom Digital Technology has exported not only technology but also an operable, manageable model for smart social services, which has become a significant strategic asset and brand value, driving its continuous investment and optimization. Furthermore, the remarkable social benefits created by the project attract long-term attention and cooperation from local governments, forming a reinforcing positive cycle of “technological innovation, social value, and policy support,” ensuring the project’s long-term viability across financial, operational, and strategic dimensions.

This project is an exemplary model of core WSIS values, particularly Action Line C1. It vividly demonstrates how a leading ICT enterprise like China Unicom Digital Technology proactively assumes the role of a “key stakeholder,” leveraging its core technological capabilities to drive inclusive development. The project transcends traditional corporate social responsibility, reflecting a profound shift where the private sector upgrades from being a “resource contributor” to the designer and lead implementer of systemic solutions. China Unicom Digital Technology not only provided technology but also built the platform and model that integrates government, community, and other social resources, truly practicing the essence of “multi-stakeholder partnerships.” In promoting WSIS values, this project, through the leading role of China Unicom Digital Technology, serves as a powerful advocate: First, as an industry paradigm for leadership. The project has been shaped into a flagship case for China Unicom Digital Technology’s “Technology for Good” strategy, repeatedly cited in its annual reports, major technology launch events, and global industry summits (e.g., MWC). It communicates to the international community a new paradigm championed by a leading Chinese ICT enterprise: empowering social development through a technological foundation. Second, as a capability benchmark for empowerment. China Unicom Digital Technology is productizing the methodologies, standards, and platform capabilities accumulated in this project, aiming to empower more regions and institutions in the future, promoting the concept of using replicable technological solutions to address inclusive challenges. Third, as a policy case for advocacy.