The Second China Military and Civilian Integration Expo opened on Monday in Beijing featuring the most recent developments in virtual reality (VR) and unmanned technology, which experts said will be used more extensively in military and civilian applications.
More than 200 Chinese State-owned and private companies participated in the three-day expo. Yunzhou Tech Corporation displayed the unmanned surveying boat ME300, which has been used to survey hydrological information and map islands in the sea.
A company employee surnamed Liu told the Global Times that the ME300 can avoid radar detection to help China collect information in disputed waters.
He added that the Chinese military and State Oceanic Administration are the company's clients.
Several private companies showcased their VR simulation systems. Huaru's Virtual Combat Training System's VR headset and imitation gun with electronic locator proved to be a popular attraction. Headset users are brought into a virtual battle zone, and use the computer-guided gun to shoot "terrorists."
Song Zhongping, a Beijing-based military expert, told the Global Times that VR technology can help military to simulate battle conditions and nuclear tests without using real weapons and ammunition.
Over 1,000 private companies are allowed to develop and produce weapons or other military equipment, accounting for approximately 40 percent of military industrial equipment contractors in China, according to the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense.
Song said the challenge for private companies is the need to know more about PLA's disciplines and its requirements for military products.
