WorldSkills Museum is flying into the future with a brand new exhibition created by WorldSkills Global Partner Neusoft. The interactive installation recreates what it is like to be a drone pilot and shows how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are being applied to solve industrial and social challenges.
The exhibit, located in Zone 5 — the zone dedicated to skills and STEM — is centred around a large visual display where visitors use a simulation controller to fly a virtual drone. It tests how they would react to real-world challenges faced by professionals in the field and draws on skills like precision, spatial awareness, and the ability to navigate obstacles.
Visitors can try their hand at two realistic missions. They can either inspect high-voltage power grids, where they need to manoeuvre around transmission towers to detect faults and transmit data. Or they can choose the forest-fire rescue mission and learn how drones are deployed in emergency situations to deliver urgent supplies.
As well as testing their skills, visitors can learn about the STEM principles underlying drone flight, including aviation physics, navigation systems, data transmission, electronics, and remote sensing. This hands-on approach gives visitors a glimpse into how foundational science is driving innovation. For young visitors especially, the exhibit turns the abstract idea of the “low-altitude economy” (the name given to the emerging sector focused on commercial drone and low-altitude aircraft operations) into fun, interactive challenges, which encourage them to think about how their skills could shape the cities and industries of the future.
Dave Zhang, Senior Product Manager at Neusoft, has been leading the design and development of the new installation. He says, “There is a growing demand for drone technology in logistics, infrastructure, and emergency response, and these sectors urgently need young skilled talent. Our hope is that curiosity turns into careers and young visitors realise the breadth of opportunities they can pursue as a drone pilot.”
Mark Callaghan, Director of Event Operations at WorldSkills and Project Director for WorldSkills Museum, says the installation is an exciting addition to the museum. He reflects, “Neusoft have expertly turned some very complex ideas into a dynamic experience. Everyone who tries it out, especially our school visitors, will come away with a clearer idea of how drone navigation is transforming our industries and how it is an essential technology to tackle real-world challenges.”
The exhibition is now live at WorldSkills Museum in preparation for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who are anticipated to arrive in September when Shanghai hosts the 48th WorldSkills Competition and WorldSkills Conference 2026. Learn more about WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.