INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Japan's drone industry is rapidly advancing, driven by a mix of government legislation, startups, established players, and universities pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. From integrating drones into complex industrial operations to revolutionizing agricultural practices, these companies are addressing critical challenges such as aging populations, logistical inefficiencies, and environmental sustainability. By leveraging cutting-edge robotics, AI, and system integration, Japan is positioning itself at the forefront of the global drone market, with key players making significant strides in various sectors including power line inspections, disaster response, and precision agriculture. This industry overview explores the key players, including government initiatives, large corporations, startups, and academic institutions, that are shaping Japan's drone landscape.
STATISTICS
Japan's drone market is currently the 2nd largest market in Asia
The Commercial Drone Market size was valued at USD 7.2 Bn in 2021, registering a CAGR of 28.6% during the forecast period (2023-2030), and the market is projected to be worth USD 69.2 Bn by 2030.
Drone Fund raised 10.5 billion yen to support startups in the drone industry
KEY PLAYERS:
Government
The Japanese government's proactive approach to regulating and supporting drone technology has been instrumental in shaping the country's burgeoning drone industry. In a recent regulatory reform to the country’s Civil Aeronautics Law in 2022, the Japanese government made amendments in preparation for Level 4 drone flights, including the allowance for autonomous flight over residential areas, significantly expanding the potential for drone utilization in various businesses. The ongoing adjustments to these laws, such as lowering the weight threshold for regulation and the introduction of a drone registration system, reflect a dynamic legal landscape that could adapt to support innovation in the drone industry, balancing regulation with the need for technological advancement
Large Companies
Leading corporations like Blue Innovation, ACSL, and TerraDrone are at the forefront of Japan's drone industry, driving advancements in automation, safety, and operational efficiency across various sectors.
Blue Innovation Co., Ltd - Japanese drone corporation based in Tokyo that integrates drone systems and collaborates with industries like Tokyo Electric Power. Their Blue Earth Platform (BEP) allows the integration of multiple autonomous robots, sensors, and devices, to perform tasks efficiently and remotely. Additionally, their BEP LINE drone system is designed to address future challenges like inspector shortages, aging infrastructure, as well as increased inspection targets.
Source: Blue Earth Platform - Blue Innovation
ACSL- Established in 2013, this company has experienced fast growth and develops cutting-edge robotics and autonomous control technologies to boost productivity and replace dangerous, low-value tasks. Their drones are used in construction, industrial plants, renewable energy, inspections, disaster relief, surveys, and security. ACSL also focuses on economic security and enterprise support with a U.S. subsidiary, especially as the U.S. bans Russian and Chinese drones.
Source: AirTruck: Dedicated Logistics Drone
TerraDrone - Established in 2016, TerraDrone is a leading drone solution company with bases in Belgium, Indonesia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia. It has also invested in Unifly NV and was ranked first globally by Drone Industry Insights in 2020. With over 500 employees, TerraDrone specializes in drone civil engineering, advanced inspection solutions, agriculture, and operations management. They are at the forefront of developing Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) systems, dedicated to enhancing the safety of drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) flights.
Source: Terra UT drone
These large companies are not only addressing immediate industry challenges but are also setting the stage for the widespread adoption of drones, positioning Japan as a global leader in drone technology and innovation.
Startups
Japan's vibrant startup ecosystem is playing a critical role in the drone industry, with innovative companies like TrueBizon, Prodrone, and SkyRobot pioneering new applications and pushing the boundaries of what drones can achieve.
TrueBizon - Founded in 2014, this startup organizes drone flying paths with operators and residents, managing drone delivery sites in Japan. They create sky roads by linking agreements with landowners and handling delivery ranging from small businesses, airborne delivery of food and medicine, and even disaster response. Collaborating with experts, they aim to expand routes 40-fold to 4,000 by 2026, addressing current logistics challenges within the industry.
Source: True Bizon Residential area delivery
Prodrone - Founded in January 2015, Prodrone specializes in land and nighttime surveying using premium UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). Their products include the PDH-GS120 which meets 'mil-spec' standards for durability, and the PD6B, with a 30 kg payload. Prodrone’s products specifically focus on surveillance, inspection, and logistics. Prodrone was recognized by Forbes as a central innovation model startup, setting standards with reliable drones for diverse applications.
Source: Drones perform detailed inspections of infrastructure structures that are difficult to access
SkyRobot - Founded in 2014, Japanese startup SkyRobot develops UAV systems to help farmers protect agricultural grounds from wild animals using AI and infrared detection. Their drones release bad smells or ultrasounds to deter animals. They also offer agricultural services like pesticide spraying, precision agriculture, and maintenance for golf courses. Additionally, the company boasts of having Japan's largest drone school, dedicated to improving drone piloting skills and knowledge, as well as offering drone licenses to the public.
Source: SkyRobot drone
These startups are essential to the industry's growth, offering fresh perspectives and specialized solutions that complement the efforts of larger companies and contribute to Japan's leadership in the global drone market.
Universities
Academic institutions across Japan are driving forward-thinking research that enhances the capabilities of drones in complex and critical applications.
Shibaura Institute of Technology - Researchers at SIT have developed an AI-based noise suppression system for more effective victim detection by UAVs during natural disasters. Commonly, current UAVs depend on visual information and cannot detect victims trapped under rubble when using sound for detection, as the noise from UAV propellers can drown out human sounds.
Source: SIT Noise canceling procedure demonstrated in the study
The cutting-edge research conducted at universities is crucial for the ongoing evolution of drone technology, ensuring that Japan remains at the forefront of innovation in this rapidly advancing industry.
In conclusion, collaborative efforts of the Japanese government, large companies, startups, and universities are driving significant advancements in drone technology, positioning Japan as a leader in this dynamic field. These key players are not only developing solutions to current challenges but are also paving the way for future innovations in areas such as autonomous flight, infrastructure inspection, and agricultural management. It is expected that demand for drones will continue to increase as they become more advanced, versatile, and integrated into various sectors. Advances in technology, such as ongoing developments in AI, robotics, and autonomous systems, coupled with supportive government regulations are making drones more versatile and propelling the drone industry forward. As these technologies continue to evolve, Japan's drone industry is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of global drone applications.
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Authors:
Asha Mistry, Alyssa Moen
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