15 11 月, 2021

DOCOMO Develops Blade-free Drone Fitted with High-res Camera and LEDs

TOKYO, Nov 15, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced that it has developed a blade-free, blimp-type drone equipped with a high-resolution video camera that captures high-quality video and full-color LED lights that glow in radiant colors. The drone, which uses helium to stay aloft and is propelled by ultrasonic vibrations, is expected to be used at events, etc. for practical purposes including aerial videography as well as a surrealistic standalone attraction. DOCOMO aims to commercialize the drone within the current fiscal year ending next March.Blade-free drone glowing while aloftUnlike conventional drones that require propellers and sometimes wings, DOCOMO's drone uses helium to remain airborne and is propelled forward/backward and up/down via small modules that produce ultrasonic vibrations to move air. The module makes little noise with its minute vibrations and is safe to touch, so even if the drone were to collide with a person or an object, serious injury or damage would be highly unlikely. As such, the drone is ideal for airborne use at events, commercial facilities and other places where people gather.A prototype was first unveiled in 2019 in an effort to develop a highly safe drone with practical applications. The newest model is equipped with a more robust propulsion system and achieves more stable flight. Also, the new drone can be controlled via a communication network for easy systemized operation, including automated flight.Going forward, DOCOMO aims to further enhance its unique drone for expanded applications in society by applying the company's diverse experience and expertise in drones and mobile-network technologies.Movie: https://youtu.be/76rDC7VWiQUAbout NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 83 million subscriptions, is one of the world's foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities ("+d" partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations. https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

8 11 月, 2021

NEC: Technology Leaders Partner to Conduct Groundbreaking Drone Tests in Japan

TOKYO, Nov 8, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Several leading Japanese technology firms, including BIRD INITIATIVE, Inc. (hereinafter "BIRD INITIATIVE")(1), ANA HOLDINGS INC. (hereinafter "ANAHD")(2), AIN HOLDINGS INC. (hereinafter "AIN HD")(3), and NEC Corporation (hereinafter "NEC"),(4) have partnered with the Hokkaido Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (hereinafter "METI")(5) to conduct a drone operations pilot project in Wakkanai City, Hokkaido prefecture. Tests conducted examined the ability of drones to deliver pharmaceutical supplies to remote areas in accordance with the "Guidelines for Pharmaceutical Supply Delivery using Drones,"(6) and to operate at passenger airports using the decentralized UAS Traffic Management (hereinafter "UTM")(7). UTM enables multiple drone operators to operate drones safely and efficiently within the same airspace. All of the tests were held in accordance with existing Japanese regulations and guidelines for drone use.Conducted operations of the different maturity levelsThese successful pilots were conducted as part of the "Drones and Robots for Ecologically Sustainable Societies project" (hereinafter referred to as the "DRESS Project")(8), a project entrusted to Persol Process & Technology Co., Ltd. by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (hereinafter "NEDO"). With BIRD INITIATIVE acting as the representative, Digital Hokkaido Research Association (hereinafter "Hokkaido Drone Association"), FRS Corporation (hereinafter "FRS"), HELICAM Corporation (hereinafter "Helicam"), the National Institute of Informatics of the Research Organization of Information and Systems (hereinafter "NII"), and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. together conducted the experiment from September 7 to October 30, 2021.Utilizing Drones to Address Unique Regional IssuesDrones offer exciting new possibilities, but their full potential is limited by restrictions on their ability to fly beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of their operators. BVLOS operations are currently limited to remote islands, mountainous areas, and sparsely populated areas. The DRESS project was launched in 2017 in an effort to gain approval for BVLOS flights in populated areas, also known as Level 4 flights, by FY2022. The results from the Wakkanai tests could help achieve this goal. The tests in Wakkanai each held different purposes aimed to resolve challenges that still affect drone operation - implementing new ideas to solve regional issues (seal monitoring), establishing guidelines (combatting fisheries poaching), addressing practical issues for already legalized operations (takeoff and landing at passenger airports), and improving guidelines (delivery of pharmaceutical supplies).Drone Delivery of Pharmaceutical Goods in Accordance with the GuidelineIn June 2021, the Cabinet Secretariat, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism formulated the "Guidelines for Pharmaceutical Delivery Using Drones". The use of drones to deliver pharmaceutical supplies could help provide critical medical care in remote areas. While patients can currently receive pharmaceutical supplies through traditional parcel services after receiving online medical treatment and online medication guidance, deliveries can often take several days in remote areas. AIN HD, ANAHD and the Hokkaido Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry partnered to conduct a pilot program that tested the effectiveness of pharmaceutical delivery via drone platforms, the first in Japan based on the Guidelines. AIN HD provided the prescribed medicines as well as online medication guidance to participating patients after the patients received online medical treatment from the Wakkanai City Hospital, while ANAHD delivered the selected pharmaceuticals by drone.The trials resulted in the codification of new guidelines that require key measures such as attaching locks to containers to ensure they are only opened by the intended recipient, and Toppan Forms Co., Ltd. provided lightweight and lockable containers.Drone Deliveries at an Airport with Scheduled Airline FlightsANAHD collaborated with the Hokkaido Airports Corporation ("HAP") to conduct Japan's first trial program to fly delivery drones to and from airports with regularly scheduled flights. The experiment explored the connection between drone logistics and airborne logistics by flying a delivery drone to and from Wakkanai Airport, as well as within and outside of the immediate airport area. As both of these formats are increasingly leveraged to provide increased logistical efficiency, drones and traditional air travel will enable rapid and consistent cargo transport from rural areas to urban areas. The trial program also highlighted the potential of new logistics networks using airports as the basis for a hub-and-spoke model.BVLOS Operation for Anti-Poaching MonitoringPoaching in Hokkaido and many other parts of Japan creates a range of negative consequences, including economic damage to the fishing industry. To address this, Helicam worked with the Wakkanai Police Station and the Hokkaido Drone Association to detect, deter and prosecute poaching using a drone with a thermal infrared camera, a spotlight and a loudspeaker. The successful tests yielded valuable information that will help the local fishing cooperatives collaborate with the police and the city government to protect their livelihood.Drone for Seal MonitoringIn Wakkanai, the fishers rely on nets to capture fish, but local seals pose a serious problem as they often chew through the nets to eat the catch for themselves. For this reason, it is critical to local industry to monitor seal movements. Researchers are typically able to only observe seals when they are on land. However, in a recently-completed pilot program, FRS operated drones were used to monitor seals both in land-based colonies and as they swam in proximity to fishing nets, with the cooperation of the Hokkaido Drone Association.Demonstration of Decentralized UTM Being Standardized GloballyIn the DRESS project, Traffic Management Function is connected to Integrated Traffic Management Function, and all available flight path information is aggregated to eliminate potential conflicts between flight plans. In addition, the project also conducted first-of-its-kind tests in Japan for decentralized UTM which is being standardized globally. In this federated system, a service provider can decide whether or not to accept a flight plan by coordinating with other service providers. BIRD INITIATIVE operates this function with the cooperation of ANRA TECHNOLOGIES, which is leading the international standardization9. NEC and NII also set up this system as Digital Twin. In addition, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. analyzed risks associated with drone flights by using UTM.Digital Twin and Automated Negotiation for Strategic NegotiationSuccessful decentralized UTM relies on the ability to automatically formulate, negotiate and adjust a flight plan that can be agreed upon with other operators. NEC has collaborated with NII to create an accurate virtual rendering of Wakkanai City as Digital Twin to develop verified autonomous route coordination between seal monitoring and logistics. NEC and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) also partnered to jointly develop the negotiation technology for logistics.Coordination of Flight Plans Between Drones and Emergency Medical HelicoptersANAHD, NEC, and NII utilized the FORSER-GA service provided by Weathernews Inc. to verify the detection and resolution of overlapping flight plans through the use of flight management services, assuming a manned aircraft flight environment. The Digital Twin was developed to coordinate flight plans between aircraft and drones, as well as between emergency medical helicopters and other manned aircraft.The participating parties will utilize the results of the above initiatives and contribute to the realization of Level 4 flights in populated areas.(1) BIRD INITIATIVE, Inc. Head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Masamitsu Kitase(2) ANA HOLDINGS, INC. Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Shinya Katanozaka(3) AIN HOLDINGS INC. Head office: Sapporo, Hokkaido; President and Representative Director: Kiichi Otani(4) NEC Corporation, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Takayuki Morita(5) Hokkaido Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Location: Sapporo, Hokkaido; Director General: Shigetoshi Ikeyama(6) "Guidelines for Delivery of Pharmaceutical Supplies Using Drones"bit.ly/3ob0VyV(7) UTM (UAS Traffic Management) is a system of systems that manages the operation of UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System, drone). For the DRESS project, an architecture is being considered in which the UASSP (UAS Service Provider), which provides operational services to UASO (UAS Operators), is centrally managed by FIMS (Flight Information Management System). In the United States, an architecture in which the USS (UAS Service Supplier), which corresponds to the UASSP, is connected to each other in a decentralized manner is being considered, and in Europe a decentralized coordination between the USP (U-Space Service Provider) is being considered as well, mainly in Switzerland.(8) Project for realizing an energy-saving society where robots and drones are active; Drones and Robots for Ecologically Sustainable Societies project (DRESS project)https://nedo-dress.jp/(9) ASTM InternationalAbout NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

27 5 月, 2021

Unmanned drones to be used for inspections at six reservoirs in Singapore

SINGAPORE - An unmanned drone will soon be a common sight at six reservoirs here, as part of national water agency PUB's efforts to leverage technology for its daily operations. A drone will first be deployed at MacRitchie and Marina reservoirs at the end of this month, with four others to be deployed at Serangoon, Kranji, Lower Seletar and Lower Peirce reservoirs in the third quarter of this year. In a statement on Thursday (May 27), PUB said that the drones are equipped with remote-sensing systems and a camera for near real-time video analytics. These features allow the drones to help observe water quality and also monitor water activities like fishing and paddling. The six reservoirs were chosen based on the agency's operational needs, as well as other factors like the size and accessibility of the reservoirs and the presence of water activities, said a PUB spokesman. For instance, Marina and MacRitchie reservoirs are popular for fishing and water activities, and using a drone there will allow PUB to monitor such activities more effectively, the spokesman added. Currently, PUB officers conduct patrols daily, during which they look out for excessive growth of aquatic plants and algal blooms, and also ensure that water activities are being carried out safely. PUB said that about 7,200 man-hours are spent on patrols every year at these six reservoirs. It estimates that about 5,000 man-hours will be saved by having unmanned drones assist the patrols. Mr Yeo Keng Soon, director of PUB's Catchment and Waterways Department, said: "With the drones, we can channel manpower to more critical works such as the inspection and maintenance of reservoir gates, as well as pump and valve operations. "The drones also act as an early warning system that enhances our response time to the myriad of issues that our officers grapple with on a daily basis." PUB's drone deployment follows trials that were conducted last year with ST Engineering and uses the company's operating system, DroNet. A software helps to analyse water quality, as well as uses video analytics to flag potential concerns like anglers fishing in non-designated areas. Thereafter, alerts are sent to officers' mobile phones via messaging app Telegram. This allows the officers to respond in a timely manner and quickly attend to urgent cases that may pose a danger to the public, said PUB. An unmanned drone taking off near Marina Reservoir. PHOTO: PUB Addressing concerns that the public may have on their safety or privacy, PUB said that each drone is equipped with a redundancy system that prevents total failure of the drone. This means that each drone is equipped with backup systems to enhance its reliability. Should emergencies arise, operators are also prepared to take over the drones and land them in the water as a last resort, away from human traffic. Drone taking off from pod at Marina Reservoir PUB added that cameras installed on the drones are used solely for its operational needs, and that personal data in any form - including facial recognition - will not be collected. Drone flights will take place four days a week at regular intervals throughout the day at Marina and MacRitchie reservoirs, where the drones will take off autonomously. Drone flying over Marina Reservoir Meanwhile, flights will take place on one or two days per week at the other four reservoirs, where drones will be launched manually before flying autonomously. PUB said the drones will fly on pre-programmed flight paths over the water body, and will stay clear of residential areas. More on this topic Related Story Unmanned drone now part of SLA's Southern Islands inspection regime Related Story HDB and A*Star to study using drones and robots to enhance construction site safety

12 3 月, 2021

CropLife Asia’s ‘Drone for Pesticide Application’ Online Forum draws Asian Policymakers and Global Experts

SINGAPORE, Mar 12, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - A first-of-its-kind virtual conference on drone use for pesticide application in Asia concluded this week after three days of dialogue and discussion among stakeholders from across the food supply chain. The event focused on perspectives ranging from those of regional governments, manufacturers as well as commercial adopters, and experts in the field forecasting future innovations."Our industry takes seriously its commitment to ensure responsible use of plant science technologies and sustainable agricultural practices. Drones are a new tool that can support and strengthen that effort - and have the potential to play a transformative role in Asian agriculture," said Mr. Gustavo Palerosi-Carnerio, CropLife Asia President."As with any innovation, the most critical components are the best practices that reflect responsible use and the policies that underpin them. Through this week's conference, we've heard vital insights from agricultural drone use experts in these areas and what the future may hold. We look forward to continuing these constructive conversations, and working with regulators and other key stakeholders across the food supply chain to help deliver drone use for pesticide application in Asia that is conducted responsibly."Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being used by large and small-scale farmers globally. This includes use for mapping, crop surveillance and scouting, pesticide application, and monitoring both irrigation as well as grazing livestock. According to a recent Industry ARC report, "Agricultural Drones Market - Forecast (2021-2026)", the market for agricultural drones is projected to reach more than $5.8 billion by 2026.In Asia, the use of drones for pesticide application is rapidly growing in popularity due to the advantages it provides, namely: efficiency with use of inputs; enhanced spray precision; reduced water consumption; and less dependence on labor, resulting in lower associated costs. "As food and agricultural stakeholders, we all have a duty to ensure our region's farmers are enabled and empowered to grow the nutritious crops on which we depend - and help deliver a food supply for Asia that is safe, secure and sustainable," commented Dr. Siang Hee Tan, CropLife Asia Executive Director."When used responsibly, drone technology can be a game-changer for Asia's smallholder farmers. However, it's critical that the growth in agricultural drone use in our region is matched by an expansion of sound and science-based regulations to support their responsible use. By bringing together a broad array of government and private sector stakeholders, this week's forum was a substantial step forward on that front."Asia is home to the smallest-sized farms and the largest number of smallholder farmers in the world. It's estimated that 85% of the world's 525 million smallholder farmers live and work within our continent. These growers face unique challenges in comparison with larger commercial farmers - landholder rights, access to finance, labor shortages, and availability of technology among them. With COVID-19 having an exacerbating effect on many of these and other obstacles Asia's smallholders face, drone use with pesticide application has the potential to benefit these growers by helping drive production and sustainability at the same time.CropLife Asia's Drone for Pesticide Application Online Forum was conducted 8-10 March and brought together virtually technology experts and sector stakeholders from across Asia and around the globe. The three-day conference was structured to convey and grow: common understanding of drone benefits to sustainability as well as farmers' safety and productivity; strong cross-sector partnership between government and industry; and an open exchange of knowledge and best practices to manage risks and concerns.A total of seven sessions were conducted during the forum to guide the discussion on a range of topics. From the "government" perspective, this included sessions on: Digital transformation and its impact on government agricultural policies; Regulatory frameworks for pesticide application by drone around Asia Pacific; and Safety Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for pesticide application by drone. Sessions focusing on the "field" perspective included: R&D - Technology enablers for pesticide application by drone; and Commercial adoption of drone for pesticide application in APAC. Lastly, capturing the "future" perspective were sessions on: Emerging technological advancements in drone for pesticide application; and Roundtable - Future collaborations to drive best practices in the region. For additional details regarding the Forum, including a full roster of moderators and panelists who participated, please consult the Events section of the CropLife Asia website, www.croplifeasia.org.About CropLife AsiaCropLife Asia is a non-profit society and the regional organization of CropLife International, the voice of the global plant science industry. We advocate a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative agriculture. CropLife Asia supports the work of 15 member associations across the continent and is led by six member companies at the forefront of crop protection, seeds and/or biotechnology research and development. For more information, visit us at www.croplifeasia.org.For more information please contact:Duke HippDirector, Public Affairs & Strategic PartnershipsCropLife Asiaduke.hipp@croplifeasia.org Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

11 3 月, 2021

Inaugural Forum on Pesticide Application Drone use in Asia brings together Regional Policymakers and Global Experts

SINGAPORE, Mar 11, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - A first-of-its-kind virtual conference on drone use for pesticide application in Asia concluded this week after three days of dialogue and discussion among stakeholders from across the food supply chain. The event focused on perspectives ranging from those of regional governments, manufacturers as well as commercial adopters, and experts in the field forecasting future innovations."Our industry takes seriously its commitment to ensure responsible use of plant science technologies and sustainable agricultural practices. Drones are a new tool that can support and strengthen that effort - and have the potential to play a transformative role in Asian agriculture," said Mr. Gustavo Palerosi-Carnerio, CropLife Asia President."As with any innovation, the most critical components are the best practices that reflect responsible use and the policies that underpin them. Through this week's conference, we've heard vital insights from agricultural drone use experts in these areas and what the future may hold. We look forward to continuing these constructive conversations, and working with regulators and other key stakeholders across the food supply chain to help deliver drone use for pesticide application in Asia that is conducted responsibly."Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being used by large and small-scale farmers globally. This includes use for mapping, crop surveillance and scouting, pesticide application, and monitoring both irrigation as well as grazing livestock. According to a recent Industry ARC report, "Agricultural Drones Market - Forecast (2021-2026)", the market for agricultural drones is projected to reach more than $5.8 billion by 2026.In Asia, the use of drones for pesticide application is rapidly growing in popularity due to the advantages it provides, namely: efficiency with use of inputs; enhanced spray precision; reduced water consumption; and less dependence on labor, resulting in lower associated costs. "As food and agricultural stakeholders, we all have a duty to ensure our region's farmers are enabled and empowered to grow the nutritious crops on which we depend - and help deliver a food supply for Asia that is safe, secure and sustainable," commented Dr. Siang Hee Tan, CropLife Asia Executive Director."When used responsibly, drone technology can be a game-changer for Asia's smallholder farmers. However, it's critical that the growth in agricultural drone use in our region is matched by an expansion of sound and science-based regulations to support their responsible use. By bringing together a broad array of government and private sector stakeholders, this week's forum was a substantial step forward on that front."Asia is home to the smallest-sized farms and the largest number of smallholder farmers in the world. It's estimated that 85% of the world's 525 million smallholder farmers live and work within our continent. These growers face unique challenges in comparison with larger commercial farmers - landholder rights, access to finance, labor shortages, and availability of technology among them. With COVID-19 having an exacerbating effect on many of these and other obstacles Asia's smallholders face, drone use with pesticide application has the potential to benefit these growers by helping drive production and sustainability at the same time.CropLife Asia's Drone for Pesticide Application Online Forum was conducted 8-10 March and brought together virtually technology experts and sector stakeholders from across Asia and around the globe. The three-day conference was structured to convey and grow: common understanding of drone benefits to sustainability as well as farmers' safety and productivity; strong cross-sector partnership between government and industry; and an open exchange of knowledge and best practices to manage risks and concerns.A total of seven sessions were conducted during the forum to guide the discussion on a range of topics. From the "government" perspective, this included sessions on: Digital transformation and its impact on government agricultural policies; Regulatory frameworks for pesticide application by drone around Asia Pacific; and Safety Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for pesticide application by drone. Sessions focusing on the "field" perspective included: R&D - Technology enablers for pesticide application by drone; and Commercial adoption of drone for pesticide application in APAC. Lastly, capturing the "future" perspective were sessions on: Emerging technological advancements in drone for pesticide application; and Roundtable - Future collaborations to drive best practices in the region. For additional details regarding the Forum, including a full roster of moderators and panelists who participated, please consult the Events section of the CropLife Asia website, www.croplifeasia.org.About CropLife AsiaCropLife Asia is a non-profit society and the regional organization of CropLife International, the voice of the global plant science industry. We advocate a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative agriculture. CropLife Asia supports the work of 15 member associations across the continent and is led by six member companies at the forefront of crop protection, seeds and/or biotechnology research and development. For more information, visit us at www.croplifeasia.org.For more information please contact:Duke HippDirector, Public Affairs & Strategic PartnershipsCropLife Asiaduke.hipp@croplifeasia.org Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)