Skydio and KDDI Corporation have announced a significant partnership. The deal will see Skydio's autonomous drone technology leverage KDDI's advanced communication systems, including 5G, and operational expertise from KDDI Smart Drone Co., Ltd.
Skydio, recognized globally for its autonomous control technology and AI-based Visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology, designs drones that autonomously navigate while avoiding obstacles, proving essential for infrastructure inspections and safety patrols both indoors and outdoors across Japan.
The collaboration will leverage KDDI’s latest communication technology and the operational technology of KDDI Smart Drone to enhance the efficiency of inspection and monitoring operations. This integration will facilitate rapid information gathering in disaster scenarios, improving response times and effectiveness in crisis management.
Furthermore, KDDI will obtain exclusive sales rights for Skydio products in 11 Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries, utilizing its global sales networks to expand Skydio’s market presence internationally.
The alliance is set against a backdrop of pressing social challenges in Japan, such as labor shortages, aging infrastructure, and the increasing frequency of severe disasters. These issues underscore the necessity for innovative solutions like drones to ensure the safety and maintenance of critical infrastructure and to assist in disaster recovery efforts.
Under KDDI's "New Satellite Growth Strategy," the company is intensifying its focus on sectors like drone operations ("Orbit2") that incorporate remote autonomous flight, communication, operation management, and data analysis to further societal implementation of advanced drone technology.
Skydio and KDDI's joint efforts will focus on developing solutions that integrate Skydio's drone capabilities with KDDI Group’s communication and data analytics prowess. Additionally, the partnership aims to extend Skydio’s reach into the APAC region and beyond, emphasizing sales to private entities.
.png)
