What is known about important tests

The test was conducted at the highest level of complexity, known as the fourth level, which allows the drones to operate in residential and urban areas. This level of testing allows drones to avoid buildings and roads, significantly reducing lead times. Japan Post has been running simpler tests in unpopulated areas since 2020, but the move to level four is expected to pave the way for more widespread use of drone delivery.

However, for drone delivery to be implemented on a large scale, it must be approved by municipal officials and local residents. Increasing online sales volume and smaller package sizes make this type of delivery an attractive option for companies, but mutual understanding is essential to keep technology running safely and efficiently.

Other companies in Japan have also begun testing drone delivery, including Seven-Eleven Japan, ANA Holdings, FamilyMart, Lawson and Sagawa Express.

Drone delivery requires development of regulatory systems / Photo: Nikkei Asian Review

Japan is preparing an important drone control system

The government is also working to develop a drone management system known as UTM to prevent incidents in the air and on the ground. The development of UTM is expected to be critical to the proliferation of drone delivery in Japan.

By the end of September 2022, Japan had registered approximately. 310,000 unmanned aerial vehiclesand authorities plan to make this information available to support operations in areas with high drone density. Experts stress the importance of timely sharing of flight plans and detailed information to prevent incidents and ensure safe and efficient operations.