Aeronext Announces Prototype Logistics Drone Equipped with New 'ActiveWing®' Technology

Aeronext Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Keisuke Toji; hereinafter 'Aeronext') has developed and announced a prototype of a new logistics drone equipped with 'ActiveWing®*1,' a new technology that enables stable, long-distance flight. Prototype of the new logistics drone with ActiveWing® (hovering)

Prototype of the new logistics drone with ActiveWing® (landing)

This prototype utilizes Aeronext's new 'ActiveWing®' technology. By incorporating a multi-copter structure with ailerons to assist with lift during flight, it achieves longer flight distances and higher transport efficiency compared to conventional multi-copter drones. It is being developed as a multi-use aircraft capable of being utilized for a wide range of applications, primarily in logistics, as well as surveillance, inspection, and aerial photography. The prototype also adopts Aeronext's proprietary aircraft structural design technology, 4D GRAVITY®*2, to optimize aerodynamic characteristics. This improves the fundamental performance of industrial drones—such as stability, efficiency, and maneuverability—while enhancing transport capabilities for logistics applications. The prototype was developed in collaboration with Eams Robotics Co., Ltd. Starting around the fall of 2026, it is scheduled to be deployed sequentially into drone logistics operations, including implementation sites for the 'SkyHub®*3' new smart logistics system promoted by Aeronext and its subsidiary NEXT DELIVERY Inc. in various regions across Japan, as well as at local demonstration experiments and 'Drone Depots®' operated by SPL (SkyHub® Provider License)*4 operators. [Development Background] In recent years, while expectations for the use of drones in the logistics sector have been rising, issues such as flight range, payload capacity, and transport efficiency remain challenges for general multi-copter drones. Aeronext has focused on optimizing aerodynamic characteristics in its drone research and development, leveraging its technical expertise to realize flight performance that combines the efficiency and stability required for logistics drones. (For details, please refer here.) This prototype is the latest model, representing the culmination of these research and development efforts, which thoroughly pursued aerodynamic characteristics and incorporated Aeronext's unique new technology. [Features of the New Logistics Drone] ■ Long-distance flight performance enabled by the new 'ActiveWing®' technology