Skydio X10 Infrastructure Inspection Technology Listed in MLIT Official Catalogs
KDDI Smart Drone's technology utilizing the Skydio X10 AI drone has been officially listed in major infrastructure inspection catalogs by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), receiving public endorsement for use in bridges, tunnels, and ports.
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- 📰 Published: May 28, 2026 at 23:58
- 🔍 Collected: May 28, 2026 at 15:06
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KDDI Smart Drone Corp. has announced that its infrastructure inspection technology using the AI-powered drone "Skydio X10" is now included in the "Inspection Support Technology Performance Catalog (Bridges and Tunnels)" by the MLIT Road Bureau, as well as the "New Inspection Technology Catalog for Port Facilities" by the MLIT Port and Harbor Bureau.
With these additions, the technology is now covered across three critical infrastructure sectors: bridges, tunnels, and ports. This official recognition contributes to enhanced safety during inspections and the reduction of long-term maintenance costs.
The Skydio X10 used for these inspections has been highly evaluated for its AI-driven autonomous flight capabilities, obstacle avoidance performance, environmental durability, and measurement accuracy. Its ability to safely and efficiently conduct inspections in high-altitude or difficult-to-access areas led to its inclusion in the MLIT catalogs.
### Background
Japan's infrastructure is aging rapidly, with a sharp increase expected in facilities exceeding 50 years of service. Consequently, addressing the shortage of technical personnel and improving safety in hazardous areas like high altitudes are urgent challenges. The MLIT is actively promoting the use of new technologies to streamline and enhance inspection work.
### Registration Information
1. **Bridges**: Registration No. BR010050-V0326. 3D bridge inspection technology using autonomous UAVs.
2. **Tunnels**: Registration No. TN010042-V0026. Tunnel structure inspection technology using autonomous drones.
3. **Ports**: Port facility inspection technology using obstacle-avoidance drones.
### Technical Overview of Skydio X10 Inspections
Key evaluation points across all three sectors include:
- **Bridges**: Close-up photography of girders, floor slabs, and piers; autonomous flight in non-GPS environments via Visual SLAM; crack width measurement using 3D mesh and orthomosaic imaging.
- **Tunnels**: Flight in dark areas using LED lighting; IP55 rating for resistance to dust and water droplets; applicable for dangerous areas like shafts.
- **Ports**: Photography of mooring and cargo handling facilities; 4G LTE/5G support for wide-range inspections.
### Aircraft Specifications
- **Dimensions**: 78.99cm × 65.02cm × 14.48cm
- **Weight**: 2.11kg (including battery)
- **Processor**: NVIDIA Jetson Orin SoC
- **Durability**: IP55 dust and water resistance
- **Flight Time**: Up to 40 minutes
KDDI Smart Drone, as the sole primary partner of Skydio in Japan, provides one-stop support from aircraft sales to certification and subsidy application.
With these additions, the technology is now covered across three critical infrastructure sectors: bridges, tunnels, and ports. This official recognition contributes to enhanced safety during inspections and the reduction of long-term maintenance costs.
The Skydio X10 used for these inspections has been highly evaluated for its AI-driven autonomous flight capabilities, obstacle avoidance performance, environmental durability, and measurement accuracy. Its ability to safely and efficiently conduct inspections in high-altitude or difficult-to-access areas led to its inclusion in the MLIT catalogs.
### Background
Japan's infrastructure is aging rapidly, with a sharp increase expected in facilities exceeding 50 years of service. Consequently, addressing the shortage of technical personnel and improving safety in hazardous areas like high altitudes are urgent challenges. The MLIT is actively promoting the use of new technologies to streamline and enhance inspection work.
### Registration Information
1. **Bridges**: Registration No. BR010050-V0326. 3D bridge inspection technology using autonomous UAVs.
2. **Tunnels**: Registration No. TN010042-V0026. Tunnel structure inspection technology using autonomous drones.
3. **Ports**: Port facility inspection technology using obstacle-avoidance drones.
### Technical Overview of Skydio X10 Inspections
Key evaluation points across all three sectors include:
- **Bridges**: Close-up photography of girders, floor slabs, and piers; autonomous flight in non-GPS environments via Visual SLAM; crack width measurement using 3D mesh and orthomosaic imaging.
- **Tunnels**: Flight in dark areas using LED lighting; IP55 rating for resistance to dust and water droplets; applicable for dangerous areas like shafts.
- **Ports**: Photography of mooring and cargo handling facilities; 4G LTE/5G support for wide-range inspections.
### Aircraft Specifications
- **Dimensions**: 78.99cm × 65.02cm × 14.48cm
- **Weight**: 2.11kg (including battery)
- **Processor**: NVIDIA Jetson Orin SoC
- **Durability**: IP55 dust and water resistance
- **Flight Time**: Up to 40 minutes
KDDI Smart Drone, as the sole primary partner of Skydio in Japan, provides one-stop support from aircraft sales to certification and subsidy application.
FAQ
What is the significance of being listed in the MLIT catalogs?
It serves as an official certification that the technology meets national standards for performance and reliability, allowing it to be more easily adopted for public infrastructure projects.
Can the Skydio X10 operate without GPS?
Yes, it uses Visual SLAM and AI spatial recognition to fly autonomously and avoid obstacles even in non-GPS environments like bridge undersides or tunnels.
Is the drone suitable for harsh weather?
The Skydio X10 has an IP55 rating, making it resistant to dust and water, and can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 45°C.