KDDI Smart Drone Develops Disaster Drone Supply Transport Guidelines for Mie Prefecture, Preparing for Nankai Trough Earthquake
Key facts
- KDDI Smart Drone Develops Disaster Drone Supply Transport Guidelines for Mie Prefecture, Preparing for Nankai Trough Earthquake
- KDDI Smart Drone has been commissioned by Mie Prefecture to develop guidelines for drone-based supply transportation during disasters. In preparation for potential isolation caused by disasters like the Nankai Trough earthquake, the company conducted verification tests in Inabe City and Minamiise Town, codifying procedures from peacetime preparation to disaster response.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 30, 2026
Direct answer
KDDI Smart Drone has been commissioned by Mie Prefecture to develop guidelines for drone-based supply transportation during disasters. In preparation for potential isolation caused by disasters like the Nankai Trough earthquake, the company conducted verification tests in Inabe City and Minamiise Town, codifying procedures from peacetime preparation to disaster response.
- Citation
- KDDI Smart Drone Develops Disaster Drone Supply Transport Guidelines for Mie Prefecture, Preparing for Nankai Trough Earthquake (May 30, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 30, 2026
KDDI Smart Drone has been commissioned by Mie Prefecture to develop guidelines for drone-based supply transportation during disasters. In preparation for potential isolation caused by disasters like the Nankai Trough earthquake, the company conducted verification tests in Inabe City and Minamiise Town, codifying procedures from peacetime preparation to disaster response.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 30, 2026 at 01:22
- 🔍 Collected: May 29, 2026 at 16:37
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 29, 2026 at 16:39 (1 min after Collected)
Building on lessons from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, these guidelines organize procedures—including preliminary preparation, operational structures, role allocation among stakeholders, and flight safety checklists—so that municipalities in Mie Prefecture can safely and smoothly conduct drone supply transport in collaboration with private operators and residents.
■ Background
With concerns regarding the Nankai Trough earthquake, Mie Prefecture faces the risk of isolated areas due to road disruptions or landslides. Delivering essential items like food, medicine, and hygiene supplies is a critical challenge. There was an urgent need to develop practical guidelines to enable municipalities to effectively utilize drones in such emergencies.
■ Overview of the Guidelines
The guidelines outline end-to-end practical procedures, covering operational structure, selection of landing sites and flight routes, legal compliance, and coordination before a disaster, as well as post-disaster organizational reorganization, route planning, cargo loading/unloading, and flight documentation.
【Core Components of the Guidelines】
1. Operational Structure: Defining roles for municipalities, private operators, and residents.
2. Peacetime Preparation: Selecting aircraft and routes, legal compliance, and flight training.
3. Disaster Response: Procedures for route verification, transport, and logging.
4. Disaster Types & Special Measures: Handling progressive and sudden disasters.
5. Practical Tools: Standardized flight logs and inspection record forms.
■ Verification Summary
Joint field verification was conducted with local company NRT in Inabe City and Minamiise Town.
- Inabe City: Tested transportation of 15kg fuel cans and route selection criteria around obstacles.
- Minamiise Town: Tested transportation of bottled beverages and cargo handling using a winch system.
- Timeline: Conducted between November 2025 and January 2026.
FAQ
What is the task that KDDI Smart Drone has been entrusted with by Mie Prefecture?
It is the task of formulating 'Guidelines for Drone-Based Disaster Relief Logistics' to establish a system for quickly delivering supplies to isolated areas due to road disruptions during large-scale disasters such as the Nankai Trough earthquake.
What are the challenges underlying the formulation of the guidelines?
The challenges include addressing the issues of delivering supplies and initial response to isolated areas, which were highlighted during the Noto Peninsula earthquake. This has increased the need to establish operational systems, select routes, and define roles among stakeholders in advance.
What were the contents of the demonstrations conducted in Inabe City and Minami-Ise Town?
In Inabe City, the demonstrations involved transporting 15 kg fuel cans, while in Minami-Ise Town, they involved transporting bottled beverages. These tests confirmed the route-setting criteria in environments with obstacles and the cargo handling procedures using a winch system.
What items are included in the guidelines?
The guidelines include the establishment of operational systems, preparation matters before a disaster, response procedures during a disaster, responses to different types of disasters and special measures, as well as formats and checklists for flight logs and inspection records that can be used on-site.
What role do private companies play in drone transportation?
Private companies are responsible for operating drones, providing technical expertise, and assisting with safety management.