KDDI Smart Drone Wins Drone Race 'IBIS2 Master Cup' Hosted by JR East for Second Consecutive Year

KDDI Smart Drone announces that it participated in the drone race 'IBIS2 Master Cup' hosted by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) on June 7, 2026, and won for the second consecutive year, following its first victory in 2025. The competition was held as the main event of 'JR East Group Drone DX CHAMPIONSHIP' at 'TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY,' directly connected to Takanawa Gateway Station, an event where visitors can experience cutting-edge drone applications. The race used the 'IBIS2 Assist,' a domestically produced industrial drone from Liberaware, specialized for flight in narrow spaces. A total of 32 teams participated, including departments within the JR East Group that utilize drones and companies that use the same aircraft in their operations. The course simulated the inspection sites of Yamanote Line trains and railway facilities, requiring advanced skills such as stable flight in confined spaces, judgment of distance from obstacles, and precise control in limited visibility—essential in actual facility inspections. KDDI Smart Drone demonstrated its extensive flight experience and piloting skills cultivated in infrastructure inspections, achieving victory following the previous tournament. ■ Consecutive Victory Proves Piloting Skills, Applied to Training and Implementation Support KDDI Smart Drone has built a robust operational system since its founding to lead the social implementation of safe drone utilization. With over 50 national license holders (Unmanned Aircraft Operator Skill Certification) and more than 10,000 cumulative flight operations, the company leverages its expertise to support drone applications in infrastructure, plants, and construction sites. The consecutive victory demonstrates the technical capabilities required in actual inspection sites, such as stable flight in narrow spaces, obstacle distance judgment, and precise control in limited visibility. KDDI Smart Drone applies these field-derived skills and knowledge to drone training, implementation support, and operational assistance, helping customers safely and effectively adopt drones. Practical Training by Instructors with Consecutive Championship Experience At KDDI Smart Drone Academy, instructors who have won the 'IBIS2 Master Cup' two years in a row provide practical skills and know-how for operating the IBIS2 Assist, based on extensive flight experience and field knowledge. Field-Oriented Practical Training Facilities Our Tokyo Itabashi and Kimitsu campuses feature training equipment simulating narrow spaces such as attics and underground pits, allowing hands-on practice in environments close to actual inspection tasks. Comprehensive Support from Introduction to Operation and Subsidy Utilization We provide integrated support including drone introduction, operational design, training, and consultation on subsidy utilization. Our consultants, well-versed in both drone business and subsidies, reduce the burden on customers. KDDI Smart Drone will continue to improve piloting skills and strengthen its operational system, contributing to the safety and efficiency of social infrastructure inspections through the provision, training, and operational support of industrial drones, including the IBIS2 Assist. (Appendix) ■ About the Race Aircraft 'IBIS2 Assist' The 'IBIS2 Assist' used in this competition is a world-class compact industrial drone specialized for inspecting narrow, dark indoor spaces where human entry is dangerous or difficult. With a size of approximately 20 cm square, it can enter complex structures. Equipped with lights close to natural color and a unique dust-proof motor achieving IP51 rating, it can capture images in dark and dusty environments. Additionally, a proprietary extension antenna expands flight range in areas with poor radio reception. Japan's infrastructure and plant facilities face challenges such as aging, hazardous work environments, technician shortages, and rising inspection costs. KDDI Smart Drone contributes to social infrastructure safety by providing end-to-end support from IBIS2 Assist supply to implementation training and operational support. ■ Event Overview Event Name: JR East Group presents 'IBIS2 Master Cup' Date: June 7, 2026 (Sunday) Venue: TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY THE LINKPILLAR 1, B2F Organizer: East Japan Railway Company Content: Drone race using the domestic industrial drone 'IBIS2 Assist', drone piloting experience, career experience and exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge drone applications. *Reference Video: [Inspection of underground water tanks and ducts by drone] Demonstration of office building equipment inspection｜Mitsui Fudosan × KDDI Smart Drone https://youtu.be/v35GlgUqPUU *Reference Press Release: Mitsui Fudosan × KDDI Smart Drone Demonstration of office building equipment inspection using a narrow-space drone - Aiming for improved safety and efficiency in equipment inspections in confined, dark, and high places - https://kddi.smartdrone.co.jp/release/11805/ End