KDDI deploys drones at 1,000 locations, including Lawson stores; Seeks implementation in facility inspections and emergency response

KDDI Corp. announced Monday that it has formed a capital and business alliance with U.S. drone manufacturer Skydio, Inc., whose drones it plans to deploy in 1,000 locations, including Lawson stores across the country, in the coming years. The company plans to use the drones in inspections of company facilities and in local government disaster response.

Skydio specializes in developing AI-equipped drones that can fly autonomously. The company’s latest model is equipped with a dark sensor that allows it to fly autonomously even at night, and it can also be controlled via mobile phone communication networks.

KDDI expects to use Skydio’s drones in combination with its own drone operations technology to inspect bridges and tunnels, monitor construction sites and power plants, and respond to disasters. The company considers the Lawson stores, which it owns with Mitsubishi Corp. operates drone bases and aims to deliver the drones to a location within 10 minutes of a customer’s request.