Japan Post and KDDI test post offices as drone ports

Japan Post and KDDI have launched a demonstration project in Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, to utilize post offices as drone ports. This initiative aims to establish a social infrastructure for drone operations, targeting full-scale collaboration by fiscal year 2027.

The project involves installing a ‘Skydio Dock for X10’ on the roof of the Suzu Post Office. The demonstration, running until October 4, tests the use of autonomous AI drones for routine tasks such as monitoring school routes and infrastructure, as well as emergency response. In disaster scenarios, the drones will be used to assess road damage, check the safety of postal workers, and monitor the status of isolated communities.

KDDI aims to build a nationwide network of drone ports that can be deployed remotely within 10 minutes. By leveraging Japan Post’s extensive network of local post offices as installation sites, the companies seek to address labor shortages and enhance disaster resilience. The partnership combines KDDI’s communication and remote operation capabilities with Japan Post’s logistics network and physical locations.