Japan’s Transport Ministry run parcel delivery drone tests
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Tokyo-based company Mikawaya21 ran tests using drones for parcel deliveries in the Tokushima Prefecture yesterday (24 February). Local sources report the tests were designed to see if drones could be used to deliver food parcels to elderly recipients living rural areas.
According to a report published by the Japan Times, a drone carrying bread, milk and other items flew for about 500 metres at an altitude of around 50 metres over crop fields. On its return journey, the drone carried more food and also equipment designed to measure the impact of take-offs and landings.
The tests were conducted in Naka.
The Japan Times quoted a Transport Ministry official as saying that they are looking to see if drones could “address the shortage of delivery truck drivers, reduce time and costs, and be a relief for seniors in thinly populated areas who have become shopping refugees”.
