#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #World Robot Summit #Oshinobi

Oshinobi Team Triumphs at World Robot Summit 2025

In November 2025, Okayama University made a remarkable achievement at the World Robot Summit (WRS) held from October 10 to 12 in Fukushima. The Oshinobi team, led by Professor Tetsushi Kamekawa from the university's Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, ranked fifth in the highly competitive Standard Performance Evaluation Drone Challenge.

A Technical Breakthrough in Autonomous Flight

The focus of the team's project was to develop a drone capable of autonomous flight in environments where GPS and GNSS signals are unavailable. This innovative technology allows the drone to estimate its position and create maps while navigating narrow spaces. This accomplishment is not only a technical feat but also a significant step toward enhancing data collection for applications in forestry and disaster response.

During the finals, the Oshinobi team successfully demonstrated their drone's capabilities by flying autonomously through a vertical slalom course, marking a significant achievement as they were the only team to accomplish this autonomously among the finalists. This demonstration was an emotional validation of the team's hard work leading up to the competition, succeeding just a week before the event.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

The drone project's development is part of a broader initiative aimed at integrating robotics technology and digital transformation (DX) into the forestry sector of northern Okayama Prefecture. The goal is to utilize a fleet of drones to gather data, contributing to a more accurate assessment of forest asset values. This could play a crucial role in managing forest resources wisely and stimulating the local economy, addressing issues like depopulation and aging in mountainous regions.

Professor Kamekawa emphasized the collaborative effort within Okayama University's robotics research community. The project involved three research laboratories from the engineering department, highlighting the importance of hands-on student involvement in the research and development process. The achievement at WRS is not just a testament to technological prowess; it symbolizes the university's commitment to tackling real-world challenges through innovative research.

Future Prospects

With the success of the Oshinobi team and the advancement of their autonomous flying technology, plans are underway to further enhance the drone's capabilities for data collection in forest environments. This could include applications in emergency disaster responses, boosting the region’s preparedness for natural calamities.

The University received substantial support for this project, including operational grants and assistance from its Centers for Green Innovation and AI and Mathematical Data Science, illustrating the community-focused approach to academia.

For those interested in learning more about this innovative development, details have been made available by Okayama University via their official press release.

Conclusion

The participation and success of Okayama University in the World Robot Summit 2025 demonstrate the institution’s vital role in advancing robotics technology. Their efforts not only contribute to scientific progress but also align with sustainability goals, showcasing how academic institutions can lead in fostering a sustainable future.

As Okayama University continues to explore new frontiers in technology, the Oshinobi team's achievements serve as an inspiration for future innovators aiming to create impactful technological solutions.