ITRI Achieves Remarkable Feat at World Robot Summit's Drone Challenge

ITRI Excels at the 2025 World Robot Summit's Harsh Environment Drone Challenge

In a stunning display of technological prowess, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) secured the runner-up position at the esteemed Harsh Environment Drone Challenge (HEDC) during the 2025 World Robot Summit. This event, held on November 17, 2025, at Japan's Fukushima Robot Test Field, challenged competitors to showcase the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in realistic post-disaster scenarios.

ITRI’s drones accomplished three rigorous missions within just one hour. These included a 13-kilometer offshore flight dedicated to disaster surveying and route mapping, locating trapped individuals, and delivering essential supplies. Despite the stringent telecommunications and flight regulations in Japan, ITRI's team maneuvered through challenges effectively, demonstrating remarkable collaboration and swift on-site adaptability.

A highlight of ITRI's performance was the breaking of two historical records in the HEDC’s history. They achieved the furthest rescue point by UAVs and successfully deployed first-person view (FPV) drones into buildings for search missions—feats never recorded before in the competition. The drones showcased exceptional endurance and stability, enabling them to overcome turbulence and limited communication bandwidth during offshore operations while precisely identifying designated rescue targets.

The integration of small FPV drones, transported by larger mother drones, was pivotal for expanding mission capabilities, allowing navigation through narrow, debris-strewn environments while maintaining low-latency communication. These drones executed intricate indoor reconnaissance and survivor identification, repeating their entrance and exit from buildings three times with precision—an unprecedented achievement in the challenge's history.

The demanding environment of the Fukushima Robot Test Field simulated extreme disaster conditions, with disrupted roads and communications challenging all participating teams. This year's event pushed the boundaries of flight autonomy, technological integration, and adaptability, which were integral to success.

Looking forward, ITRI aims to enhance the resilience and responsiveness of UAVs through innovative solutions in relay communications, satellite connectivity, and lightweight artificial intelligence modules intended for both public and industrial applications. The organization's commitment to research and development continues to make a profound impact, promising advancements in the UAV technology vital for real-world disaster response.

Founded in 1973, ITRI has emerged as a leading research and development institute that has significantly transformed Taiwan's industrial landscape. By fostering innovation-driven startups and spinoffs, including renowned entities such as United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), ITRI plays a critical role in shaping the future of technology and industry. Headquartered in Taiwan, the institute also operates internationally with offices in the U.S., Germany, the UK, Japan, and Thailand.

For more information on ITRI's cutting-edge research and development initiatives, visit ITRI's Official Website.