#Japan #Tokyo #Underwater Drone #RoboNation #SeaPerch

Japanese Underwater Drone Association Partners with RoboNation

The Japanese Underwater Drone Association, led by Executive Director Yasuhiro Kobayashi, recently announced a collaboration with RoboNation, a prominent American organization. This partnership aims to foster the next generation of talent in underwater robotics and promote educational initiatives within this rapidly evolving field.

A Focus on Learning and Practical Application

Both organizations share a common goal of enhancing educational opportunities in underwater robotics. This collaboration will leverage RoboNation's established STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education programs to create a comprehensive learning environment in Japan. The Japanese Underwater Drone Association aims to tap into its existing network of educational institutions, municipalities, and industries to enhance engineering skills among future generations. The vision is to create a workforce that can contribute to market growth and societal implementation of underwater robotics technologies.

Key Components of the Partnership

1. Implementation of Educational Programs
The Japanese Underwater Drone Association will undertake the expansion of RoboNation’s educational programs across Japan. This includes hands-on workshops and experiential learning opportunities, designed to promote interest in underwater robotics among students of all ages.

2. Development of Instructors and Sharing Best Practices
RoboNation will provide support in curriculum development, teaching materials, and operational know-how to train educators in Japan. Meanwhile, the Japanese Underwater Drone Association will take the lead in building local training frameworks aimed at empowering instructors to effectively deliver these programs.

3. Awareness and Future Progression
The association is committed to promoting these initiatives through joint events, trade shows, and educational experiences to raise awareness. By visualizing their outcomes, they hope to explore further opportunities for expansion and new collaboration formats.

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, the Japanese Underwater Drone Association plans to align its initiatives with various events and exhibitions to continuously promote and disseminate information about underwater robotics. As RoboNation offers a variety of educational programs, including those focused on ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) and AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles), the association intends to initially roll out the 'SeaPerch' ROV program in Japan. Following discussions with stakeholders, they will establish and advance specific plans for this implementation.

Organization Profiles

• - Japanese Underwater Drone Association

Their main focus lies in cultivating the safe operation of underwater drones, promoting their practical use, disseminating information about underwater robotics, and reinforcing collaboration with relevant organizations. The association's headquarters is located at 1-20-1-5F Ueno, Taito Ward, Tokyo. More information can be found on their website.

• - RoboNation (USA)

Established in 2009, RoboNation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the next generation of STEM talent. With an emphasis on student involvement, they host annual competitions for autonomous robots in underwater, terrestrial, and aerial environments, attracting over 250,000 participants each year. For more details, visit their website.