Hummingbird and Minato City Sign Drone Disaster Response Agreement
In a significant development for disaster management, Hummingbird Inc., a drone school based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has partnered with Minato City, represented by Mayor Ai Seike, to establish a pioneering agreement aimed at utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for information gathering during disasters. This collaboration marks a step forward in ensuring safety and swift response strategies amid the rising frequency of natural disasters across Japan.
The agreement allows Hummingbird's trained drone pilots to survey disaster-stricken areas that are deemed too dangerous for human entry. Hummingbird has become an essential player in this field, having signed similar disaster response agreements with six other municipalities, enhancing their capabilities in disaster management.
Recent years have seen an increase in natural disasters in Japan, underscoring the urgent need for quick and extensive situational assessments. Minimizing risks from threats like earthquakes, typhoons, and tidal surges has become paramount for Minato City. Recognizing the necessity for heightened safety measures, local authorities have sought advanced solutions to bolster their disaster response frameworks.
Hummingbird has been active in this domain since the opening of its drone school in Odaiba in 2018, where they developed skilled pilots and enhanced the knowledge and techniques necessary for effective drone utilization during disasters. The company has previously engaged in collaborative disaster drills with various municipalities, including Adachi and Shibuya, focusing on preparedness and response strategies.
The recent acknowledgment of Hummingbird’s "Drone Emergency Supply Transport Project" through Minato City’s “Minato New Technology Challenge Proposal System” paved the way for a joint demonstration trial, illustrating the practical application of drones in emergencies. This trial included two significant efforts: transporting supplies over Tokyo Bay and using drones to deliver urgent materials to the rooftops of high buildings.
Minato City, located along the Tokyo Bay, features a complex landscape with various characteristics. The coastal area encompasses the man-made island of Odaiba, known for its expansive commercial and entertainment facilities, as well as residential areas. Due to limited access routes like bridges and tunnels, Odaiba could become isolated during a disaster, raising the need for effective aerial assessments and supply deliveries.
The inner regions of Minato City, characterized by hilly terrain and narrow streets, could face traffic disruptions and isolation, presenting additional challenges during emergencies. Drones are anticipated to provide rapid and broad aerial surveillance to evaluate damage, assess the condition of roadways and bridges, and facilitate supply delivery to isolated areas, thereby enhancing disaster response capabilities.
Under the new agreement, Hummingbird’s qualified instructors will employ drones to capture aerial footage and gather vital information about the disaster situation as requested by Minato City. This effort aims to ensure swift information retrieval and thorough assessments, thus improving overall disaster response mechanisms.
While the immediate focus of this agreement is on disaster response, both Hummingbird and Minato City are keen to expand their collaboration. They plan to conduct live-streamed aerial footage during comprehensive disaster drills, set up hands-on drone piloting experiences using toy drones, and organize disaster awareness seminars for children. This forward-looking approach signifies the partners’ dedication to promoting disaster education and preparedness within the community.
Established with the mission of harnessing cutting-edge technologies and services, Hummingbird Inc. aims to cultivate skilled individuals in the drone sector and contribute to industrial development. It is Japan's first commercial facility-based drone school, having launched operations with its Odaiba branch in November 2018. Since then, two additional branches have been opened in Shinjuku and Yokohama, with a network of partner schools across the country producing over 5,000 graduates.
The Tokyo Drone School is registered as an official training institution by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, offering courses for both first-class and second-class unmanned aerial vehicle pilots. The school employs 15 specialized instructors, actively working in aerial photography, inspection services, and disaster support in tandem with training operations.
Founded in February 2020, drawing upon experience and dedication to safety and education, Hummingbird and Minato City’s collaboration serves as a model for other municipalities looking to enhance their disaster response capabilities using innovative drone technology.
The agreement allows Hummingbird's trained drone pilots to survey disaster-stricken areas that are deemed too dangerous for human entry. Hummingbird has become an essential player in this field, having signed similar disaster response agreements with six other municipalities, enhancing their capabilities in disaster management.
Background of the Agreement
Recent years have seen an increase in natural disasters in Japan, underscoring the urgent need for quick and extensive situational assessments. Minimizing risks from threats like earthquakes, typhoons, and tidal surges has become paramount for Minato City. Recognizing the necessity for heightened safety measures, local authorities have sought advanced solutions to bolster their disaster response frameworks.
Hummingbird has been active in this domain since the opening of its drone school in Odaiba in 2018, where they developed skilled pilots and enhanced the knowledge and techniques necessary for effective drone utilization during disasters. The company has previously engaged in collaborative disaster drills with various municipalities, including Adachi and Shibuya, focusing on preparedness and response strategies.
The recent acknowledgment of Hummingbird’s "Drone Emergency Supply Transport Project" through Minato City’s “Minato New Technology Challenge Proposal System” paved the way for a joint demonstration trial, illustrating the practical application of drones in emergencies. This trial included two significant efforts: transporting supplies over Tokyo Bay and using drones to deliver urgent materials to the rooftops of high buildings.
Minato City’s Geographical Characteristics
Minato City, located along the Tokyo Bay, features a complex landscape with various characteristics. The coastal area encompasses the man-made island of Odaiba, known for its expansive commercial and entertainment facilities, as well as residential areas. Due to limited access routes like bridges and tunnels, Odaiba could become isolated during a disaster, raising the need for effective aerial assessments and supply deliveries.
The inner regions of Minato City, characterized by hilly terrain and narrow streets, could face traffic disruptions and isolation, presenting additional challenges during emergencies. Drones are anticipated to provide rapid and broad aerial surveillance to evaluate damage, assess the condition of roadways and bridges, and facilitate supply delivery to isolated areas, thereby enhancing disaster response capabilities.
Overview of the Agreement
Under the new agreement, Hummingbird’s qualified instructors will employ drones to capture aerial footage and gather vital information about the disaster situation as requested by Minato City. This effort aims to ensure swift information retrieval and thorough assessments, thus improving overall disaster response mechanisms.
Future Development
While the immediate focus of this agreement is on disaster response, both Hummingbird and Minato City are keen to expand their collaboration. They plan to conduct live-streamed aerial footage during comprehensive disaster drills, set up hands-on drone piloting experiences using toy drones, and organize disaster awareness seminars for children. This forward-looking approach signifies the partners’ dedication to promoting disaster education and preparedness within the community.
About Hummingbird Inc.
Established with the mission of harnessing cutting-edge technologies and services, Hummingbird Inc. aims to cultivate skilled individuals in the drone sector and contribute to industrial development. It is Japan's first commercial facility-based drone school, having launched operations with its Odaiba branch in November 2018. Since then, two additional branches have been opened in Shinjuku and Yokohama, with a network of partner schools across the country producing over 5,000 graduates.
The Tokyo Drone School is registered as an official training institution by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, offering courses for both first-class and second-class unmanned aerial vehicle pilots. The school employs 15 specialized instructors, actively working in aerial photography, inspection services, and disaster support in tandem with training operations.
Founded in February 2020, drawing upon experience and dedication to safety and education, Hummingbird and Minato City’s collaboration serves as a model for other municipalities looking to enhance their disaster response capabilities using innovative drone technology.
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