#Japan #Hummingbird #disaster response #Ota City

Hummingbird Corporation and Ota City Join Forces for Disaster Preparedness

In a significant development for disaster management, Hummingbird Corporation, which operates the Drone School Tokyo, has officially signed an agreement with Ota City, Tokyo. This partnership focuses on utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for information gathering during emergencies, which is particularly crucial in the context of potential large-scale disasters like the anticipated "Southern Tokyo Earthquake."

The agreement was formalized in a ceremony attended by key figures, including Hummingbird's CEO Nobuhiko Suzuki and Ota City Mayor Akira Suzuki. Drones are expected to become an invaluable tool in disaster scenarios, leveraging their mobility and aerial perspectives to provide comprehensive support ranging from data collection and human rescue operations to material transportation.

Enhancing Disaster Response Capabilities

As part of the agreement, Hummingbird will deploy its advanced drone technology and experienced pilots to assist in accurately assessing disaster-stricken areas from the sky. This includes evaluating the extent of damage and conducting assessments in hazardous environments where human intervention may pose risks.

Ota City marks the ninth location in Tokyo to establish a disaster response agreement with Hummingbird. Other municipalities include Nerima, Sumida, Minato, Edogawa, Adachi, Katsushika, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, along with cities outside Tokyo such as Yokohama in Kanagawa and Ichikawa in Chiba.

Understanding Ota City’s Geographic Challenges

Ota City, the largest ward in Tokyo by area, is situated at the mouth of the Tama River. Its geography includes low-lying regions vulnerable to various natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, and heavy rainfall. These risks are compounded in densely populated residential areas, where flooding or structural collapses could complicate rapid assessments during emergencies.

Additionally, the expansive reclaimed land surrounding Tokyo International Airport is at risk of liquefaction during seismic activity. In light of these risks, the aerial approach provided by drones is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of disaster response efforts.

Future Initiatives and Developments

While the agreement primarily addresses disaster response, both Hummingbird and Ota City are committed to exploring collaborative opportunities during normal operations. Discussions are ongoing about participating in disaster preparedness drills and initiatives to raise public awareness regarding safety measures and preparedness.

During the signing ceremony, Mayor Suzuki expressed enthusiasm not only for the capabilities of Hummingbird’s pilots but also for the potential of the "Disaster Prevention Air Unit Hachidori." This highlights a broader expectation for drone technology in enhancing the city's disaster readiness.

CEO Nobuhiko Suzuki emphasized the importance of collaborating on disaster preparedness exercises led by the city, showcasing Hummingbird’s commitment to actively engage in these initiatives for enhanced community safety.

The agreement culminated with a signing ceremony, solidifying a mutual understanding to deepen collaboration for effective disaster response.

About Hummingbird Corporation

Hummingbird was established with a mission to harness cutting-edge technology to provide valuable services to businesses and individuals, transforming the limitless potential of the drone industry into reality. Known as Japan’s first commercial drone school, Hummingbird opened the "Drone School Odaiba" in November 2018. Following this, "Drone School Shinjuku" launched in July 2021, and "Drone School Yokohama" opened in November 2022. With a presence in 11 locations nationwide, the school has successfully graduated over 6,000 students.

As a registered training organization with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Hummingbird offers courses for obtaining national pilot licenses for UAVs. Furthermore, in 2024, they are set to launch the "Disaster Prevention Air Unit Hachidori," made up of instructors and experienced graduates, dedicated to acquiring the skills necessary for disaster scenarios. These comprehensive training programs ensure that team members are well-prepared for real-world applications as specialists in disaster assistance.

This partnership between Hummingbird and Ota City signifies a forward-thinking approach to disaster management and underscores the value of integrating technology in public safety initiatives.