#Japan #Underwater Drones #Iwakuni #OceanBiz2026

Get Ready for OceanBiz2026 in Yamaguchi

The upcoming OceanBiz2026, scheduled for August 7th and 8th, 2026, is shaping up to be a groundbreaking event in the field of underwater drone technology. Organized by the Japan Underwater Drone Association and hosted at the Defense Equipment Agency's Iwakuni Marine Environment Testing Satellite (IMETS) in Yamaguchi, this comprehensive gathering will highlight the significance of underwater drones for various applications including infrastructure inspections, marine surveys, disaster prevention, and national security.

The Government's Focus on Marine Strategy

In July 2026, the Japanese government designated marine technology as one of 17 strategic areas under its Growth Strategy. The focus on this sector emphasizes the pivotal role that underwater unmanned systems such as drones, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) play in enhancing economic growth and safety. As the development and utilization of these advanced technologies are accelerated across academia, industry, and government sectors, the OceanBiz2026 event serves as a focal point for collaboration among various stakeholders.

IMETS: A State-of-the-Art Testing Facility

IMETS provides an advanced facility designed for testing and evaluating underwater unmanned vehicles, ensuring required levels of self-sufficiency and reliability. With large tanks and simulation equipment, IMETS supports research initiatives in cooperation with Yamaguchi Prefectural Industrial Technology Center, showcasing the dual-use potential of these technologies in both military and civil applications.

Why OceanBiz is Significant for Western Japan

This event is particularly notable as it marks the first time OceanBiz has been held in the Western Japan region. The area is home to various locations requiring underwater inspections and research, such as ports, fishing harbors, rivers, dams, bridges, and coastal structures. OceanBiz2026 will provide an opportunity for local attendees to witness the latest underwater technologies in action.

Four Engaging Scenes to Cover

1. Live Demonstrations of Underwater Drones and Robots: Experience real-time operations of underwater drones, ROVs, ASVs, and AUVs in a 30m² large tank (depth of 11m). The demonstrations will showcase the capabilities of these technologies, from navigating underwater to capturing stunning imagery with onboard cameras. Demonstration times are set for both days from 11 AM to 3 PM.

2. Competition Featuring Student-Developed Underwater Robots: The 11th Underwater Robot Festival will see middle and high school students, technical college students, and university students compete with their self-developed underwater robots. This competition not only emphasizes technical skills but also allows observation of students' creativity and teamwork in challenges posed to them. The schedule includes presentations on August 7th in the junior division and competitions for both junior and senior divisions on August 8th.

3. Hands-on Science Experience for Kids: On the first day, the Iwakuni Science Center will host a “Water Science Workshop,” which enables children to engage in experiments and hands-on activities, learning about the science and engineering principles behind marine technology.

4. Facility Tours of IMETS: Throughout the event, guided tours of IMETS will be available, providing insights into the infrastructure designed for testing underwater vehicles. Participants can gain a rare glimpse into the advanced testing processes within this facility.

A Convergence of Industry, Research, and Education

OceanBiz2026 will also encompass the Iwakuni Ocean Tech Days 2026, blending the 11th Underwater Robot Festival and Water Science Workshop into a multifaceted experience. This will showcase the latest advancements in underwater drone technology, application in various sectors, and the collaborative efforts between defense and civilian research initiatives within Yamaguchi Prefecture and Iwakuni City.

The event will not only entertain but also engage various audiences, including local businesses, educational institutions, and families. The addition of food trucks will enhance the community atmosphere, making it a welcoming environment for participants of all ages.

Media Opportunities

Media representatives are encouraged to cover diverse aspects of the event, including:

• - Live footage of underwater drone operations
• - Interviews with organizing bodies
• - Insights from participating companies and research organizations
• - Coverage of student competitions and their projects
• - Highlights emphasizing the significance of hosting this event in Yamaguchi Prefecture
• - Explanation of underwater technology utilization and market insights

For press inquiries, please contact the Japan Underwater Drone Association ahead of the event.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: OceanBiz2026 in Yamaguchi (Part of Iwakuni Ocean Tech Days 2026)
• - Dates: August 7th (Friday) & August 8th (Saturday), 2026
• - Time: 10 AM to 4 PM
• - Location: Defense Equipment Agency's Iwakuni Marine Environment Testing Satellite (IMETS), 1805-1 Nagano, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
• - Organizer: Japan Underwater Drone Association, Non-Profit Japan Underwater Robot Network, Iwakuni Science Center, with support from Yamaguchi Prefecture and Iwakuni City.
• - Admission: Free
• - Registration: Event Registration
• - Website: Official Site

The Japan Underwater Drone Association aims to foster a safe environment for the use and popularization of underwater drones through partnerships across industry, government, and educational institutions, ultimately expanding the market and ensuring safe application in real-world scenarios.