Three companies—Tokyo-based senior citizen services company Mikawaya 21, Saitama-based drone research firm enRoute and Tokyo-based mobile giant NTT Docomo—have agreed to begin drone delivery tests this November in Fukuoka. For the tests, a drone will carry up to 2 kg of goods 2.5 km from the yacht harbor in Nishi Ward to Noko Island at an altitude of 70 m. Once the drone lands at Noko Port, its payload will be transferred to another drone that will complete the delivery. Several tests will be conducted in November and December with two volunteer households. The ultimate aim is to begin commercial drone deliveries by fiscal 2018 with an eye on assisting people living in outlying islands and mountainous regions who have poor access to shops. Source: Docomo news release, 10/19
