Jtekt, a supplier affiliated with Toyota Motor, has announced funding for a venture developing a drone capable of transporting cargo to hard-to-reach areas and disaster sites. The investment will enable Prodrone, a Nagoya-based company, to create a “flying minitruck” capable of carrying up to 50 kilograms over 50 kilometers. The precise amount of Jtekt’s investment has not been disclosed.
The two companies have joined forces to create a drone equipped with Jtekt lithium-ion capacitors. These miniature power storage devices offer quick recharging and discharging capabilities and long service life. Using these capacitors is expected to significantly improve the drone’s efficiency and range.
This development has come at a time when demand for the transportation of goods to hard-to-reach areas has surged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The technology can potentially revolutionize the delivery of essential supplies, particularly to disaster sites where traditional transportation methods may not be feasible. The Prodrone team has vast experience developing drones for commercial use, having previously developed drones for agriculture, inspection, and surveillance. The new drone will mark the company’s entry into the cargo transportation sector and is expected to impact the industry significantly. The partnership between Jtekt and the Pro drone has generated a lot of excitement within the industry, with many experts predicting that the drone’s unique capabilities will make it a game-changer in the cargo transportation sector.
