JP Rakuten Logistics Successfully Completes First On-Demand Drone Deliveries in Japan to a Metropolitan High-Rise Apartment Complex

Tokyo, January 11, 2022 - JP Rakuten Logistics, Inc., a joint venture company between Rakuten Group, Inc. and Japan Post Co., Ltd, has participated in Technical Study Group of Drone Delivery Committee in Chiba City, which aims to implement drone-based deliveries in metropolitan areas. As part of the Committee’s initiatives, JP Rakuten Logistics conducted trials of on-demand deliveries using drones to deliver supplies from a logistics facility in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, to a Chiba City high-rise apartment complex^*1 of over 100m in height, spanning a two-week period from December 1 to December 16, 2021. These trials mark the first time in Japan drones were used to successfully conduct on-demand deliveries for a metropolitan high-rise apartment complex.

The trial used drones with a maximum payload of 7kg to deliver goods such as first-aid kits, emergency food provisions and medical supplies ordered by residents of The Makuhari Bayfront Tower & Residence high-rise apartment complex in Chiba City. Orders were made using a specialized website and were sent from the parking lot of the Prologis Park Ichikawa 3 logistics facility in Ichikawa City to the heliport on the rooftop of the apartment complex, covering a one-way distance of nearly 12km that included a flight over Tokyo Bay and public roads.

 JP Rakuten Logistics will continue working to create delivery services using drones by making use of the drone delivery expertise gained through conducting these trials for metropolitan area drone deliveries.

 *1 A building of 60m or more in height, according to the Building Standard Law of Japan.

Trial period: December 1 to December 16, 2021
Delivery route: From the parking lot of Prologis Park Ichikawa 3 (1-6-1 Shiohama, Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture) to the heliport on the rooftop of The Makuhari Bayfront Tower & Residence (3-13-5 Utase, Mihama Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture)
Flight distance: Approximately 12km one way
Supplies delivered: First-aid kits, emergency food provisions, medical supplies, and more.
Organizer: JP Rakuten Logistics
Drone built by: Coretronic Intelligent Robotics Corporation (CIRC) *Airframe jointly developed by JP Rakuten Logistics and CIRC.
Airframe size: 175cm L x 175cm W x 90cm H
Maximum payload: 7kg