On September 30, the International Drone Association (IDA) announced that it had successfully transported 30 kg of supplies by drone to Akatake Kosen, a mountain hut in the Yatsugatake Mountains (Chino City, Nagano Prefecture) that can only be reached on foot via hiking trails.
An initiative called "Mountain Logistics" has been launched to lighten the burden on those who operate mountain huts and maintain hiking trails.
<Members of this project>
<Scenes from the transportation of supplies>
The transportation of supplies will be carried out in August and September by IDA and Yatsugatake Akadake Onsen/Gyojagoya.
On August 14th, IDA used a drone to transport 30kg of fruit from the foot of the mountain to Akadake Onsen, located at an altitude of 2200m, approximately 6.7km away. The drone completed the journey, which would normally take 2-3 hours if carried by a person, in just about 7 minutes.
Thanks to its large battery, GNSS functionality, and stable, wind-resistant construction, the vehicle accurately delivered cargo to the mountaintop without needing to change batteries, completing the round trip.
On September 23, a drone was used to transport materials to repair damaged sections of the hiking trail from Akadake Onsen to Gyōja Hut, which is even deeper in the mountains.
Transporting materials by hand along narrow, slippery mountain paths was not easy, and carrying heavy lumber and tools back and forth multiple times was particularly strenuous. Therefore, IDA used a winch and wire to lower the loads from above to the desired location with pinpoint accuracy.
Going forward, IDA will officially launch a "mountain logistics" system using drones in collaboration with Akatake Onsen and local residents. The goal is to utilize drones for transporting food, daily necessities, repair tools, and emergency supplies during disasters, particularly in mountainous areas facing an aging population.
