On October 8th, Ashikaga City in Tochigi Prefecture, Ryomo Maruzen, and NEXT DELIVERY signed a memorandum of understanding to confirm their mutual cooperation in conducting research on the potential of drone-based logistics (new smart logistics) as a means of solving regional issues.
<From left: Satoru Kawachi, Representative Director of Ryomo Maruzen; Naohide Hayakawa, Mayor of Ashikaga City; Keisuke Taji, Representative Director of NEXTDELIVERY>
The memorandum of understanding confirms that the two parties will jointly promote a social experiment of new smart logistics within Ashikaga City, with the aim of solving local issues.
Ryomo Maruzen is a comprehensive energy and service company based in Ashikaga City. Four years ago, they began preparing for a drone business, establishing a specialized department and commercializing the project. This partnership will allow them to handle securing transportation companies and drones, as well as transportation operations.
The three parties will cooperate with each other to develop new logistics hubs utilizing drones and other technologies, aiming to improve the convenience of life for local residents and strengthen emergency transportation systems during disasters.
<Project concept for the new smart logistics experiment in Ashikaga City>
Specifically, this will involve verifying the transportation of goods in areas with logistics difficulties, such as mountainous and hilly regions, and the use of drones to test emergency supply routes in the event of a disaster.
Mayor Hayakawa of Ashikaga City commented, "I have high hopes that this new form of public-private partnership will serve as a model case for solving regional issues in the future."
