Drone rescue to be launched at Mount Fuji
KDDI Corp. has announced plans to use drone technology to support search and rescue efforts on Mount Fuji.
According to The Japan Times mobile phone carrier KDDI Corp. has announced plans to use drone technology to support search and rescue efforts on Mount Fuji.
KDDI is hoping to have the service up and running by summer 2019 and has already conducted a successful trial in partnership with Gotemba Municipal Government, a city to the west of the mountain, smartphone map applications developer Yamap Inc., and weather information provider Weathernews Inc.
During the trial, a drone was tasked with locating a missing hiker who was carrying a global positioning device and monitor them till recue services could find them. It was also able use its inbuilt weather forecasting system to select the most suitable route for rescuers to follow.
KDDI has said that it plans to add a microphone and speaker to the device so rescuers can communicate with missing persons. It also wants to allow the drone to drop supplies to the missing person.
The drone can operate in winds of up to 18 metres per second and travel at a speed of 40 mph.