NearsLab Targets Japanese Drone Market... Supplies Small AI Autonomous Flying Drones

Expectations for Expanding Market Share in Japan

Drone AI company NearsLab announced on the 16th that it has signed an MOU with Japan's leading company SoftBank and is launching its AI autonomous flight drones into the Japanese market.

Through this MOU, NearsLab plans to collaborate with SoftBank to actively supply its compact AI autonomous flight drone AiDEN and drone stations to the Japanese market, aiming to increase market share. SoftBank also expects to further strengthen its AI business portfolio based on NearsLab's autonomous flight technology.

Nearslab's compact AI drone 'Aiden' is flying in an urban environment. Photo by Nearslab

The cooperation between the two companies stems from a trust relationship built since 2020. NearsLab established a partnership by initially supplying safety inspection drones to SoftBank, and last year, they jointly showcased AiDEN at Japan's largest exhibition, 'Japan Drone 2024,' attracting industry attention.

Especially after signing this MOU, NearsLab conducted a demonstration event in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, targeting SoftBank and related partners. Beyond simple flight demonstrations, they presented a scenario-based demonstration simulating actual industrial sites, showcasing AiDEN and the drone station operating together.

Choi Jae-hyuk, CEO of NearsLab, said, "Through five years of cooperation with SoftBank, we have created an opportunity to target Japan, a leader in precision machinery and robotics markets," adding, "With both symbolic and practical value, this will be a decisive moment to expand our market share in the Japanese drone market."