In a surprising turn of events, Japanese automaker Subaru has successfully established global safety rules for drones, as reported by Nikkei Asia. The company's proposed anti-collision standards for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been accepted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), marking a significant milestone in the Drone Industry.
From Aircraft to Drones: Subaru's Aviation Legacy
Subaru's involvement in Drone Technology might seem unexpected for a car manufacturer, but it's deeply rooted in the company's history. Tracing its origins to Nakajima Aircraft Co., a pre-war era aircraft manufacturer, Subaru has been involved in developing UAVs for Japan's Self-Defense Forces since the 1970s.
In 2017, Subaru launched a full-scale drone initiative in response to a call from Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The project focused on developing collision avoidance technology to address near-misses between drones and piloted aircraft.
Developing Cutting-Edge Collision Avoidance Technology
Subaru partnered with Japan Radio to equip drones with sensors capable of detecting and avoiding collisions at relative speeds of up to 62 mph (100 km/h). The system quickly calculates evasive routes when a piloted aircraft is detected. By 2019, the technology was deemed feasible after extensive testing.
Akihiro Yamane, general manager of Subaru's aerospace engineering development department, recognized the need for standardized safety rules in the drone industry.
He stated, “Someone needs to do it,” highlighting the importance of establishing global protocols for preventing drone collisions.
Navigating the ISO Approval Process
Subaru, along with Japan Radio and NEDO, submitted their proposal to the ISO in June 2019. The company's collision avoidance procedures consist of six stages:
- Constant obstacle checking
- Aircraft detection
- Evasive maneuvers
- Secondary aircraft approach checks
- Return to original route
- Proceeding along the original path
The proposal faced competition from South Korea's more detailed draft rules. However, Subaru argued that their streamlined approach would better facilitate technological development. Through strategic networking and impressive demonstrations, Subaru's team garnered support from key ISO members, ultimately leading to the approval of their standards in October 2023.
DroneXL's Take
Subaru's success in establishing global drone safety standards is a significant leap forward for the UAV industry. By leveraging their aviation expertise and strategic maneuvering, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of drone technology development. This achievement not only paves the way for more widespread adoption of commercial drone operations but also highlights the potential for cross-industry innovation.
As the drone market continues to expand, Subaru's collision avoidance technology could become a crucial component in various applications, from package delivery to Urban Air Mobility. The company's recent unveiling of a flying car prototype further demonstrates its commitment to pushing the boundaries of aerial technology.
This development aligns with the growing trend of automotive companies diversifying into the drone and urban air mobility sectors. As we've seen with other major players in the industry, the line between ground and air transportation is becoming increasingly blurred, opening up new opportunities for innovation and growth.
DroneXL.co will continue to monitor Subaru's progress in the drone industry and its potential impact on the future of aerial transportation.
Photo courtesy of Nikkei Asia.