Novel sea-to-air drone will ‘redefine’ marine operations, says Japanese/Chinese venture

Offshore staff

YOKOHAMA, Japan – Recently, Japanese telecommunications operator KDDI, Japanese commercial drone manufacturer PRODRONE, and Chinese underwater robotics firm QYSEA Technology unveiled what is claimed to be the world’s first ‘Sea-Air Integrated Drone’ during a flight showcase at the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise in Yokohama.

The companies say that the drone aims to modernize offshore and marine operations with its intelligent capabilities, high working efficiency, and minimized manpower requirements. The sea-to-air drone is jointly manufactured by telecommunications operator KDDI and underwater robotics manufacturer QYSEA Technology. The technology combines a heavy-duty aerial drone and QYSEA’s industrial-class FIFISH PRO V6 PLUS ROV.

KDDI launched the project to create the new drone six years ago, with the goal of combining advanced mobile communication networks with drone technologies as a means of delivering extended flying distances and…