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Japanese demand for Swiss high-tech drones

Japanese demand for Swiss high-tech drones

Tokyo (SCCIJ) – The drone developer Flyability has occupied the peak spot of this year’s Top 100 startup companies in Switzerland. In 2018, it already claimed the fourth rank and competed with diagnostic machine maker Lunaphore and the fertility-tracking company Ava, the runner-ups of this year. One new market for Flyability and other Swiss drone makers could be Japan, the Swiss Business Hub Japan, the Japan division of Swiss export promoter Switzerland Global Enterprise, says.

Japanese demand for Swiss high-tech drones

The Flyability drones are designed to explore inaccessible and confined spaces.

The global appeal of Swiss Tech

Flyability is a Swiss company building solutions for the inspection and exploration of indoor, inaccessible, and confined spaces. By allowing drones to be used safely inside buildings, it enables industrial companies and inspection professionals to reduce downtime, inspection costs, and risks to workers.

The startup is a prime example of Swiss tech’s global appeal: With more than 350 customers across global markets, the EPFL-spinoff is the market leader for hazardous site inspections in the nuclear, energy, chemical, and mining industries. It is also working with Search & Rescue and security professionals to assess emergencies without putting humans at risk.

Drones as inspection tools

Adrien Briod, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Flyability, emphasized the importance the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Award played in establishing Flyability’s credentials. “Our position in the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Award in the last years helped us build credibility with prospective investors and customers.”

The founders have raised more than CHF 15 million, as they seek to make Flyability the industry-standard inspection tool. Flyability is the winner of the USD 1 million “Drones for Good Award” 2015 and over 15 other technology and business prizes. Among its Japanese competitors, Mitsubishi Electric has developed a similar drone that can inspect walls.

Japan’s potential for Swiss drones

In the opinion of Swiss Business Hub Japan, there is a significant potential for Swiss small and medium drone developers and makers in Japan. In particular, drones equipped with high-sensitivity sensors and robust drones capable of safely carrying heavy items would suit this market.

The Swiss Business Hub Japan explains the strong demand for such devices with a high shortage of labor in Japan. According to a labor force survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the population aged 15-24 decreased by one third in 2017 compared to the year 2000. Also, the population over the age of 50 increased by about one fifth. To solve this issue promptly, various industries push the development of automation using artificial intelligence, robots, and drones.

The size of the drone market would increase year by year, the Swiss Business Hub Japan predicted. Among the reasons: Drones can be easily maneuvered at an individual level and can be conveniently introduced quickly. For example, the agriculture industry faces a lack of successors. For this, drones could make up without spending time to recruit people and develop their capabilities.

Text: SCCIJ based on material of Top100Startups.com and Switzerland Global Enterprise (with friendly permission); Picture: © Flyability

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