A grand opening ceremony was held on October 2nd for a massive logistics facility equipped with a next-generation drone technology research and development center in Itabashi-ku, Tokyo.

MFLP/LOGIFRONT Tokyo Itabashi was jointly developed by Mitsui Fudosan and Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate on the former site of a Nippon Steel plant. The 6-story earthquake-resistant building, with a total floor area of 256,000 square meters, is the largest of its kind in Tokyo. The building is almost fully leased, with tenants including Yamato Transport.

The facility is located a 10-minute walk from a Tokyo Metro station and about a 3-kilometer drive from the entrance to the Metropolitan Expressway.

The most notable feature of the facility is the Itabashi Drone Field, managed and operated by the Japan UAS Industry Development Association (JUIDA), a general incorporated association working to promote the industrial development of next-generation mobility systems, and Blue Innovation, a leading company in the drone industry.

As one of the rare permanent drone test sites in the 23 wards of Tokyo, the combination of a vast waterfront site and the largest logistics facility in the metropolitan area allows for a wide range of experiments and research. Tests that can be conducted on the field include last-mile drone delivery to the upper floors of high-rise apartments, joint transportation with unmanned vehicles, and the use of ports where drones can automatically take off and land.

By building a collaborative system with various companies and organizations, the facility aims to solve social issues such as labor shortages and disaster response caused by the "2024 logistics problem" through experiments and research.

On October 26th, the facility was opened to nearby residents. Drone piloting workshops were particularly popular with visitors. Many people lined up to participate and enjoyed picking up snacks using drones.

"I often play with mini-drones at home, but it was really fun to be able to pick up snacks here. I want to do it again," said a 7-year-old boy who visited the facility with his father from a nearby apartment.

His father, a 40-year-old company employee, said, "I was a little worried that the traffic of trucks would increase because it is a logistics facility, but I am also looking forward to experiments like drone delivery."

The facility also includes the Itabashi-ku Disaster Delivery Station, which serves as a hub for delivering supplies to shelters in the event of a disaster, as well as a green space for the community.

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