Skydio has been granted a nationwide BVLOS waiver in Japan – a major win for their Skydio Dock and remote drone operations without human staff onsite.

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

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This week, autonomous flight leader Skydio announced that it has been granted an unprecedented, nationwide approval by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to remotely operate drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The approval allows for streamlined BVLOS operations utilizing Skydio Dock and Remote Ops. Skydio’s AI and autonomous technology allows for the safe operation of drones in close proximity to structures beyond what would be possible with manual drones.

The JCAB approval does not require the use of additional crew members like visual observers or technology to detect crewed aircraft, removing major hurdles faced by operators. The approval applies across Japan with few exceptions. Prior to takeoff, operators must first submit a notification of the flight area through JCAB’s web portal. Operators will be able to quickly and safely inspect critical infrastructure remotely.

“This waiver represents a landmark moment for the drone industry, and is a reflection of regulators responding to the advances in AI and autonomy that are already defining the next chapter in drones and delivering enormous value for organizations,” said Skydio CEO Adam Bry. “With Skydio Dock and Remote Ops, organizations gain access to real-time data to make decisions that keep their workers safe, make their operations more efficient, and help their communities thrive. Autonomous remote drone operations enable inspections of hard-to-reach and dangerous areas from the safety of an office.”

This new approval serves as an example of Skydio’s dedication to supporting its customers through the delivery of leading products with new applications alongside unique regulatory approvals.

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Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.