TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Industrial Technology Research Institute is targeting Japan’s fast-growing drone market with six advanced UAV technologies unveiled at Japan Drone this week.

With ITRI President Liu Wen-hsiung (劉文雄) spearheading the effort, the move comes amid rising demand for “non-red supply chains” as geopolitical tensions reshape global tech ecosystems, per CNA.

At its Taiwan Pavilion, the institute is showcasing a hydrogen-powered long-endurance drone that can fly for 181 minutes with a 5 kg payload – three times the average lithium-powered model, per a press release. Designed for rescue, inspections, and emergency transport, its modular design allows quick adaptation to mission needs.

A second system, the logistics drone, features long-range stability and modular payload design for remote-area deliveries. It has already proven itself in a food delivery test in Kobe, working with Japanese drone firm Tompla.

ITRI is also unveiling an AI drone swarm system capable of coordinated flights, real-time video feeds, and fish school detection. Deployed in marine scouting, bridge inspections, and indoor monitoring, it boosts fish search efficiency by over 300% while cutting helicopter use and cost.

To enhance performance, ITRI is highlighting three proprietary modules: a power unit with 10% greater thrust, a dual-redundancy flight controller for extreme conditions, and a compact flight control board for rescue missions. These components improve flight time, stability, and responsiveness.

Japan Drone opened Thursday at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture with a record 271 exhibitors. Lasting till Friday, it is expected to attract around 22,000 visitors.