Completed indoor drone training facility at Oita Prefectural College of Agriculture

Taiyo Kogyo Corporation

(Tokyo Head Office: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Osaka Head Office: Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; President: Yumi Nomura; hereinafter referred to as Taiyo Kogyo), which is engaged in large-scale membrane structures (tent structures) and civil engineering and logistics materials, has been contracted to construct the “Drone Field,” a facility dedicated to drone training at Oita Prefectural Agricultural College (2328-1, Akamine, Mie-machi, Bungo-Ono City). (23281 Akamine, Mie-machi, Bungo-Ono City), a facility dedicated to drone training.

In recent years, drones have been used not only for aerial photography of landscapes, but also for surveying and inspections in a variety of fields. In the agricultural field, in particular, drone use for spraying pesticides* can realize significant labor savings, and efforts have begun to put drones to practical use. The Oita Prefectural College of Agriculture considers the promotion of DX (smart agriculture), which improves the efficiency of agriculture, not only with drones but also with GPS tractors, to be an important issue. According to the instructor in charge, “Although drones are expensive, it is possible to spray pesticides on one hectare in 10 minutes, which is 10 to 20 times more efficient than manual spraying. When converted to labor costs, it is extremely efficient.
*Drone spraying of pesticides is subject to the Pesticide Control Law, and there are restrictions on the types of pesticides that can be sprayed.

The “drone field” constructed this time adopts the “Flex System,” a construction method that achieves shorter construction period and lower cost as our original membrane structure construction. Based on our long-standing technology and know-how in membrane construction, we have realized high quality and shortened construction period by manufacturing components at our own factory, and the “drone field” was completed in only 1.5 months from the start of foundation work. The Flex House does not require any pillars inside the building, making it ideal as a training facility for drone flights. The size and height of the building can also be flexibly set. In addition, the walls and roof are made of tent material, which allows sunlight to penetrate the building to create a bright, clean indoor space, eliminating the need for lighting during the day and reducing energy consumption. Indoor drone training drills have problems with light from lighting equipment obstructing visibility, and natural light through membrane material, which softens the sun’s rays, is ideal for drone training facilities. In addition, the membrane material does not block the GPS radio waves that control the drone.

Location: Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture
Structure: Steel framed membrane structure, 1 story
Dimensions: W 12m x D 20m x Eaves 5m (Max. height 6.8m)
Client: Oita Prefecture
Employer: Oita Prefectural College of Agriculture
Design: First-class architect office even
Contractor: Benetts Ltd.
Membrane structure: Taiyo Kogyo Corporation
Use: Drone training site
Membrane material: PSS200

Taiyo Kogyo is a “leading company of membrane structures” that supports the safety and security of society. Under our corporate philosophy of “Unlocking the infinite possibilities of membranes to deliver an inspiring and comfortable environment to our customers. Under the corporate philosophy of “We will bring excitement and a comfortable environment to our customers by exploiting the infinite possibilities of membranes,” we are expanding our business into various fields, including construction, as symbolized by the roof of the giant dome, civil engineering, logistics, and environmental fields, by taking advantage of the characteristics of lightweight and strong materials. As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we will further collaborate with our group companies in event and facility management, as well as strengthen our overseas business and research and development.

Official website: https://www.taiyokogyo.co.jp/

Press photos can be downloaded here.

Public Relations Department, Taiyo Kogyo Corporation Phone: 06-6306-3033
Takatani (080-4017-4670)/Mitsui (080-7077-0347)/Kagejima (090-2147-4572)