CASE C02 · JP · 2024
Shuto Expressway: simultaneous automated dock-based drone inspection of three long-span bridges
In January 2024 Shuto Expressway tested dock-based automated drone inspection on three long-span bridges, including Rainbow Bridge, simultaneously. Automated take-off, landing and route flight worked and video was viewed remotely. Heavy radio interference in Tokyo made video quality depend on the network, which remains an issue.
Expressways & roadsUrban areas & people belowStrong electromagnetic fieldsHeightWater, spray & humidityWind & turbulence
| Owner | Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd. (Shuto Expressway) |
| Provider | Shutoko Engineering; JDRONE; NTT Communications; KDDI |
| Location | Tokyo, Japan (Komatsugawa cable-stayed bridge, Goshikizakura Bridge, Rainbow Bridge) |
| Aircraft | AtlasPRO (JDRONE); Skydio X2 (NTT Com); DJI Matrice 30T (KDDI) |
| Sensors | RGB camera / live video |
Before
Visual inspection from below the viaduct, where damage on long-span bridges is hard to see.
With drones
Drones launched and landed automatically from docks, flew pre-set routes and streamed live video; three bridges were inspected at the same time.
Outcomes
| Metric | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| operation | all docks worked; no GNSS or link dropouts; no deviation from planned routes | Reported |
| time or cost | not quantified | Reported |
Caveats & limits
- No quantitative time or cost result was published.
- Video quality varied with airframe and network quality; heavy radio interference in Tokyo means a stable dedicated link must be built on site.
- One-day demonstration (25 January 2024), not routine operation.
Sources
- 首都高、長大橋3橋でドローン自動点検の実証実験（IT Leaders）Impress IT Leaders Full text read
Sources checked: 2026-10-22