Toyota explores small drone system for off-road vehicle use

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By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Toyota Motor said on Tuesday it is exploring the development of a small drone system primarily to support vehicle operations on unpaved roads and trails.

The Japanese automaker said in a filing with the Federal Aviation Administration that the potential system aims to boost situational awareness in places where it is unsafe to exit the vehicle.

“By providing the driver with views of the local environment, including potential hazards around and underneath the vehicle, drivers can plan safer routes and improve vehicle operations,” the Toyota letter said, saying most drone flights would occur close to the vehicle. “At times, operators may fly a drone above the treeline to capture videos used to orient themselves or capture the terrain.”

In August, the U.S. Transportation Department proposed new rules to speed deployment of drones beyond the visual line of sight of operators, a key change needed to advance commercial uses like package deliveries.

Toyota submitted comments on the USDOT drone proposal citing its previously unreported ongoing project.

The company has not committed to implementing the drone system.

“Toyota is constantly working on new technologies in various fields, we do not have any product plans to announce at this time,” a spokesperson said.

USDOT said eliminating some requirements “will significantly expand the use-case for drone technologies in areas like: manufacturing, farming, energy production, filmmaking, and the movement of products including lifesaving medications.”

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Nia Williams and Matthew Lewis)