Japan’s Terra Drone Partners with Aramco Eyeing Tech for Energy

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Japan’s Terra Drone Partners with Aramco Eyeing Tech for Energy

Japan’s Terra Drone Corporation said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Aramco) for a strategic partnership exploring innovation in drones, robotics, and AI-driven solutions tailored to the oil and gas sector. The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration between Terra Drone and Aramco with the aim of advancing drone technologies […]

The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration between Terra Drone and Aramco with the aim of advancing drone technologies that contribute to enhancing safety and operational efficiency in the energy sector.

It serves as a platform for fostering innovation in critical areas such as research and development, technology piloting, training and localization, Terra Drone said in a news release.

Terra Drone founder and CEO Toru Tokushige said, “This MoU reflects our commitment to driving innovation and supporting localization in line with the vision of Aramco. Through our group company, Terra Drone Arabia, we aim to introduce cutting-edge drone technologies that not only enhance safety and efficiency but also empower the local workforce. By fostering collaboration and investing in R&D [research and development], we are building a foundation for sustainable growth and technological advancement in the Kingdom.”

Terra Drone said it received funding from Aramco’s venture arm, Wa’ed Ventures, in 2023, targeting to contribute to the localization of advanced drone technologies from global leaders. Terra Drone then established a branch in Saudi Arabia, Terra Drone Arabia, to localize its services in the short term and to establish local research and development and production facilities in the long term.

Terra Drone Arabia is a provider of drone and geospatial solutions across the Middle East and Africa. The unit offers services in land surveying, bathymetry, and data processing, among others.

Tokyo-based Terra Drone said it has a portfolio of over 3,000 completed projects worldwide, and specializes in surveying, inspections, agriculture, and UAS Traffic Management (UTM), with a focus on industries such as oil and gas, construction, chemicals, energy, and agriculture.

In July 2023, the company acquired a majority stake in Unifly, a world-leading provider of UTM platforms, with deployments in over eight countries, followed by an investment in U.S.-based Aloft Technologies in February 2024, further expanding its capabilities in UTM.

Aramco has been investing heavily in AI in past months. Last month, Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser said Aramco is “adopting and deploying AI technologies and solutions at scale” across its operations. Nasser said in a statement that this is “unlocking greater efficiencies and value creation throughout” the energy giant.

In a September statement, Aramco EVP of Technology and Innovation Ahmad Al-Khowaiter said, “New digital technologies such as generative AI and the Industrial Internet of Things are expected to transform not only how we work, but also our commercial environment”.

“Aramco is pioneering the use of these technologies at an industrial scale to add significant value across our operations. Our history of innovation inspires us to continue harnessing emerging technologies and help realize the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a global AI leader,” he said.

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