Robotics : Industrial-use Unmanned Helicopters

Product Profile

For its industrial-use unmanned helicopters, Yamaha Motor has developed support systems that incorporate a GPS-based speed control function for more stable operation, as well as altitude control systems that enable unmatched ease of operation and flying stability. These achievements bring to bear the various control technologies that are one of the core competencies of Yamaha Motor.
The new FAZER R, released in 2016, can carry a chemical payload of 32 liters, the largest of any of Yamaha Motor’s industrialuse unmanned helicopters to date. For agricultural crop dusting, this makes it possible to cover four hectares without any additional agricultural chemicals and refueling, making crop-dusting operations significantly more efficient and less labor-intensive.
In March 2019, we released the YMR-08, an industrial multirotor drone for agricultural crop dusting. Together with our unmanned helicopters, these products are contributing to labor saving and increased efficiency in Japanese agriculture.

- Agricultural Applications -
Major users include municipalities, National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations, agricultural cooperatives, crop-dusting organizations and individual farmers. Their primary application is spraying agricultural chemicals. Yamaha industrial-use unmanned helicopters used in agriculture make jobs more efficient and thus help to improve productivity and reduce labor.

- Observational and Surveying Applications -
Yamaha Motor provides various solutions and services with its unmanned aircraft. By incorporating a GPS-based remote control system or mounting laser scanners, cameras, winches or other peripheral equipment on the aircraft, we provide services like inspections of high-voltage power lines and transporting the needed maintenance equipment, measuring topography and the like for forestry management, providing aerial observation for security and conducting monitoring or surveys for disaster readiness.

Background of the Business

In the early 1980s, Yamaha Motor was commissioned by a government organization to develop an industrial-use unmanned helicopter that could easily perform agricultural crop-dusting operations. In 1987, the Company practicalized the world’s first industrial-use unmanned helicopter, the R-50, and commenced full-scale marketing of the product in 1989.
Since then, Yamaha has become a leading company in the business. Our industrial-use unmanned helicopters have contributed to the modernization of Japan’s agriculture industry, and their use has expanded to include aerial observation and survey work. In recent years, the Company has been promoting use of the helicopters for overseas agriculture markets.

Production