SORA-MICHI: concept truck with helicopter capabilities will be able to deliver goods to hard-to-reach villages and disaster sites (video)

At the Japan Mobility Show 2023, Japanese company Prodrone presented the SORA-MICHI flying light truck concept, which can carry cargo over a distance of 50 km and is aimed at solving regional transport problems and delivering aid during disasters. It is faster and more efficient than land transport due to the use of propellers, which allows it to quickly cross rivers or climb mountains. The helicopter part of the vehicle is made using a single-rotor design with a steering propeller. After landing, the vehicle drives the last mile on the ground as an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle). The fuel consumption declared by the developers will range from 2-3 litres without cargo to 10-15 litres with a load of 50 kilograms during a 50-kilometre flight.

The concept was developed as part of an innovation project with Aichi Prefecture - the Aichi Mobility Innovation Project. This project aims to create and support public-private partnerships to solve social problems (speeding up delivery to hard-to-reach villages, such as in the mountains) and revive the region (after disasters and natural disasters). The main idea of the project is to combine "sky and roads", which symbolises the integration of aviation and automotive technologies to ensure maximum efficiency of transport solutions. Prodrone wants SORA-MICHI to be part of the disaster response strategy, ensuring fast and efficient delivery of aid.

Who is PRODRONE?

PRODRONE is a Japanese drone manufacturer that aims to change the world with high quality and reliable drones designed to military standards. The main declared goal of the company is to create drones that can serve in society, protecting countries and providing logistics.

Source: robotstart.info