Aeronext Forms Business Partnership with SoftBank to Build a Phase-Free Drone Logistics Platform

Aeronext Inc. (Head Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and Group CEO: Keisuke Toji; hereinafter “Aeronext”) has entered into a business partnership with SoftBank Corp. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Junichi Miyakawa; hereinafter “SoftBank”) on July 14, 2025, to jointly develop a phase-free drone logistics platform.

Through this partnership, the two companies will focus on the joint development of a drone operation management system that enables AI-powered simultaneous remote autonomous operation.

＜Overview of the Business Alliance＞

1. Date of Agreement

July 14, 2025

2. Background

The logistics industry is facing serious challenges such as labor shortages and last-mile delivery issues. At the same time, demand is growing for drone-based logistics, particularly for emergency supply transport during disasters.

Since 2021, Aeronext has been promoting a new smart logistics infrastructure called SkyHub®, which addresses regional issues in multiple areas across Japan. In January 2024, in response to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, Aeronext’s subsidiary NEXT DELIVERY deployed drones to deliver medical supplies to isolated disaster-affected areas.

Based on the lessons learned, Aeronext proposed the SkyHub® Emergency Package, a disaster logistics solution designed to be “phase-free”—a system that functions seamlessly during both normal times and emergencies. This initiative is being planned in collaboration with several local governments. It aims to provide convenience and sustainability in everyday logistics while serving as a life-saving platform in times of disaster.

This partnership was formed to address these social issues by combining the technologies and expertise of both companies, especially the know-how developed through the SkyHub® Emergency Package.

3. Roles of Each Company

（１）SoftBank

・Provide telecommunications infrastructure, Contribute AI-based autonomous navigation technology, and share expertise in platform development

（２）Aeronext

・Provide drone development capabilities and contribute knowledge in drone logistics and operational management

Together, the two companies aim to accelerate the practical implementation of the phase-free drone logistics platform. This will contribute to solving social issues such as improving logistics efficiency, addressing last-mile delivery challenges, and enabling reliable delivery of supplies during disasters.

Reference

*1. New Smart Logistics

A system that leverages digital technology to improve the efficiency of regional logistics and solve local challenges.

*2. SkyHub^®

A logistics framework that integrates conventional logistics with drone delivery, operating both ground and air transport infrastructure as a unified system.

*3. SkyHub^® Emergency Package

A disaster logistics solution featuring a phase-free model that incorporates drones and supports regional logistics during emergencies, linked with the new smart logistics platform.

*Aeronext, the Aeronext logo, and NEXT DELIVERY, as well as “4D GRAVITY®︎” “SkyHub®“ are trademarks of Aeronext Inc.

*Other company names and product/service names mentioned in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.