A consortium comprising NEXT DELIVERY, Aeronext, and Daiwa House Industry has been selected by the Tokyo Digital Service Bureau for an urban drone logistics initiative in the waterfront area. The project will focus on introducing drone delivery as shared infrastructure for tower condominiums in the Toyosu, Harumi, and Kiba districts. It is designed to advance Level 3.5 flight demonstrations with a clear pathway toward Level 4 operations beyond visual line of sight.
Urban Logistics Pressures
Population decline, low birthrates, and driver shortages are intensifying pressure on urban delivery networks across Japan. The 2024 logistics problem, parcel redelivery rates of 9.5%, and an expected transport capacity shortfall of up to 25% by 2030 all contribute to operational strain. In tower condominiums, staff spend roughly 225 minutes per day on in-building delivery work, including about 120 minutes waiting for elevators and moving within buildings.
Project Scope and Timeline
The selected project will run from the adoption date through March 31, 2028, covering fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2027. The first fiscal year will concentrate on building flight and operational foundations through digital twin route verification, regulatory coordination, initial confirmation flights, and Level 3.5 demonstrations. The second fiscal year will shift to service and business validation using actual orders and parcels for routine delivery trials.
Consortium Responsibilities
NEXT DELIVERY serves as the implementation lead with responsibility for project management, route design, service planning, and operational safety management. Aeronext provides drone airframes, operational systems, digital twin technology, and aircraft requirement planning, while Daiwa House Industry oversees takeoff and landing areas, resident coordination, and property management engagement. This division of roles combines logistics operations, aerospace technology, and residential development expertise.
Proven Delivery Capabilities
The consortium brings substantial urban drone delivery experience to the Tokyo initiative. Aeronext and NEXT DELIVERY have completed more than 4,500 domestic flights, including over 1,800 at Level 3.5, and operate regular blood deliveries in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with more than 800 completed flights. In November 2025, they achieved Japan's first densely inhabited district Level 3.5 regular delivery demonstration in Wakayama City.
Expected Community Value
Residents will benefit from contactless package receipt that improves privacy, security, and convenience while reducing the burden of shopping and parcel pickup. For developers and property managers, the service adds competitive value without increasing internal delivery workloads. Retail partners can extend their reach into waterfront areas where ground transport is limited, and the infrastructure can support emergency deliveries during disasters.
Tokyo Support and Future Expansion
The Tokyo Digital Service Bureau is providing financial support at a 1/1 subsidy rate, with up to 30 million yen in fiscal 2026 and up to 50 million yen in fiscal 2027. The metropolitan government will also support administrative coordination and provide flight route data developed through digital twin technology. The partners intend to use this foundation to build a standardized model for residential drone services and to advance toward Level 4 and multi-aircraft operations.
This project marks a concrete step toward integrating drone logistics into everyday residential life in central Tokyo. By linking proven flight technology with property-level infrastructure, the consortium aims to create a repeatable service model that can expand across other urban districts and regions. Success in Toyosu, Harumi, and Kiba could establish a new benchmark for convenience, resilience, and residential value.