日本語 
Sumitomo Corporation and NTT e-Drone Technology have entered a marketing collaboration to accelerate the adoption of domestically produced agricultural drones. The partnership kicked off in February 2026 and is aimed squarely at strengthening Japan’s agricultural drone ecosystem using local technology.
The move follows a broader restructuring of Nileworks, a company Sumitomo has backed since 2017 as part of its smart agriculture push. As technical hurdles and market realities became clearer, Nileworks’ shareholders decided that progress would be faster through industry consolidation rather than going it alone. In June 2025, agricultural drone development resources were transferred to NTT e-Drone Technology, with Nileworks later dissolved in November. The organization now has an organized framework that emphasizes three areas: development and competitiveness and organizational growth.
The partnership between Sumitomo and NTT e-Drone begins with Sumitomo providing its entire sales network which operates in both domestic and international markets while NTT e-Drone supplies its expertise in product development and manufacturing and operational functions. Their partnership aims to develop agricultural drones and their associated services, while creating training programs and maintenance support systems which will help farmers adopt the technology.
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The situation requires immediate action. Japanese farmers face three major problems which include a shortage of workers and an increasingly elderly workforce and an overdependence on foreign drone manufacturers. Domestic drones hold essential value because they enhance operational efficiency and ensure consistent supply and protection and food security. The partnership conducts international market research to explore potential expansion into foreign markets which includes Vietnam.
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