Kawasaki's Ninja H2R Powered Unmanned Drone Prototype. Delivery Robot.New Kawasaki K-Racer-X2 VTOL

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The VTOL machine can reportedly carry a payload of 200 kilograms (441 pounds). Delivery robot.

The Kawasaki K-Racer project is a multi-disciplinary effort brought together by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Taking some of the best technological advancements emerging from its various subsidiaries, such as Kawasaki Motors and Kawasaki Robotics, KHI is working to advance its vision of what it calls "Near Future Mobility" in the 2020s.

Kawasaki showcased the proof-of-concept prototype K-Racer X1 for the first time in November 2021. This is Kawasaki's first unmanned vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone powered by a supercharged engine from the Ninja H2R.

Kawasaki says that the purpose of this ship is to carry cargo for logistics purposes. The project also includes a specially crafted delivery robot that rides on the K-RACER with the cargo. Once the cargo is delivered, the delivery robot is there to complete the last mile delivery of the cargo to its final destination.

In early January 2024, Kawasaki tested the second iteration of the K-Racer project. This prototype, called the K-Racer

He demonstrates this ability in the video you can see above and says that this will enable him to carry weights that normal drones cannot carry. So far, Kawasaki claims this is “the largest payload ever flown by Japan-developed drones.” Of course, it's a very specific claim, but it's still impressive.

According to Kawasaki, the idea stems from increasing difficulties in delivery and logistics in Japan's more mountainous regions. People live in the mountains and they need supplies. In Kawasaki's view, viable services, such as those that the Kawasaki K-Racer project could potentially enable, seem like an idea worth pursuing.

Other potential use cases for this technology include hazardous locations or natural disasters. While motorcycles with skilled drivers are often used to deliver supplies and relay messages in emergency situations, an unmanned drone with payload capacity like the K-Racer X2 can be incredibly useful.

The estimated range of the K-Racer X2 is at least 100 kilometers or approximately 62 miles. Kawasaki says its estimated durability is at least one hour. Going forward, the company plans to continue testing and development, as well as working towards the development of a mass production version of this concept.


Source: https://www.rideapart.com/news/706550...