~ Promoting Education to Foster the Future with Drone Technology ~
Red Cliff Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director＆CEO: Komei Sasaki; hereinafter “Red Cliff”), a company specializing in the planning and operation of drone shows, conducted drone-based programming classes in August 2024 at Tokyo Metropolitan College of Industrial Technology (Shinagawa, Tokyo; hereinafter “Sangikosen”) to foster talent for future industries.
This initiative was carried out as part of the Tokyo Smart Service Implementation Promotion Project “Be Smart Tokyo”, with the support of Digital Garage Inc. (TSE Prime: 4819; Headquarters: Shibuya, Tokyo; Representative Director, President, and Group CEO: Kaoru Hayashi; hereinafter “Digital Garage”), a smart service implementation facilitator. Furthermore, in November of the same year, Red Cliff donated the Hula-JP, an educational programming drone used in the classes, to Sangikosen. In the spring of 2025, additional control exercises utilizing drones are planned.
Be Smart Tokyo Project and Red Cliff’s Initiative
”Be Smart Tokyo” is a Tokyo Metropolitan Government project aimed at making Tokyo “smarter and more enjoyable” by leveraging digital technologies to create a more convenient and comfortable city, Smart Tokyo. The project encourages startups and other highly agile and innovative organizations to collaborate with local communities to rapidly introduce new services that enhance the quality of life (QOL) for Tokyo residents.
Red Cliff, aligning with this initiative, aims to provide opportunities for students to learn essential digital skills in an engaging way using educational programming drones. With support from Digital Garage, the company is dedicated to fostering the next generation of talent who will play a crucial role in the digital society of the future.
Overview and Objectives of the Drone-Based Programming Classes
During the classes held in August 2024, students learned about the basic structure and control mechanisms of drones and challenged themselves by creating programs utilizing sensors. Using Scratch-based block programming, they wrote their own code and experienced flying drones firsthand, allowing them to grasp fundamental programming concepts through practical application.
According to the participant survey results, the program received a high rating, averaging 4.89 out of 5. Participants shared feedback such as, “The lecture progressed at a good pace, was easy to understand, and provided just the right amount of support,” and “I was able to understand programming, which I struggled with last year, and felt a sense of growth.”
Expanding Learning Opportunities with the Educational Programming Drone “Hula-JP”
The “Hula-JP” is a model specifically designed for programming education, allowing students to learn a wide range of skills from basic to advanced applications.
Features of the Educational Programming Drone “Hula-JP”
- Designed for Easy Learning
- Enables students to learn fundamental algorithms such as conditional branching and loops in an engaging way
- Supports Scratch-based block programming as well as programming languages like Python for advanced control
- Equipped with Multi-Functional Sensors
- Features an accelerometer and distance sensor, allowing for more hands-on project applications
- Supports Formation Flight
- Capable of flying in formations of up to 30 drones, making it suitable for show-style learning experiences
- Gimbal Camera Operable via App
- Allows users to adjust the camera angle via an app and capture photos and videos
- Exempt from Aviation Regulations
- Weighing under 100g, the drone is not subject to aviation laws governing unmanned aerial vehicles, allowing for hassle-free operation
Classroom Achievements and Future Prospects
Moving forward, a drone control training course will be introduced in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department at Tokyo Metropolitan College of Industrial Technology.
Professor Ishizaki, who leads the initiative, commented:
“By utilizing drones, students will not only learn operational skills but also gain practical experience in control theory, measurement devices, and other essential engineering concepts.”
Red Cliff will continue to promote the use of drone technology in education, creating innovative learning environments and contributing to the development of next-generation talent through industry-academia-government collaboration.
About Digital Garage
Business Overview:
Digital Garage operates with the purpose of “designing new contexts for a sustainable society and implementing them through technology.” As one of Japan’s largest payment service providers, the company plays a key role in social infrastructure by offering a diverse comprehensive payment platform.
Additionally, Digital Garage provides one-stop solutions in both digital and physical domains through its marketing business, while also investing in and fostering promising startups and cutting-edge technologies in Japan and abroad.