NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories develops "flying robo-camera" and "IP line relay drone" that "won't cut out even during disasters"

NHK’s Science & Technology Research Laboratories unveiled two disaster-response drones designed for reliable aerial imaging and communications.

The “Flying Robocam” can switch radio links for long-distance, high-quality video transmission to receiving stations.

The “IP relay drone” handles video uplink and flight control entirely over private wireless networks, and can also serve as a temporary IP relay.

Both systems are aimed at situations where mobile networks are unavailable or congested, such as disasters and emergencies, and will be shown at NHK Technology Exhibition 2026.