UTM System Pilot Launched at Expo 2025 Osaka

Intent Exchange, NEC, and NTT DATA have announced the pilot deployment of a Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) system at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The system aims to provide unified monitoring of drone and advanced air mobility operations within and around the Expo site, announced in a press release.

The pilot operation, running from August 16 to October 13, 2025, will validate the system's usability from an operator's perspective and define functional requirements for future UTM implementations. The initiative is part of the Realization of Advanced Air Mobility Project (ReAMo Project), which is promoted by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

Key features of the pilot deployment include geofence and geocage settings, real-time drone positioning via Remote ID, and the detection of geofence incursions and geocage deviations. These functions are designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of drone operations at the Expo site.

The findings from this pilot will contribute to the development of service requirements for UTM Service Providers (USPs) and inform discussions with Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau on the certified USP framework. This pilot corresponds to Step 2 functionality in Japan's policy on institutional development for UTM, focusing on monitoring drone positions and ensuring compliance with flight plans.