Glocal Economy November 2025 Vol.143
Taiwan’s Cutting-Edge Companies
◆ Frontline ◆
Joint Project with the Optoelectronics Industry Association
Launch of fully autonomous drones
TCO TEK eyes entry into Japanese agricultural market
TCO TEK (Taiwan Color Light Technology, Taichung City) has developed a fully autonomous drone that utilizes AI (artificial intelligence) and the high-performance LiDAR sensor, and has begun offering solutions. Applying sensor technology developed for self-driving cars, the drone flies automatically along a pre-set route and completes its mission without direct pilot control. The drone itself was also developed with a focus on being “Made in Taiwan.”
LiDAR is a technology that uses lasers to measure the distance and shape of an object with high precision, allowing it to obtain a highly accurate 3D model of the object with a simple operation similar to shooting a video.
The company develops “AI LiDAR technology” that combines AI and has a proven track record in applications such as self-driving cars, drones, smart factories, and railways. This time, the company has applied this technology to drones.
While ordinary drones operate under human control, the company’s drones use AI and LiDAR to detect and assess the surrounding environment in real time and fly independently to avoid obstacles. “We are realizing an ‘autonomous drone’ that can detect its surroundings and fly freely without human operation,” explains CEO Dr. YP Chang.
The drone itself is made in Taiwan (sometimes in combination with American-made components), including the AI chip, and is designed to eliminate security risks.
Currently, the model has a maximum payload capacity of 150 kg. Currently, the company offers a wide range of products, not limited to military applications, to provide solutions for various applications.
Large -volume spraying
The company also hopes to enter the Japanese market, focusing on the agricultural sector.
It has already developed the EJ8-70 for agriculture, designed as a multi-purpose agricultural drone that combines high efficiency with smart technology.
Equipped with a 72-volume spraying system and an optional 80-volume solid spraying module, it can flexibly switch between operating modes to suit various agricultural needs, and is expected to contribute to improving agricultural productivity in Japan.
TCO_Japan Kanagawa Shimbun News
Kanagawa Economic Newspaper [Bizlog]
KANAKEI Biz Log
Read all the business information in the prefecture at once!
2025
Vol. 143
November Issue
(Published by)
KANAKEI
Kanagawa Economic Newspaper
1F Sagamihara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Main Building , 3-12-3 Chuo, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara City, 252-0239
(Produced by)
Kanagawa Shimbun