Toyota Motor has filed a request to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last 7 October to allow them to explore a small drone system to help off-road drivers. The Japanese automaker aims to give its vehicles an aerial "co-pilot" to scout trails and unpaved roads.
The filing marks a new direction for automakers. Drones could become more than delivery tools. They might also be essential for navigating difficult terrain.
The concept envisions drones flying ahead of vehicles to provide drivers with real-time views of the terrain.
According to the company, the system would improve situational awareness in areas where it is unsafe to leave the vehicle. Most flights would stay close to the vehicle, but drones could also fly above the treeline to capture videos of the surroundings.
Toyota’s drone proposal highlights a shift in how the automotive industry sees unmanned aerial systems.
The automaker has already invested heavily in Joby Aviation’s electric air taxis, but this off-road concept targets a very different problem: improving safety and awareness for traditional vehicles.
As drone technology becomes cheaper and regulations evolve, automakers explore aerial systems to solve challenges ground vehicles cannot handle.
In off-road environments, stepping out to scout ahead can be risky. A drone can give drivers a bird’s-eye view of potential hazards without putting anyone in danger.
According to the FAA filing, the company’s drone system would focus on giving drivers clear views of the local environment.
"By providing the driver with views of the local environment, including potential hazards around and underneath the vehicle, drivers can plan safer routes and improve vehicle operations," the company said.
The drones would operate mainly near the vehicle, with occasional flights above the treeline to help drivers orient themselves or assess terrain.
The system could be useful for overlanders, search-and-rescue teams, or military operations where knowing the terrain in advance is critical. In essence, it would give off-road vehicles their own reconnaissance capability.
Toyota’s filing comes as U.S. drone regulations are undergoing major updates. In August 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy introduced new rules for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations to expand commercial drone use.
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