Toyota is in discussions to develop small unmanned aerial vehicle systems that can assist off-road vehicles in outdoor driving.

[PCauto] A recent document submitted by Toyota to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reveals that Toyota is exploring the development of a small unmanned aerial system designed to enable vehicles to navigate complex off-road conditions, including unpaved roads and narrow mountain trails.

The drone system primarily enhances the driver's awareness of hazardous environments

According to Toyota's explanation to the FAA, when a vehicle encounters scenarios unsuitable for the driver to step out, such as steep slopes, narrow ravines, or areas with obstructed views due to vegetation, the drone provides drivers with a real-time video feed of the vehicle's surroundings and undercarriage. It can identify potential hazards like obstacles, soft ground, or waterlogged areas, assisting in planning a safer route and thereby enhancing the vehicle's handling reliability in these scenarios.

"By providing drivers with a view of the local environment, including potential hazards around and beneath the vehicle, this allows them to better plan their route and optimize vehicle operation," Toyota stated in the document.

In Toyota's scheme, the drone will by default maintain close proximity to the vehicle. When necessary, however, it can fly over obstacles like tree canopies to film the terrain, thereby aiding the driver in positioning and understanding the surrounding landscape.

Currently, the system is still in the early stages of development, and whether it will be mass-produced or when it will be implemented has not been finalized.

The US Department of Transportation Begins to Relax Drone Regulations

Toyota's exploration aligns with the recent drone regulatory reforms from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT).

In August 2025, USDOT proposed new rules aimed at simplifying the approval process for drone applications "beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)."  This adjustment is regarded as a crucial step toward implementing commercial applications such as package delivery and agricultural monitoring.

In its commentary regarding this policy, Toyota first publicly referenced its drone program, showcasing it as a case study of "technology aligning with regulatory developments."

Similar Technology to Toyota’s Drones Has Already Been Mass-Produced by BYD

In reality, BYD has taken a more significant lead in the field of onboard drones. In March, BYD launched a landmark intelligent drone system developed in partnership with DJI, positioning itself as the first global automaker to commence mass production of integrated vehicle-mounted drones.

The system's drone supports dynamic takeoff and landing at speeds of 25 km/h, has a maximum follow-me speed of 54 km/h, and features dual ground-to-air perspectives for shooting with a 4K camera on the car roof and the drone.

BYD's strategy prioritizes seamless integration into its existing vehicle ecosystem, concentrating on use cases like aerial filming, off-road detection, and emergency rescue operations.

Conversely, Toyota's development centers on fulfilling "critical safety requirements," primarily by tackling the primary visibility challenges encountered in off-road environments.

Off-road vehicle-mounted drones may become as common as GPS in the future

From a longer-term perspective, Toyota's move reflects a transition for traditional manufacturers: they are no longer limiting themselves to "building better cars" but expanding the "boundaries of vehicle use scenarios" through the integration of emerging technologies.

Just like the introduction of GPS navigation and adaptive cruise control back in the day, vehicle-mounted drones might become standard equipment for future off-road models. When vehicles enter areas without signals or roads, drones can act as the driver's eyes.

As countries worldwide progressively establish airspace management frameworks for drones, initiatives like Toyota's are poised to accelerate their transition from concept to reality. In the not-too-distant future, when you witness a Toyota off-roader easing its way into a secluded mountain trail, a compact drone quietly emerging from its roof may have already become an indispensable companion—ensuring a safer journey through the wilderness ahead.