Rakuten invests in Chiba University spinout Autonomous Control Systems Laboratory, which researches and develops unmanned aerial vehicles.

Autonomous Control Systems Laboratory (ACSL), a Chiba University spinout working on drones, has raised an undisclosed sum from internet company Rakuten.

Rakuten obtained a 20% stake in the company, according to news publication TechCrunch.

ACSL was established in 2013 to research and develop unmanned aerial vehicles with a main focus on the creation of a drone that can operate without a GPS signal. The company is also working on a drone for use in industrial settings.

The investment sets the groundwork for the two organisations to work together on the development, design and use of industrial drones.

The collaboration is set to begin in May 2016, when Rakuten and ACSL will pilot technology at a golf course in Chiba. Users will be able to place an order from the clubhouse for items such as balls or refreshments through a smartphone app and have it delivered by a drone.