Children tackle future flight technology with 3D printers! The top glider in the "Gliding Drift Challenge" has been chosen.
株式会社Mirai Pocket
On Friday, May 16, 2025, the "Gliding Drift Challenge" — a 3D printer-based competition organized by Mirai Lab (managed by Mirai Pocket Inc.) — concluded successfully.
This event, where children’s creativity and hands-on skills came together, highlighted the great potential of creative technology education.
Results of the Gliding Drift Challenge
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CONTEST OUTLINE
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In the "Gliding Drift Challenge," participants designed an original glider using 3D CAD, printed the parts with a 3D printer, assembled the glider, and launched it from a slope.
The contest was judged based on three criteria:
- Distance
- Stability (minimal deviation)
- Design ingenuity
The rules specified that the aircraft must be within 20 cm in length and wingspan, and could only be launched by sliding from a ramp.
The best result out of up to three attempts was taken as the final record.
Gliding Drift Challenge Production Process
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WINNERS
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1st Prize: K
Distance: 27 cm Deviation: 1 cm Ingenuity: 10 points
→ The well-balanced design and high flight precision earned the top prize!
2nd Prize: N
Distance: 31 cm Deviation: 21 cm Ingenuity: 13 points
→ The exceptional flight distance and ambitious design were highly praised!
3rd Prize: M
Distance: 10 cm Deviation: 5 cm Ingenuity: 17 points
→ Praised for outstanding creativity — the unique design stood out!
Gliding Drift Challenge Winners
All participants received a participation prize, while top winners were awarded special prizes.
The award ceremony was filled with excitement and warm applause.
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MESSAGE FROM MIRAI LAB
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“How can I fly farther? How can I fly straighter and more steadily?”
By experimenting, thinking, and creating with their own hands, children nurtured their curiosity and inventiveness through this challenge.
Mirai Lab will continue to hold events that let children experience the joy of trial and error.
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ABOUT MIRAI LAB
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Mirai Lab is a project-based learning (PBL) creative experience studio.
Children plan and work toward achieving their own goals.
Topics range from school projects to creating works with 3D printers and even researching environmental issues.
The sense of accomplishment gained by completing a project boosts self-esteem and motivation — valuable qualities for the future.
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SCHOOL HOURS
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Weekdays: 15:00–18:00
(Closed on Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
*Students are free to use the classroom during open hours — it's also an alternative to after-school childcare.
*All works created in the classroom are shared online with guardians, so daily growth can be visualized.
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ACCESS
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- 2-minute walk from Okamoto Station (Hankyu Kobe Main Line)
- 7-minute walk from Settsu-Motoyama Station (JR Kobe Line)
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COMPANY PROFILE
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- Operating company: Mirai Pocket Inc.
- Address: 4-12, Okamoto 5-chome, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0072, Japan
- Representative: Haruki Okada
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- Category：
- Events
- Genres：
- Technology Education Other Lifestyles