This text printed in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japan UAS Industrial Growth Affiliation.
Japanese know-how firms Optim and Kyuden Drone Service (KDS) have developed a brand new “Lifeless Tree Detection AI Service” that mixes synthetic intelligence with drone-mounted multispectral cameras to determine dying timber earlier than they pose security dangers to vital infrastructure.
Addressing Rising Environmental Dangers
The service responds to growing considerations about tree-fall injury brought on by extreme climate occasions together with typhoons and heavy rains. Conventional handbook surveys of huge areas require important time and labor, creating gaps in threat evaluation that the brand new AI-powered system goals to get rid of.
“By integrating Optim’s AI evaluation know-how, we are able to now robotically detect lifeless timber by way of our administration software program,” the businesses introduced. The system builds on KDS’s current multispectral imaging capabilities by including automated detection and visualization options.
Discipline Testing with JR West Japan
West Japan Railway Firm (JR West) has been testing the know-how since 2022, initially with QDS’s unique service and now with the improved AI model. Discipline verification performed in June 2025 alongside railway corridors used a number of drone platforms together with the Trinity Professional vertical takeoff fixed-wing drone from Quantum Methods and DJI’s Phantom 4 Multispectral.
The system supplies three key capabilities: automated lifeless tree detection utilizing seen and NDVI imagery, distance measurement with automated cross-section technology, and integration of topographical information from Japan’s Geospatial Info Authority.
Technical Integration
Gear utilized in testing included MicaSense’s Altum-PT multispectral digital camera and Optim’s “AI Inspection for Infra” evaluation platform. The system can assess tree well being, calculate threat ranges utilizing distance measurements, and visualize outcomes on interactive maps.
Each firms see important market potential as infrastructure operators search proactive options to stop weather-related injury. KDS, established in April 2024 as a derivative from Kyushu Electrical Energy, brings in depth expertise in energy infrastructure drone inspections to the partnership.
Extra data, together with the unique press launch (in Japanese), is offered right here.
About Optim Co., Ltd.
Optim focuses on web infrastructure optimization know-how, creating options that make digital companies extra intuitive and accessible. Based in 2000, the corporate transforms advanced web interactions into seamless experiences by way of proprietary optimization applied sciences. Primarily based in Tokyo, Optim supplies software program licensing, IoT platform companies, distant administration options, and technical assist. The corporate’s infrastructure inspection portfolio consists of OPTiM AI Inspection for Infra (AI-powered picture evaluation), Civil ReSnap (close-range visible inspection assist), and electric-assist tunnel images methods.
About Kyuden Drone Service Co., Ltd.
Kyuden Drone Service, established in April 2024 as a subsidiary of Kyushu Electrical Energy Co., leverages in depth expertise in energy infrastructure drone inspections to serve regional communities nationwide. The Fukuoka-based firm operates complete drone companies together with inspection options (confined area, automated patrol, underwater, bridge/tower, thermal imaging), surveying companies (LiDAR, photogrammetry, software program growth), aerial images (4K/12K manufacturing, 360° seize, dwell streaming, 3D modeling), proprietary applied sciences (forest timber quantity AI, lifeless tree detection methods), and gear gross sales (IBIS2, Skydio collection, ELIOS3 platforms).
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Ian McNabb is a journalist specializing in drone know-how and life-style content material at Dronelife. He’s based mostly between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys mountaineering and Boston space sports activities.
