This text revealed in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japan UAS Industrial Growth Affiliation.
Japanese expertise firms Optim and Kyuden Drone Service (KDS) have developed a brand new “Useless Tree Detection AI Service” that mixes synthetic intelligence with drone-mounted multispectral cameras to determine dying bushes earlier than they pose security dangers to important 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 vital 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 expertise, we are able to now mechanically detect lifeless bushes by 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 expertise 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 computerized cross-section technology, and integration of topographical information from Japan’s Geospatial Info Authority.
Technical Integration
Tools utilized in testing included MicaSense’s Altum-PT multispectral digicam 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 vital market potential as infrastructure operators search proactive options to stop weather-related injury. KDS, established in April 2024 as a by-product from Kyushu Electrical Energy, brings intensive expertise in energy infrastructure drone inspections to the partnership.
Extra info, together with the unique press launch (in Japanese), is obtainable right here.
About Optim Co., Ltd.
Optim focuses on web infrastructure optimization expertise, growing options that make digital providers extra intuitive and accessible. Based in 2000, the corporate transforms advanced web interactions into seamless experiences by proprietary optimization applied sciences. Based mostly in Tokyo, Optim supplies software program licensing, IoT platform providers, distant administration options, and technical help. The corporate’s infrastructure inspection portfolio contains OPTiM AI Inspection for Infra (AI-powered picture evaluation), Civil ReSnap (close-range visible inspection help), and electric-assist tunnel pictures methods.
About Kyuden Drone Service Co., Ltd.
Kyuden Drone Service, established in April 2024 as a subsidiary of Kyushu Electrical Energy Co., leverages intensive expertise in energy infrastructure drone inspections to serve regional communities nationwide. The Fukuoka-based firm operates complete drone providers together with inspection options (confined house, automated patrol, underwater, bridge/tower, thermal imaging), surveying providers (LiDAR, photogrammetry, software program improvement), aerial pictures (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 expertise and life-style content material at Dronelife. He’s primarily based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys climbing and Boston space sports activities.
