This text revealed in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japan UAS Industrial Improvement Affiliation.
Japanese know-how corporations 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 harm 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 danger evaluation that the brand new AI-powered system goals to eradicate.
“By integrating Optim’s AI evaluation know-how, we are able to now routinely detect lifeless timber via our administration software program,” the businesses introduced. The system builds on KDS’s present 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 authentic 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 Techniques and DJI’s Phantom 4 Multispectral.
The system offers three key capabilities: automated lifeless tree detection utilizing seen and NDVI imagery, distance measurement with computerized cross-section era, and integration of topographical knowledge from Japan’s Geospatial Data Authority.
Technical Integration
Tools 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 danger ranges utilizing distance measurements, and visualize outcomes on interactive maps.
Each corporations see vital market potential as infrastructure operators search proactive options to forestall weather-related harm. KDS, established in April 2024 as a derivative from Kyushu Electrical Energy, brings intensive expertise in energy infrastructure drone inspections to the partnership.
Extra data, together with the unique press launch (in Japanese), is out there right here.
About Optim Co., Ltd.
Optim focuses on web infrastructure optimization know-how, creating options that make digital providers extra intuitive and accessible. Based in 2000, the corporate transforms complicated web interactions into seamless experiences via proprietary optimization applied sciences. Primarily based in Tokyo, Optim offers 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 images techniques.
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 images (4K/12K manufacturing, 360° seize, stay streaming, 3D modeling), proprietary applied sciences (forest timber quantity AI, lifeless tree detection techniques), and tools gross sales (IBIS2, Skydio sequence, 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.
