Liberaware and Pasco Join Forces for Advanced Infrastructure Inspection Solutions
Collaboration Between Liberaware and Pasco
On June 10, 2026, Liberaware, based in Chiba City, and Pasco, headquartered in Meguro, Tokyo, entered into a basic agreement to enhance and streamline the inspection of infrastructure, particularly focusing on sewer pipelines. By leveraging shared expertise in spatial information, GIS, image processing, and the use of mini drones, both companies aim to improve the efficiency of inspection methods used to manage aging infrastructure.
Background of the Agreement
Japan's social infrastructure, constructed during the period of rapid economic growth, is in a state of decay, necessitating significant maintenance and renewal efforts. Challenges such as labor shortages in local governments and financial constraints are proving increasingly difficult, prompting a shift away from traditional manual inspection methods. The condition of sewer pipelines, characterized by confined spaces, potential toxic gases, humidity, foul odors, and bacteria, poses particular difficulties for inspection efforts. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has recognized this issue and is advocating for the adoption of new technologies, such as drones and floating cameras, to facilitate 'No Entry inspections'—a method that allows evaluation without physical entry into potentially hazardous spaces.
Key Points of the Agreement
Under this newly signed agreement, both Liberaware and Pasco will work together to develop a data integration framework centered on spatial information and drone technology. This initiative will focus on the following areas:
1. Improvement of No Entry Inspections: They aim to enhance and streamline inspection techniques specifically for confined and closed-off spaces like sewer pipelines.
2. Data Acquisition with IBIS Series Drones: They will utilize mini drones from the IBIS series to obtain and integrate data with GIS for better inspection results.
3. Verification of Maintenance and Management Strategies: They will validate methods for screening, status understanding, and usage of inspection data in maintenance planning.
Role Distribution
The collaborative effort delineates clear responsibilities:
- - Pasco's Contributions:
- Assign location data to the acquired imaging data, map it, and organize submission formats for local governments.
- Clarify and discuss inspection specifications, evaluation standards, and screening methods.
- Offer research and design support for infrastructure areas beyond sewer systems, such as buildings, tunnels, bridges, and plants.
- Facilitate data integration for subsequent processes like diagnostics and repair planning.
- - Liberaware's Contributions:
- Provide piloting skills and operational know-how necessary for inspecting confined spaces.
- Deliver acquired data to Pasco’s GIS and manage preprocessing.
- Develop safety management rules and feasibility studies for flying in non-sewer areas.
- Innovate new drone models and sensors while validating the technical requirements for various operational scenarios.
Future Prospects
Both companies aspire to leverage insights from this collaboration to not only implement but also standardize drone-assisted inspection methods, aiming for an advanced level of infrastructure management. This will contribute to sustainable infrastructure management practices among municipalities, integrating inspection, diagnostics, and planning into a cohesive approach. They also plan to explore applicability prospects across various types of infrastructure, including buildings, tunnels, bridges, plants, and port facilities, tackling confined and enclosed spaces. Ultimately, they are committed to developing an inclusive 'No Entry Inspection Solution' utilizing drone and spatial information technology.
About Pasco Corporation
Pasco focuses on spatial information technology aimed at solving social issues through innovative solutions aimed at both public and private sectors. Their core business involves collecting, analyzing, and providing spatial information using satellites and aircraft.
- - CEO: Shikiko Takahashi
- - Website: Pasco Corporation
About Liberaware
Liberaware operates on the mission of creating a society where everyone can be safe by developing one of the world's smallest drones specialized for indoor inspections. They offer inspection and management solutions based on images collected by these drones.
- - CEO: Hiroki Min
- - Website: Liberaware
Topics Consumer Technology）
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