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Utilizing AI for Landmine Clearance in Cambodia

In a collaborative effort to increase the efficiency of landmine clearance in Cambodia, NEC Corporation has teamed up with the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) to develop an innovative AI-driven solution. This initiative aims to identify landmine-infested areas more accurately, significantly aiding in the ongoing fight against the dangers posed by landmines in post-conflict regions.

AI Innovations in Landmine Detection

The partnership, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), recently conducted a successful proof-of-concept that demonstrated the capability to predict landmine-contaminated areas. With an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 90%, this AI technology is expected to streamline the usually labor-intensive process of landmine detection. The initiative was unveiled in Tokyo, with the technology receiving accolades for its significant contribution to demining efforts.

Landmines have remained a ubiquitous issue in many post-conflict countries, particularly in Cambodia, where remnants of civil war continue to jeopardize community safety and hinder economic development. Historically, detecting these hidden dangers required extensive manpower and could take years due to the vast scale of contaminated lands.

The Heart of the Problem

It is estimated that about 100 million people worldwide live in fear of landmines, which are responsible for a death every 90 minutes. In Cambodia, decades of civil unrest during the late 20th century led to extensive landmines being buried across the nation, posing severe challenges for agriculture, housing, and overall recovery. The Cambodian government's commitment, guided by the Ottawa Treaty signed in 1997, is to clear all landmines by 2030. Achieving this goal necessitates innovative technologies like AI to expedite survey operations and reduce the timeline for clearance.

How AI Works in This Context

NEC’s AI system operates by analyzing vast amounts of data, including CMAC’s repositories of previously detected landmine locations, local resident inputs, and geographical information such as river and mountainous terrains. By processing this data, the AI can differentiate between safe and potentially hazardous areas with remarkable precision. This not only saves time but also reduces the need for sprawling human resources traditionally needed for such operations.

The recent testing phase covered approximately 1 million square meters of suspected mine fields, rapidly identifying high-probability areas for landmines, thus enabling subsequent clearance operations to be efficiently directed. Such advancements illustrate a shift from antiquated land surveying methods to more sophisticated technologies that can yield results in days rather than years.

Recognition and Future Directions

This groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed; it was recently awarded the GICHD Innovation Award 2025, presented at a prestigious event in Luxembourg. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to demining technologies, reinforcing NEC’s reputation as a leader in technological innovation for humanitarian purposes.

Going forward, NEC is committed to refining its AI technologies even further. Partnering with CMAC and enhancing collaboration with the Japanese government, the corporation aims to expedite the completion of landmine clearance throughout Cambodia by 2030. Additionally, this AI technology holds promise for application in other countries facing similar challenges with landmines, advocating for a safer and more sustainable future across the globe.

In conclusion, NEC’s innovative approach demonstrates the transformative power of AI in humanitarian efforts, illuminating a brighter path toward recovery and rebuilding in landmine-affected regions like Cambodia. The effectiveness of this technology not only promises to change the landscape of demining but also provides hope for the millions living under the shadow of these hidden threats.