#Japan #Drone Technology #Chiba #Liberaware #Chiba City

Liberaware Partners with Chiba City for Drone Integration

In a notable step towards leveraging drone technology for societal benefit, Liberaware, a company based in Chiba, has entered into a comprehensive partnership agreement with Chiba City. This collaboration aims to create a thriving environment where both businesses and citizens can grow together by utilizing their respective resources effectively.

Purpose of the Agreement

The agreement establishes a framework for the social implementation of drone technology starting from Chiba City. It focuses on promoting the introduction of drones, enhancing technical capabilities for public infrastructure, disaster response, and ultimately creating a sustainable regional collaboration model, while generating new value. By joining forces with various stakeholders, they aim to bolster risks management and foster disaster-resilient urban development. Moreover, this initiative will serve as a proving ground for future technologies, thus contributing to the economic advancement of the region and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

Background and Previous Initiatives

Liberaware operates with the mission to create a safer society for everyone. They specialize in developing some of the smallest drones globally and offer solutions for infrastructure inspection and maintenance through data analysis. On the other hand, Chiba City is committed to promoting a resilient urban development model that intertwines urban life with nature, focusing on addressing disaster risks and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.

The two entities have previously collaborated on several initiatives, including participation in the 3rd Drone Summit scheduled for 2024, conducting drone operation training sessions for city employees, and utilizing a trial order system for disaster response training.

Areas of Collaboration and Key Activities

1. Infrastructure Inspection Promotion

Chiba City will utilize its sewer facilities as a research and development field for drone technology. They aim to achieve no-entry inspections of sewer lines, ensuring that personnel do not need to physically enter confined spaces. In times of emergencies such as earthquakes or incidents, a system will be established for quick deployment of personnel and drones to assist in on-site response.

2. Collaboration During Disasters

In cooperation with the Chiba City Fire Department, the partnership will conduct drone trials targeting scenarios involving toxic gas leaks and investigations of collapsed buildings. Feedback from these training exercises will be used to inform product development cycles. Furthermore, a rapid response system will be set up to support on-site efforts during disasters as requested by the city.

3. Economic Development and Promotion

Liberaware will participate in the Chiba City Acceleration Program (C-CAP), providing lectures and follow-up assistance to local startup companies. They will also take part in the Chiba City Startup Ecosystem. Additionally, the city will support events organized by Liberaware, and they plan to host joint exchanges for local businesses to boost regional economic vitality.

4. Education and Experience

To inspire the next generation, Liberaware will hold drone workshops and career experience events for middle and high school students in Chiba City. They will implement vocational talks and company visits in schools and offer hands-on drone experience to ignite interest in future careers and encourage social acceptance of drone technology.

Specific Projects for Fiscal Year 2026

In accordance with the partnership, this fiscal year will prioritize the following initiatives:

• - Infrastructure Inspection: Implementing a joint project selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for innovative technology demonstration using Chiba City as a project field.
• - Education: Conducting drone workshops at local schools, including Katsuragi Junior High School, Inage International Junior High School, Chiba Technical High School, and Keiyo Technical High School.

As they continue to work toward their mission of creating a safer society, Liberaware emphasizes the importance of a robust partnership with Chiba City in building a secure and reliable community for all.

About Liberaware Inc.

Liberaware is dedicated to the mission of building a safer society for everyone. They specialize in developing some of the world’s smallest drones that focus on inspections and measurements in confined, hazardous indoor environments. They utilize unique drone technology for infrastructure inspection and maintenance solutions while providing analyzed image data to clients. The company strives to visualize unseen risks and create a safer world for all.

Company Name: Liberaware Inc.
CEO: Min Hongkyu
Location: Chiba, Chiba City, Chuo-ku, Chuo 3-3-1
Established: August 22, 2016
Business Areas:

• - Drone Services: Inspection, surveying services using drones, along with sales and rental of self-developed drones.
• - Digital Twin Services: Image processing of data obtained via drones and data analysis services, including licensing of proprietary image processing technology.
• - Solution Development: Providing a wide range of contracted development services, from hardware to software.

Website: Liberaware
Twitter Account: Liberaware Twitter