#Japan #Kyoto #Rist #AI Camera #AIMERA

Rist’s New AI Camera Solution for Bear Detection

In an effort to address the increasing problem of bear sightings across Japan, Rist Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, has initiated the development of a cutting-edge AI camera solution. The initiative comes in response to alarming statistics showing over 230 incidents of bear-related injuries reported as of the FY 2023, marking the highest numbers since 2008. The rising number of bear appearances in urban areas and agricultural lands has heightened concerns among local residents, prompting the need for effective measures.

Background of the Development

The Ministry of the Environment has formed a 'Bear Damage Countermeasure Package' to tackle the issue at a national level. However, local authorities are struggling to implement these strategies due to limited personnel and resources. This lack of sufficient data on bear movements leads to ineffective response strategies, resulting in unnecessary deployment of personnel and ongoing anxiety within communities.

As a solution, Rist intends to leverage its proprietary AI camera technology, AIMERA®, equipped with advanced capabilities specifically designed for wildlife monitoring and protective measures. The camera, expected to launch by spring 2026, will integrate visual data analysis with AI capabilities and communication tools.

Features of the Solution

Rist's bear detection solution is designed to enhance local safety by providing municipalities with a comprehensive tool that merges software and hardware capabilities. This includes:

1. Minimizing False Detection

While maintaining high performance, Rist's solution is cost-effective, allowing local governments to monitor large areas within budget constraints effectively. This aids in establishing an effective surveillance system that reliably differentiates between actual bear activity and empty alerts without draining local resources.

2. Night Vision Capabilities

The compact 4K cameras, equipped with infrared sensors, are designed for versatility and can function in low-light environments. Additionally, these cameras can be easily installed by staff without the need for major renovations, making them accessible for various terrains.

3. Privacy Protection for Residents

To safeguard resident privacy, the AI camera system allows for options where images captured do not get sent to the cloud, ensuring that community privacy remains intact while still allowing necessary monitoring to occur.

4. Multi-species Detection

Beyond bears, this advanced detection system will also assist in monitoring other wildlife such as deer, monkeys, and wild boars, which pose significant risks to local agriculture, ensuring broader wildlife management strategies.

The system also includes functionalities allowing municipalities to choose communication options based on their operational needs, with seamless API integration capabilities for existing information management systems.

Expected Outcomes

• - Immediate Incident Response: The system will provide real-time notifications, allowing local residents and authorities to quickly address bear sightings through coordinated alerts and action plans.
• - Data-Driven Long-Term Strategy: Continuous data accumulation regarding bear behaviors and trends will support comprehensive safety strategies and effective wildlife management practices. By analyzing this data, municipalities will be able to create proactive engagement strategies focusing on prevention, control, and sustainability.
• - Reduction of Workforce Strain and Monitoring Costs: By deploying a reliable detection system, the need for manual patrols will diminish, significantly reducing the workload for staff and hunters alike. Depending on operational modes, municipalities can minimize costs associated with communications and cloud usage while enhancing overall monitoring efficacy.
• - Capitalizing on Existing Information Systems: Integrating with municipal data systems, Rist's solution can deliver bear-related information as part of broader public safety infrastructure without necessitating entirely new setups.

Rist's Commitment to Technology Development

Rist's development team includes top-level AI engineers who excel in data analysis and camera production, ensuring that images produced for AI analysis are optimized for minimizing false detection while maintaining cost efficiency. This expertise positions Rist to fulfill the pressing needs of municipal wildlife management efficiently.

Future Projects

By collaborating with local governments for real-world testing, Rist aims to refine its technology based on frontline needs. Furthermore, there are plans to expand this AI camera solution to include traffic management and other community safety services, further reinforcing safe urban infrastructure.

The initial deployment price is set at approximately 98,000 yen, with a monthly maintenance fee of around 10,000 yen.

For more information about AIMERA® and the company, visit Rist's website.

About Rist

Rist Co., Ltd., a part of the Kyocera Group, focuses on AI-driven systems and data analysis solutions to tackle challenges in sectors like manufacturing, life sciences, and social infrastructure. Through consulting and technical support, Rist offers a wide array of tailored solutions aimed at meeting specific client and community needs.