NEC and Cambodian Mine Action Center Use AI to Predict Landmine Areas

Leveraging AI for Landmine Clearance in Cambodia

In an inspiring collaboration, NEC Corporation and the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) have successfully harnessed artificial intelligence to predict areas at high risk of landmine contamination in Cambodia. This groundbreaking initiative, recognized by the prestigious GICHD Innovation Award 2025, demonstrates the potential of advanced technology to address critical humanitarian issues.

The integration of AI technology forms part of a broader effort to tackle the persistent problem of landmines that plague Cambodia, a country still recovering from the civil war of the 1970s to 1990s. Despite ongoing clearance operations, landmines remain a severe threat, endangering lives and hindering development. It is said that a landmine casualty occurs globally every 90 minutes, impacting an estimated 100 million individuals worldwide.

NEC's innovative proof-of-concept primarily focused on an extensive 1 million square meter area known for its landmine presence. By analyzing historical data on landmine locations provided by CMAC, as well as environmental factors such as river and mountainous terrains, the AI system achieved an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 90% when matched against actual landmine sites. This represents a significant improvement over traditional survey methods, which often rely on outdated and unorganized data, requiring extensive manpower and time.

The implications of this technology are profound. The Cambodian government has set a target to completely clear landmines by 2030, in line with the Ottawa Treaty. By employing AI technologies, the hope is to expedite the clearance process, making it safer and more efficient. The successful prediction model developed by NEC can potentially revolutionize how mine-clearing operations are conducted, minimizing risks to personnel and maximizing operational effectiveness.

The positive reception of this AI-driven solution reached a global audience when it was honored at the GICHD award ceremony, underscoring the commitment to innovation in humanitarian demining efforts. The recognition invites further exploration into how technology can contribute to faster and more reliable clearance processes.

Looking ahead, NEC aims to enhance the accuracy of its AI systems further while expanding its applications to additional landmine-affected regions. By collaborating not only with CMAC but also with the Japanese government and other international partners, NEC is focused on making strides towards achieving a landmine-free Cambodia. The hope is that such technology could be deployed in other impacted countries, fostering a global response to the landmine crisis.

As the project progresses, the global community remains watchful and supportive of these technological advancements, emphasizing the importance of reducing landmine threats for sustainable community development and humanitarian relief. Together, through science and collaborative efforts, there is hope for a safer future in formerly war-torn regions, allowing displaced populations to reclaim their land and rebuild their lives without the lurking threat of landmines.

For more information on NEC Corporation and their ongoing projects, visit NEC’s Official Website.