#Japan #Liberaware #IBIS2 #Nagasaki #QDS

A Landmark Moment: IBIS2 Drone Demonstrations in Nagasaki

On October 16, 2025, a historic demonstration flight of the IBIS2 drone was conducted within the sewer pipes of Nagasaki, marking the first of its kind in Nagasaki Prefecture. This collaborative effort involved Liberaware, based in Chiba, and Kyuden Drone Services (QDS) from Fukuoka. The event was supported by the Nagasaki City Water and Sewer Bureau and the Japan Sewer Pipeline Management Association (Kyushu Branch).

Approximately 30 participants, including representatives from the city’s water and sewer bureau, attended the live demonstration. The primary aim was to validate the effectiveness and safety of using the IBIS2 drone for inspection processes in confined spaces.

Introducing the IBIS2 Drone

The IBIS2 drone is renowned for being one of the world’s smallest drones specifically designed for inspecting and measuring indoor environments that are "narrow, dark, and hazardous." Its design significantly enhances usability and versatility for inspections in challenging environments. The drone is capable of flying in harsher conditions, ensuring stable operations in confined spaces, and capturing high-definition inspection footage.

Specifications of IBIS2:

• - Dimensions: 194mm × 198.5mm × 58mm
• - Weight: 243g (including battery)
• - Manufacturer: Japan

For more detailed information about the product, visit the Liberaware product page.

Objectives and Achievements

The demonstration aimed to verify the drone's effectiveness, safety, and capability for inspection without requiring physical entry into the sewage pipes. Successful operation was achieved as the team conducted filming and assessment within the pipes, which are located over 13 meters deep and feature multiple intermediate slabs. By strategically placing the designated IBIS2 launch and communication devices within the facility, the team ensured safe drone operations throughout the inspection.


(For waterproofing, the drone is stored in a protective plastic bag)

Using video data captured from the IBIS2, the team was also able to develop point cloud data, demonstrating the capacity for detailed assessments of the pipeline’s current condition.

Participant Feedback

Feedback from attendees highlighted the significant potential of drone inspections in accessing areas that are typically difficult or dangerous for humans and traditional equipment to evaluate. One participant remarked, “Drone inspections allow for the examination of vast sections of pipelines without human entry, especially valuable for screening surveys to assess pipe health. By innovating operational procedures—such as only requiring human presence during outside antenna installations—drone utilization can expand and efficiency can further improve.” There is optimism that future technological advancements will overcome existing limitations and enhance accessibility.

Visual Highlights

Images captured during the demo showcase the versatility and technological prowess of the IBIS2 drone:


The successful demonstration reaffirmed the value of the IBIS2 in sewer inspection tasks. Moving forward, Liberaware and QDS are committed to leveraging industry perspectives to enhance inspection methodologies and push forward technological development and societal implementation of drone technologies.

About Kyuden Drone Services

Established in April 2024, Kyuden Drone Services focuses on leveraging drones and robotics for in-house facility inspections at Kyushu Electric Power Company. The company boasts a unique fleet of drones and skilled operators dedicated to resolving regional challenges nationwide. Their service portfolio encompasses inspection, survey, and aerial photography services, among other innovative solutions. More information is available at Kyuden Drone Services.

About Liberaware

Liberaware is driven by a mission to foster a safer society through innovative drone solutions tailored for indoor inspections in constricted and hazardous environments. Since its inception, the company has focused on visualizing unseen risks through drone-assisted infrastructure inspection and management solutions. Committed to making the world a safer place, Liberaware integrates cutting-edge technology into their services. Discover more about Liberaware at Liberaware.