#Japan #SENTINEL #Aizuwakamatsu #Aisometry #FASTBEAR

Aisometry Showcases Bear Detection AI at Tohoku MITO Project Event

On January 24, 2026, Aisometry, a startup co-founded by members from the University of Tokyo and Aizu University, presented its groundbreaking bear detection AI technology at the 'Aotake Project 2026 Results Presentation' at the AiCT Smart City in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture. This event, organized by Sparkle Inc., attracted attention from local officials, businesses, and media representatives.

During the presentation, Aisometry unveiled the 'FASTBEAR' dashboard, a cutting-edge tool designed to visualize bear sighting information from across Japan. Additionally, they showcased 'SENTINEL,' an AI camera in development for real-time bear detection. Attendees included significant figures like the mayor of Aizuwakamatsu, Teruhi Muroi, and Fukushima's vice governor, Masaaki Suzuki, alongside various stakeholders from local municipalities and support organizations.

Highlighting the Impact of FASTBEAR and SENTINEL

Aisometry's presentation not only detailed the challenges of wildlife management but also introduced their innovative solutions. By demonstrating a one-minute video, they showcased the operational screen of FASTBEAR and the detection workflow of SENTINEL, which emphasizes the critical processes of collecting, integrating, visualizing, and sharing bear sighting data.

The proposal to centralize information from municipalities, reports, and on-site images into a single map aims to transition wildlife management from guesswork to data-driven decision-making. This shift could significantly enhance public safety regarding bear encounters.

Following the formal presentation, a networking session allowed participants to engage in discussions about the practical deployment of FASTBEAR within various departments, including disaster prevention, law enforcement, and public relations. This focus on real-world application, rather than mere concept presentation, distinguished this event from others.

Insights into the FASTBEAR System

The 'FASTBEAR' dashboard automatically collects and organizes bear sighting information from all 47 prefectures in Japan utilizing AI technology. Since its official launch on December 26, 2025, FASTBEAR has garnered attention from 36 media outlets, both national and regional, as a new information infrastructure for bear sighting management. The service enhances accessibility and usability for municipal officials and the general public alike.

• - Product URL: FASTBEAR
• - Social Media: X (Twitter)
• - Press Release: See More

About SENTINEL

The 'SENTINEL' system is a cost-effective surveillance camera designed for urban areas and regions adjacent to human activity to automatically detect bear entries using AI. Traditional methods rely heavily on reports from residents or municipal announcements, which can delay responsive actions. SENTINEL's edge AI drastically improves this process by providing real-time data, reducing response time significantly.

The data collected by SENTINEL integrates seamlessly with FASTBEAR, combining information from local announcements and media reports to represent real-time bear sightings on a comprehensive map. This functionality allows stakeholders to quickly understand where and when bears are sighted, facilitating data-driven decisions for both immediate response and long-term planning.

SENTINEL is currently in the validation and development phase, with plans for field experiments in collaboration with municipalities and relevant organizations to refine installation methods, detection accuracy, and operational processes.

Community Reception and Future Directions

Since FASTBEAR's launch, it has rapidly gained traction, showcasing its efficacy as a reliable information platform for bear management, as seen by the significant engagement on social media and rapid adoption among local government entities. Over 8,000 users have accessed the dashboard within a month, with the project's potential widely recognized among local officials and experts.

As Aisometry continues to develop and implement both FASTBEAR and SENTINEL, it aims to establish these tools as indispensable components of Japan's wildlife management infrastructure. Tackling the pressing issue of bear encounters with strong data foundations, Aisometry aspires to redefine standards for wildlife damage mitigation.

About Aisometry

Aisometry was founded as a startup focusing on the social implementation of AI and data technologies directly addressing regional challenges. With its roots in a collaborative research environment from the University of Tokyo and Aizu University, Aisometry operates with the backing of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan through the MITO support project for local young talent. Their mission is to pioneer innovative solutions in public safety and environmental stewardship.

• - Company Name: Aisometry Co., Ltd.
• - CEO: Hiroyuki Matsushima
• - Founded: December 2025
• - Location: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
• - Fukushima Office: Aizu University Industry-Academia Collaboration Center
• - Website: Aisometry
• - Contact: [email protected]