#Japan #Liberaware #IBIS2 #Akita City #ONE-AQITA

Introduction

In a groundbreaking initiative, Liberaware, in partnership with ONE-AQITA, successfully conducted a nationwide special survey of sewer pipelines utilizing their advanced IBIS2 drone technology on July 23, 2025, in Akita City. This project underscores the urgent need for thorough inspections of aged sewer systems across the country.

Background of the Survey

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan has around 500,000 km of sewer pipelines, with approximately 7% having exceeded their standard lifespan of 50 years. With projections stating that this figure could rise to about 42% within the next 20 years, the necessity for a comprehensive inspection regime is becoming critical.

Recent incidents, such as the road collapse in Yashio City in January 2025, attributed to damaged sewer lines, have prompted urgent inspections across various prefectures. Following an accident involving sewer repair work in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, a committee was established to investigate safety measures for sewer operations.

In response to these challenges, the project aims to examine hard-to-access sewer pipes and assess the viability of aerial drone inspections. This innovative approach is expected to revolutionize how infrastructure inspections are carried out, emphasizing safety and efficiency.

Project Collaboration

The collaboration involves three key stakeholders:
1. Akita City - Identifying challenges in sewer inspections.
2. ONE-AQITA - Developing inspection processes and conducting on-site operations.
3. Liberaware - Responsible for drone development, manufacturing, field support, and operator assistance.

The Survey Operations

The recent inspection focused on two key sewer sections in Akita City:

• - A 50-year-old pipeline measuring 2.7m x 1.8m (about 50m long).
• - A regional sewer line with an opening of 2.7m x 2.7m (approximately 400m).

The inspection specifically looked at the corrosion levels and potential cracks in sections that are nearly inaccessible to human entry, where water levels were nearly 1 meter high. By utilizing the IBIS2, videos were captured to assess the overall condition of the sewer infrastructure efficiently.

One of the highlights was the successful survey of approximately 300m of pipe in one flight from a coastal box culvert, showcasing the efficiency of drone inspections compared to traditional methods requiring scaffolding and manual checks.

Advantages of IBIS2 Technology

The IBIS2 technology demonstrated significant advantages, allowing for safer and more efficient inspections. Traditional methods were not only time-consuming but also posed safety risks for workers. The deployment of drones like IBIS2 not only cuts down on inspection time and costs but also enhances safety standards by avoiding potential hazards associated with manual inspections.

With the growing body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of IBIS technology, we are moving towards standardizing its use in sewer infrastructure inspections. The pressing issue of aging infrastructures calls for new solutions that balance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, and IBIS2 holds promise as a frontrunner in this domain.

Forward-Looking Statement

As more use cases are documented, we envision that the operational flows, inspection accuracy, and data reproducibility of IBIS technology will be validated, leading to the establishment of guidelines and systems for drone utilization in sewer inspections. This trajectory will establish IBIS as essential equipment for infrastructure inspections nationwide.

Thus, Liberaware views this progression as a significant growth opportunity, striving to continuously improve both hard and soft technology components while strengthening partnerships with local municipalities and businesses. Although the impact on the company’s performance for the July 2025 period is expected to be minimal, timely disclosures will be made should any notable developments arise regarding this project.

About Liberaware

Liberaware is dedicated to developing innovative solutions for infrastructure inspection using specialized drones to navigate narrow, dark, and hazardous spaces. By harnessing advanced image processing technologies, it aims to visualize unseen risks and contribute to a safer society.
- CEO: Min Hong-kyu
- Location: Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
- Founded: August 22, 2016
- Website: Liberaware
- X Account: Liberaware X