#Japan #Liberaware #Chiba City #AI Drone #Sewage Technology

Transforming Sewer Inspections: The Future of No-Entry Technology

In a significant advancement towards safer and more efficient sewer management, a collaborative project led by Liberaware, Kansei Kogyo, Nisuicon, Acuity, and the city of Chiba has been selected for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism's AB-Cross Project. This initiative, focusing on No Entry inspections, aims to utilize a combination of drones and artificial intelligence technologies to redefine how sewer infrastructures are monitored.

Background and Challenges

Sewer inspections have often relied on traditional methods involving human inspectors entering cramped and hazardous spaces. Although flying drones have begun to augment these efforts, most current approaches only provide visual assessments. There remains a pressing need for quantitative measures such as crack width evaluation and precise localization of defects, limitations that this project seeks to overcome.

Project Goals

The core objective of this project is to develop advanced drone technology, specifically the IBIS2, integrated with AI capabilities. The focus is on enhancing quantitative measuring functions for crack widths and improving self-localization accuracy, thereby expanding usability in challenging sewer conditions. Achieving No Entry inspections will automate and streamline the monitoring process, promising both increased safety and efficiency for sewer maintenance.

Key Technical Features

1. Drone Capabilities

• - Ability to fly stably in narrow and high-water environments.
• - Long-range operation suitable for pipes exceeding 1,000 meters.
• - Enhanced waterproof and environmental resistance.
• - Capability for precise measurements of minimal cracks (as small as 2mm).

2. High-Precision Anomaly Detection

• - Accurate identification of defect locations, improving repair planning.
• - Reduction of re-inspection efforts.
• - Achieving precision on par with existing visual inspection technologies.

3. AI-Enhanced Diagnostics

• - AI systems to refine deterioration assessments.
• - Standardization and consistency in inspection quality.

4. 3D Visualization of Infrastructure Condition

• - Creation of 3D models of pipe interiors through AI and Structure from Motion (SfM).
• - Identification of cross-sectional distortions and sediment accumulation to help manage pipeline assets data-driven.

Implementation Phases

Phase 1: Performance Assessment

The first phase will involve evaluating the current capabilities of the IBIS2 drone in real sewer conditions in Chiba City. Parameters such as flight stability, range, video quality, and positioning accuracy will be quantitatively assessed.

Phase 2: Technology Enhancement

Based on findings from Phase 1, necessary improvements will be made to the drone's systems, controls, and analysis functions, followed by re-testing under the same conditions to validate progress.

Collaborative Efforts

The project is being executed by a dedicated team.

• - Liberaware oversees project management and drone improvements.
• - Kansei Kogyo handles the operational design and management of trials.
• - Nisuicon supports research and evaluation for wider implementation.
• - Acuity is responsible for developing and verifying AI image diagnostics.
• - Chiba City offers on-ground support for practical testing.

The Challenge Ahead

Achieving No Entry inspections in the severe conditions of sewer pipelines is more than just a quest for efficiency. It's a commitment to remove risks associated with hazardous environments while ensuring that infrastructures' health is accurately monitored with quantitative data. Partnering with this talented group, we strive for technical innovation in sewer pipeline maintenance management, a standard that enhances safety for all.

About the Collaborating Companies

Liberaware

Founded in 2016, Liberaware specializes in developing miniaturized drones engineered for inspection in confined, dangerous spaces. Their mission is to create a safe society by visualizing hidden risks.
Visit Liberaware

Kansei Kogyo

Since 1962, Kansei Kogyo has been pivotal in maintaining Japan's sewer infrastructure. They focus on inspection and cleaning solutions alongside their proprietary equipment, aiming for sustainable management.
Visit Kansei Kogyo

Nisuicon

As a leading construction consultant, Nisuicon provides technical services centered on water supply and sewer management, committed to tackling infrastructure challenges.
Visit Nisuicon

Acuity

Founded in 2016, Acuity is a sensing tech company that harnesses AI image processing and 3D sensing, focusing on enhancing industrial safety and efficiency.
Visit Acuity

This project is a promising step toward an innovative future for sewer inspections, emphasizing collaboration and technological advancement to ensure sustainability and safety in urban water systems.