Liberaware Joins Japan Sewage Pipeline Management Association to Promote Drone Usage

Liberaware Joins the Japan Sewage Pipeline Management Association

On a significant milestone for technological advancement, Liberaware, led by CEO Hongkyu Min, has officially joined the Japan Sewage Pipeline Management Association (JSPMA). This partnership is set to play a crucial role in establishing practical rules for the use of drones in sewer inspections, contributing to the standardization of operation guidelines, technical specifications, and staff training.

Background of Membership

The decision for Liberaware to join JSPMA comes in the wake of a serious incident in January 2025, when a road collapse occurred in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture. This event highlighted the urgent need for effective inspection methods for areas within sewage infrastructure that are challenging to assess using traditional techniques. Amidst this growing demand, Liberaware’s indoor inspection drone, the IBIS2, has consistently showcased its effectiveness across multiple sewage inspection cases.

Japan’s national policies also advocate the incorporation of new technologies, urging the establishment of systems that can integrate innovative methods like drone technology into practical applications. Recognizing this need, Liberaware identified the necessity of developing operational rules that would enable pipeline operators and local governments to effectively utilize the capabilities of the IBIS2 for sewer inspections. Thus, joining JSPMA was a strategic move to enhance collaboration with relevant stakeholders and promote the establishment of usable guidelines in the field.

About the Japan Sewage Pipeline Management Association

The JSPMA is a public interest incorporated association that focuses on creating essential technical documentation for sewage pipeline management, advocating for certification of sewage pipeline management engineers, and organizing exhibitions where the latest sewage rehabilitation technologies are showcased. Their activities also extend to disaster recovery support for municipalities affected by sewage pipeline damage. Through collaboration with members and related organizations, JSPMA is dedicated to developing practical technical standards and operational know-how to tackle real-world infrastructure maintenance challenges.

Visit the JSPMA's website for more information: https://www.jascoma.com/index.html

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Liberaware plans to work closely with pipeline operators and local authorities in fostering human resources development, product evolution, and the systematic establishment of operational standards (cost estimation and task allocation) specific to drone applications in sewer inspections. This initiative aims to solidify a framework that allows the safe and efficient operation of drones on-site, while promoting adoption among local governments and service providers.

About Liberaware

Liberaware, founded on August 22, 2016, has positioned itself as a pioneer in the development of drone technology capable of conducting inspections in confined, dark, and hazardous indoor spaces. The company’s mission is to create a secure society for everyone by visualizing unnoticed risks. Their drone services encompass investigations, inspections, and measuring techniques, as well as the analysis of images captured by drones for infrastructure maintenance. Liberaware is committed to delivering safe and peaceful communities through groundbreaking technological solutions.