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Highlanders' KUMAKARA MAMORU Project: A New Era of Wildlife Safety

In an innovative effort to combat the escalating issue of bear encounters in urban areas, Highlanders, Inc., a startup from the University of Tokyo, has launched the KUMAKARA MAMORU project. Scheduled to start on December 24, 2025, this initiative aims to leverage domestically developed AI robots to prevent incidents involving bears, thereby ensuring public safety. As the frequency of bear sightings in populated areas increases, it is imperative to find effective solutions to mitigate the potential dangers posed by these wild animals.

The Growing Concern of Bear Encounters

In recent years, the rise of what is termed “urban bears” has led to numerous incidents across the nation, causing significant concern for people's safety. While local hunting associations strive to manage these situations, their efforts are hindered by an aging workforce and a severe shortage of volunteers. As patrolling and deterrence operations in hazardous mountain areas become increasingly challenging, Highlanders has recognized the need for a new approach. This project aims to substitute human intervention with advanced robotics, positioning AI robots as the frontline defense against bear threats in rural landscapes.

Project Objectives: Restoring Balance between Humans and Wildlife

The KUMAKARA MAMORU project is not about merely exterminating bears. Instead, its purpose is to restore an appropriate distance between humans and wildlife. The plan is to deploy AI robots along the boundaries of human settlements and forests (known as buffer zones), where they will detect and respond to bear presence using sophisticated AI technologies. By teaching bears to recognize the limits of human habitation, the initiative will enhance community safety while also reducing the burden on those tasked with incident management.

Technical Overview: Three Key Roles of the AI Robots

1. Remote Patrol in Challenging Terrain: Thanks to advanced reinforcement learning algorithms, the AI robots can autonomously navigate difficult terrains. They will penetrate deeply into areas close to human habitation, overcoming obstacles like steep gradients, rubble, and dense thickets that traditional vehicles or drones could not access.

2. Heavy Equipment Dispersal: With a load capacity of 30 kg, these robots can carry specialized equipment that includes large speakers or powerful flashlights, which can weigh up to 60 kg. This setup enables them to effectively manipulate bear behavior and steer them away from populated regions via various auditory and visual deterrents.

3. Early Detection Using AI and Thermal Cameras: Equipped with infrared thermal cameras, the AI robots can detect bears even at night or within dense foliage. The AI analyzes thermal profiles and shares video and location data with operators instantaneously, significantly minimizing the risk of human-bear encounters.

Future Development: Standardizing Bear Management Solutions

The next step involves conducting extensive field tests in actual mountain environments, assessing the impact of robotic intervention on bear behavior. Highlanders aims to refine effective deterrent strategies and operational models. Collaborating with local governments and community organizations, the project aspires to expand the use of AI robots for bear management across the nation.

About Highlanders, Inc.

Founded in May 2023 in Toshima, Tokyo, Highlanders, Inc. specializes in developing humanoid and quadrupedal robots. Their commitment to creating advanced robotic solutions positions them as leaders in this innovative approach to wildlife safety. For more information, visit their official website: Highlanders

For inquiries, contact Highlanders, Inc. at:

• - Phone: 080-6303-4685 (Monday to Friday: 10:00 - 19:00, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 10:00 - 19:00)
• - Email: [email protected]