This text revealed in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japan UAS Industrial Growth Affiliation.
Japanese know-how firms Optim and Kyuden Drone Service (KDS) have developed a brand new “Lifeless Tree Detection AI Service” that mixes synthetic intelligence with drone-mounted multispectral cameras to establish dying bushes earlier than they pose security dangers to vital infrastructure.
Addressing Rising Environmental Dangers
The service responds to growing issues about tree-fall injury attributable to extreme climate occasions together with typhoons and heavy rains. Conventional guide surveys of enormous areas require important time and labor, creating gaps in threat evaluation that the brand new AI-powered system goals to eradicate.
“By integrating Optim’s AI evaluation know-how, we are able to now mechanically detect lifeless bushes by our administration software program,” the businesses introduced. The system builds on KDS’s present multispectral imaging capabilities by including automated detection and visualization options.
Area Testing with JR West Japan
West Japan Railway Firm (JR West) has been testing the know-how since 2022, initially with QDS’s authentic service and now with the improved AI model. Area verification performed in June 2025 alongside railway corridors used a number of drone platforms together with the Trinity Professional vertical takeoff fixed-wing drone from Quantum Methods and DJI’s Phantom 4 Multispectral.
The system offers three key capabilities: automated lifeless tree detection utilizing seen and NDVI imagery, distance measurement with computerized cross-section era, and integration of topographical knowledge from Japan’s Geospatial Data Authority.
Technical Integration
Gear utilized in testing included MicaSense’s Altum-PT multispectral digital camera and Optim’s “AI Inspection for Infra” evaluation platform. The system can assess tree well being, calculate threat ranges utilizing distance measurements, and visualize outcomes on interactive maps.
Each firms see important market potential as infrastructure operators search proactive options to stop weather-related injury. KDS, established in April 2024 as a derivative from Kyushu Electrical Energy, brings intensive expertise in energy infrastructure drone inspections to the partnership.
Extra data, together with the unique press launch (in Japanese), is obtainable right here.
About Optim Co., Ltd.
Optim focuses on web infrastructure optimization know-how, growing options that make digital providers extra intuitive and accessible. Based in 2000, the corporate transforms advanced web interactions into seamless experiences by proprietary optimization applied sciences. Based mostly in Tokyo, Optim offers software program licensing, IoT platform providers, distant administration options, and technical help. The corporate’s infrastructure inspection portfolio consists of OPTiM AI Inspection for Infra (AI-powered picture evaluation), Civil ReSnap (close-range visible inspection help), and electric-assist tunnel pictures methods.
About Kyuden Drone Service Co., Ltd.
Kyuden Drone Service, established in April 2024 as a subsidiary of Kyushu Electrical Energy Co., leverages intensive expertise in energy infrastructure drone inspections to serve regional communities nationwide. The Fukuoka-based firm operates complete drone providers together with inspection options (confined area, automated patrol, underwater, bridge/tower, thermal imaging), surveying providers (LiDAR, photogrammetry, software program growth), aerial pictures (4K/12K manufacturing, 360° seize, stay streaming, 3D modeling), proprietary applied sciences (forest timber quantity AI, lifeless tree detection methods), and gear gross sales (IBIS2, Skydio collection, ELIOS3 platforms).
Learn Extra
Ian McNabb is a journalist specializing in drone know-how and way of life content material at Dronelife. He’s primarily based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys climbing and Boston space sports activities.
