Liberaware and Pasco Reach Basic Agreement to Promote Joint Demonstration for Infrastructure Inspection, Including Sewers

Liberaware Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, Representative Director: Min Honggyu, hereinafter "Liberaware") and Pasco Corporation (Headquarters: Meguro-ku, Tokyo, President and Representative Director: Shikimitsu Takahashi, hereinafter "Pasco") have signed a basic agreement on June 10, 2026, to conduct joint demonstrations aimed at advancing and improving the efficiency of inspections, primarily for sewer pipes, by mutually utilizing their technologies in spatial information, GIS, image processing, and small drones, as well as their expertise in infrastructure management and inspection.

Background

Japan's social infrastructure is aging, with facilities built during the period of high economic growth showing increasing deterioration. Consequently, demand for renewal, in addition to maintenance, is rapidly growing. On the other hand, labor shortages and financial constraints are becoming apparent, particularly among local governments, making the transition from conventional, labor-intensive inspection methods an urgent issue. Sewer pipes, in particular, face structural challenges due to their narrow and confined spaces, as well as environmental and sanitary issues such as the risk of toxic gases and oxygen deficiency, high humidity, foul odors, and bacteria.

In light of these circumstances, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has indicated the expansion of "No Entry" inspections utilizing new technologies such as flying drones and floating cameras, the mechanization and labor-saving of inspections, and the promotion of standardization, highlighting the need to establish and disseminate new inspection methods.

Overview of Basic Agreement

Based on this agreement, the two companies will conduct joint demonstrations in the following areas, combining a data integration platform centered on spatial information and small drone technology. They aim to build a safe, highly efficient, and accurate inspection operational model as a method to supplement and replace conventional visual inspections.

1 Advancing and improving efficiency of "No Entry" inspections in narrow and confined spaces, primarily sewer pipes.

2 Enhancing inspection data by adding positional information to data acquired by the small drone "IBIS" series and linking it with GIS.

3 Verification of methods for utilizing inspection data for screening, condition assessment, and maintenance planning.

Roles of Each Company

The companies will proceed with their investigations based on the following division of roles:

【Pasco】

- Provision of GIS platform and integrated management of inspection results. - Assignment of positional information to captured data, mapping, and preparation of submission formats for local governments. - Organization and investigation of inspection specifications, evaluation criteria, and screening methods. - Support for survey and design related to infrastructure other than sewers (buildings, tunnels, bridges, plants, etc.). - Data linkage for downstream processes (diagnosis, repair planning, etc.).

【Liberaware】

- Acquisition of video and image data using small drones, including the IBIS series and its successors/derivatives. - Provision of operational techniques and know-how for inspection in confined spaces. - Distribution and preprocessing of acquired data to Pasco GIS. - Organization of flight application and safety management rules in areas other than sewers. - Technical verification related to new aircraft and new sensors, including applicable conditions (flight environment, water level, curve span, etc.).

Future Development

Through these demonstrations, both companies aim to accumulate knowledge for the practical application and standardization of inspection methods utilizing drones, thereby contributing to the advancement of infrastructure management. This will lead to sustainable infrastructure management for local governments, integrating inspection, diagnosis, and planning.

Furthermore, in the future, they will explore the potential for expansion beyond the sewer sector to infrastructure fields including buildings, tunnels, bridges, plant facilities, and port facilities, encompassing narrow and confined spaces. They will then promote the development of a comprehensive "No Entry Inspection Solution" utilizing drones and spatial information technology.

About Pasco Corporation

Pasco creates solutions that contribute to solving social issues by utilizing spatial information technology (measuring, visualizing, and utilizing). They support the maintenance of social infrastructure and DX promotion for both government and private sectors.

Representative: President and Representative Director, Shikimitsu Takahashi

Business Activities: Collection, analysis, and service provision of spatial information utilizing artificial satellites, aircraft, etc.

URL: https://www.pasco.co.jp/

About Liberaware Co., Ltd.

With the mission of "Creating a safe society for everyone," Liberaware develops some of the world's smallest drones specialized for inspection and measurement of "indoor spaces," and provides infrastructure inspection and maintenance solutions that analyze and deliver image data collected by these drones to customers.

Representative: Representative Director, Min Honggyu

Business Activities: Drone business, digital twin business, solution development business

URL: https://liberaware.co.jp/