This article published in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association.
Japanese technology companies Optim and Kyuden Drone Service (KDS) have developed a new “Dead Tree Detection AI Service” that combines artificial intelligence with drone-mounted multispectral cameras to identify dying trees before they pose safety risks to critical infrastructure.
Addressing Growing Environmental Risks
The service responds to increasing concerns about tree-fall damage caused by severe weather events including typhoons and heavy rains. Traditional manual surveys of large areas require significant time and labor, creating gaps in risk assessment that the new AI-powered system aims to eliminate.
“By integrating Optim’s AI analysis technology, we can now automatically detect dead trees through our management software,” the companies announced. The system builds on KDS’s existing multispectral imaging capabilities by adding automated detection and visualization features.
Field Testing with JR West Japan
West Japan Railway Company (JR West) has been testing the technology since 2022, initially with QDS’s original service and now with the enhanced AI version. Field verification conducted in June 2025 along railway corridors used multiple drone platforms including the Trinity Pro vertical takeoff fixed-wing drone from Quantum Systems and DJI’s Phantom 4 Multispectral.
The system provides three key capabilities: automated dead tree detection using visible and NDVI imagery, distance measurement with automatic cross-section generation, and integration of topographical data from Japan’s Geospatial Information Authority.
Technical Integration
Equipment used in testing included MicaSense’s Altum-PT multispectral camera and Optim’s “AI Inspection for Infra” analysis platform. The system can assess tree health, calculate risk levels using distance measurements, and visualize results on interactive maps.
Both companies see significant market potential as infrastructure operators seek proactive solutions to prevent weather-related damage. KDS, established in April 2024 as a spinoff from Kyushu Electric Power, brings extensive experience in power infrastructure drone inspections to the partnership.
More information, including the original press release (in Japanese), is available here.
About Optim Co., Ltd.
Optim specializes in internet infrastructure optimization technology, developing solutions that make digital services more intuitive and accessible. Founded in 2000, the company transforms complex internet interactions into seamless experiences through proprietary optimization technologies. Based in Tokyo, Optim provides software licensing, IoT platform services, remote management solutions, and technical support. The company’s infrastructure inspection portfolio includes OPTiM AI Inspection for Infra (AI-powered image analysis), Civil ReSnap (close-range visual inspection support), and electric-assist tunnel photography systems.
About Kyuden Drone Service Co., Ltd.
Kyuden Drone Service, established in April 2024 as a subsidiary of Kyushu Electric Power Co., leverages extensive experience in power infrastructure drone inspections to serve regional communities nationwide. The Fukuoka-based company operates comprehensive drone services including inspection solutions (confined space, automated patrol, underwater, bridge/tower, thermal imaging), surveying services (LiDAR, photogrammetry, software development), aerial photography (4K/12K production, 360° capture, live streaming, 3D modeling), proprietary technologies (forest timber volume AI, dead tree detection systems), and equipment sales (IBIS2, Skydio series, ELIOS3 platforms).
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
I have long experience (many decades) related to tree management. I have undertaken a series of case studies that have been very revealing with respect to failure factors and errors in “risk” assessment. I am most interested in this technology.
Best,
Wayne Tyson