This article published in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association.
The Bear Mitigation Technology Showcase highlights surveillance, deterrence and legal-support programs from JUIDA member organizations as bear sightings rise nationwide.
Japan’s UAS Industrial Development Association has launched a Bear Mitigation Technology Showcase. The initiative spotlights drone-based bear response programs from JUIDA member organizations. Bear sightings and attacks are rising across Japan. The trend is driving urgent demand for safer surveillance, deterrence and habitat-mapping tools. The JUIDA showcase covers six organizations. It targets municipalities, community groups, researchers and companies planning bear response strategies.
Surveillance, detection and AI tracking
Island Biyori Co., Ltd. deploys multi-tier autonomous drones for bear damage prevention. The company operates small drones for rapid response, medium drones for deterrence and large drones for wide-area management. Thermal imaging and high-precision positioning support early bear detection at night.
3eye Bird Co., Ltd. builds AI-powered drones that auto-detect and track bears. The system uses night vision and infrared cameras. Each drone flies for up to one hour. It hands off pursuit to a backup drone before batteries deplete. GPS coordinates stream in real time to government offices, police and hunting associations through a dedicated app. Onboard speakers issue warnings to residents. The company targets 2026 commercial deployment and has filed a patent application.
Deterrence and boundary defense
Terra Drone Corporation fields bear-repellent-spray-equipped drones first announced in winter 2025. The Tokyo company designs the platform for non-specialist operators so community members can respond quickly. Terra Drone is now building longer-endurance variants with infrared cameras for disaster response.
Prodrone Co., Ltd. leads the Bear Boundary Defense Project with GEEP Forest and Visual Systems. UAV LiDAR generates high-density forest hazard maps under the tree canopy. Autonomous patrol drones cover the defense line with infrared detection, sound and light warnings and repellent spray. A January 2026 test identified a 1.5-meter (about 5-foot) deer from point cloud data.
Public sector and legal support
Fukui Prefecture dispatches infrared drones and skilled operators to municipalities for bear response. The service reduces risk for staff and hunting teams in brush and buildings. LegaLite Administrative Solicitor Corporation supports area-based Level 3.5 flight applications. The firm also facilitates drone-use agreements between local governments and private operators.
More information is available at JUIDA.
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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.
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