In a proactive move to strengthen its disaster response capabilities, the Tokyo metropolitan government has launched an innovative AI system designed to rapidly detect fires and building collapses during major earthquakes. Developed by Hitachi Ltd., this intelligent system analyzes footage captured by high-resolution cameras strategically positioned throughout Tokyo, reported Japan Today.
The AI autonomously identifies fires and structural collapses, promptly relaying this critical information to relevant agencies such as the police, fire department, and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. This automated process significantly reduces the time needed to gather and disseminate vital information, potentially saving countless lives.
The system, fully operational since March, will expand its coverage further. By the end of the fiscal year in March 2025, two additional cameras will be activated at Tokyo Skytree, extending the system’s reach to encompass nearly all of Tokyo’s 23 wards.
This development comes at a crucial time, following the Japanese weather agency’s unprecedented issuance of an advisory warning of an increased risk of a megaquake along the Nankai Trough. This warning was prompted by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck the Nankai Trough region. According to a 2022 damage assessment by the Tokyo metropolitan government, a megaquake along the Nankai Trough could trigger a tsunami of 2 to 2.6 meters high in the Tokyo Bay area, highlighting the urgency for enhanced disaster preparedness.
Prior to the implementation of the AI system, cameras were operated manually, making it challenging to obtain accurate information immediately after a disaster. The new system utilizes advanced image analysis to detect smoke or structural damage, presenting the data on a screen with detailed reports and maps, facilitating quicker and more effective action by authorities.
The adoption of AI technology by Tokyo for disaster response underscores the growing reliance on artificial intelligence for critical applications. This system represents a significant step towards creating a more resilient and responsive city in the face of natural disasters.
