Tokyo Unveils AI-Powered System to Enhance Disaster Response Amid Megaquake Risk
Staff Writer • 2024-08-13
TOKYO – In a significant step forward for disaster management, the Tokyo metropolitan government has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to detect fires and building collapses in real-time. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the city's preparedness for natural disasters, particularly major earthquakes. The AI system utilizes high-altitude cameras strategically placed across Tokyo to monitor the cityscape for signs of disasters. This comes in the wake of Japan's weather agency issuing its first-ever advisory about an increased risk of a megaquake along the Nankai Trough, a seismically active zone that could impact central and southwestern Japan. Leveraging AI for Real-Time Disaster Monitoring Developed by Hitachi Ltd., the AI-driven system represents a technological leap in disaster response. It analyzes live footage from high-resolution cameras, with current installations including two cameras at the Tokyo metropolitan government building, one near Tokyo Bay, and another in the western part of the metropolitan area. The system automatically identifies potential disasters—such as fires and structural collapses—and promptly relays this information to key agencies, including the police, fire department, and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. By automating the detection process, the AI system promises a quicker and more coordinated response, potentially saving lives and minimizing damage. The system's ability to identify fires and structural damage, coupled with its capability to assess densely populated areas at risk, marks a significant improvement over previous manual camera operations, which were less efficient in the chaotic aftermath of a disaster. Expanding Coverage to Safeguard Tokyo Launched in full-scale operation in March, the system is set to expand further. By March 2025, two additional cameras will be installed at the iconic Tokyo Skytree, extending the coverage to nearly all of Tokyo's 23 wards and parts of the western metropolitan area. This expansion aims to create a comprehensive surveillance network that will allow authorities to quickly assess and respond to disasters across a wider area. The AI's ability to analyze footage for smoke and structural damage is displayed in real-time on screens, accompanied by detailed reports and maps. This provides disaster response teams with immediate access to critical information, enabling them to prioritize areas with the most severe damage or highest risk. A Vision for Advanced Disaster Management A Tokyo metropolitan government official emphasized the importance of integrating advanced technology into disaster management. "We aim to use advanced technology to quickly assess the full scope of the damage," the official said, highlighting the government's commitment to enhancing the city's resilience against natural disasters. This AI-driven system represents a forward-thinking approach to urban safety, leveraging cutting-edge technology to address the unique challenges posed by Tokyo's dense population and complex infrastructure. As Japan continues to grapple with the threat of natural disasters, this initiative serves as a model for how cities worldwide can use AI to improve disaster preparedness and response.
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