As Ukraine grapples with the devastating legacy of landmines, Japan is leading a cutting-edge effort to clear mines using AI-powered drones and fusion of legacy technologies.
Conflicts
Decades of Experience and Cutting-Edge Technology
Japanese companies have a long history of expertise in mine clearance, dating back to the 1990s. Komatsu Ltd, a Tokyo-based manufacturer of heavy construction equipment, has been working with NGOs in Cambodia since 1999 to clear paddy fields and countryside of mines. This experience has been expanded to Laos, Afghanistan, and Angola.
Komatsu Ltd is a Japanese multinational corporation specializing in the manufacture and sale of construction, mining, and industrial equipment.
Founded in 1921 by Meitaro Taniguchi, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest heavy machinery manufacturers.
Komatsu's product lineup includes bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders, and motor graders, among others.
The company operates globally with a significant presence in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Drones Learning to Find Mines from the Air
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to identify mines using drones equipped with infrared cameras. The drones can scan large areas of ground much more rapidly than humans equipped with hand-held detection equipment. Potential threats can then be marked for specialist engineers to make them safe. According to Hideyuki Sawada, a professor at Tokyo’s Waseda University, the system has a success rate of around 95% for buried mines and is being improved by adding extra variables such as temperature and terrain.
A Human-Centric Approach to Mine Clearance
Sawada believes that it is crucial to gather more data in Ukraine to build knowledge of the technology and environment. This will enable the development of more effective solutions, particularly in areas with over 100 different types of mines used. He emphasizes the importance of testing the system in a real-world environment to make improvements quickly.
A Lifesaving Effort
The mine clearance efforts in Ukraine are critical, as ‘40% of victims of landmines are children who accidentally step on them while playing.’ By developing more effective technologies and improving existing ones, Japan is working towards a safer future for the Ukrainian people.
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), approximately 15 people are killed by landmines every day.
The majority of these casualties are civilians, with children and women being disproportionately affected.
Landmines can remain active for decades after conflicts have ended, causing harm to those who unknowingly trigger them.
In total, it is estimated that over 100 million landmines still exist worldwide, posing a significant threat to global security and human life.
International Cooperation and Support
Japan will host an international workshop this fall focusing on mine clearance efforts in Ukraine. The country will also chair the 22nd conference of the parties to the Ottawa Convention when it meets in Geneva in December. This shows Japan’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its efforts to clear mines and unexploded ordnance.
Located in East Asia, Japan is an archipelago comprising over 6,800 islands.
The country's unique culture blends traditional and modern elements, with a rich history dating back to the 5th century.
Tokyo, the capital city, is known for its vibrant atmosphere, cutting-edge technology, and world-class cuisine.
Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, and hot springs.
With a population of over 128 million, it has a diverse economy and is a major player in global trade.
A Post-War Commitment
Japan has a post-war constitution that restricts military aid, but successive leaders have committed to doing what they can to assist Ukraine. The Japanese government, private companies, and academics are working together to reduce the threat of mines in the war-torn nation.
