Tsukuba Forum 2025

Technologies for smarter operations


NTT

Technologies for smarter operations
RecmdList of recommended exhibits
RobustList of technologies related to robust networks
GreenList of technologies related to the environment and energy
SafetyList of technologies related to safety
01Remote-operated optical-fiber node technology for early recovery from network failures
Is it wrong to seek 'non-dispatch operation' in optical fiber NW maintenance?RecmdRobustSafety

The spread of services using mobile lines and data centers (DCs) and the future spread of IOWN services requires the rapid isolation and restoration of faulty sections in the event of a large-scale disaster or failure. Our development promotes remote-operated optical-fiber node technology that constantly monitors lines from a remote location and instantly isolates the faulty section in the event of a line failure.

02AI-powered data alignment and troubleshooting for autonomous network management
Zero-touch automation of labor-intensive network troubleshootingRecmdRobust

Efficient and accurate recovery from large-scale network faults requires a variety of data, including multiple network infrastructures, network alerts, and operational procedure manuals.
This showcase highlights our AI technologies for zero-touch troubleshooting, one-stop integration of remote and on-site operations, and extending the application to in-house network management.

03Predicting the deterioration of road bridges using images
Visualize future equipment status with image recognition AI for proactive maintenanceRecmdSafety

This section introduces an AI that generates images of equipment to predict the progression of deterioration several years later from images taken of road bridges. This AI can predict the change over time of corrosion on steel parts of road bridges based on image data learned in advance and environmental information (temperature, precipitation, etc.) of the installation site and generate images showing the progression of corrosion. By utilizing this AI, the frequency of inspections, which are currently conducted at regular intervals, can be reviewed, repair plans can be optimized, and maintenance costs can be reduced.

04Bridge corrosion depth inspection system using drones and image recognition AI
By revealing the full extent of corrosion, bridge lifespan can be determined precisely at low costSafety

This section introduces an inspection system for road bridges that utilizes drones and AI, which was jointly tested by Kumagaya City and NTT Group. In this system, AI detects corrosion on steel materials from images taken by drones and estimates the depth of corrosion. This enables the system to calculate the bearing capacity of road bridges and optimize the timing of repairs, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

05Void detection technology for preventing road collapses
Let's explore the ground with the muons raining down on youSafety

Road collapses, which have been gaining social attention, occur when the ground becomes unstable and voids form due to factors such as damage to aging underground pipelines or soil erosion caused by subway excavation work. Currently, ground cavity investigations are conducted from the surface to detect voids in advance. However, conventional underground radar surveys using electromagnetic waves are fundamentally incapable of probing deeper than approximately 2 meters. By establishing a measurement technology that utilizes cosmic rays (muons) that penetrate the ground, it becomes possible to investigate depths beyond 2 meters. We will introduce our current efforts and conduct a demonstration using the measurement equipment employed in our verification process.

06Ultra-high density point cloud measurement and 3D modeling technology
Easy inspection of all infrastructure

Regarding examination of MMS to acquire point cloud data without omission and optimization and utilization of 3D modeling technology, evaluation results of further efficiency improvement of NTT inspection business and applicability to facility inspection of other infrastructure companies are exhibited.

07Laser removal of asbestos containing materials
Work automation prevents asbestos exposureSafety

We introduce laser removal technology for asbestos containing materials. We succeeded in reducing working time by optimizing laser parameters.

08LiDAR for mechanization and safety improvement in laser cleaning
Laser Shuts Down When Object's Surface Not near Laser's Focal PointSafety

When using high-power laser for rust removal, it is essential to avoid accidentally irradiating other objects or people. We will demonstrate that if the distance from the laser head to the target, measured with LiDAR, deviates from the preset range, the laser irradiation will be immediately halted to ensure safety.

09Cable traction technology using drones
Flying cable, We can do cable traction with dronesSafety

Regarding cable traction technology using drones, technology to calculate the optimum cable traction route in the traction environment by the load simulation technology applied to the cable will be exhibited.
In addition, hardware with the function necessary for cable traction is exhibited.

10GPR system for detecting buried objects to facilitate automated hole digging for utility pole
Find buried pipes before utility pole constructionSafety

With the aim of establishing smart pole construction, which is an automatic drilling method to replace hand digging, we will exhibit the PoC system of an underground exploration method that enables the detection of buried pipes in narrow sites for poles.

11A lightweight utility pole made of new materials that enables more efficient construction
Effortless Pole Installation! Resin materials Poles Combining Lightness and StrengthSafety

A lightweight utility pole made of new resin materials for more efficient construction

12Reinforcement technology for steel poles at ground level
Savior of Pole Reinforcement! New Standard Method That Doesn't Require ReplacementSafety

Exhibition of a Technology for Reinforcing Steel Poles with Advanced Ground-Level Corrosion by Inserting Reinforcement Materials, Eliminating the Need for Pole Replacement