[1] ALISys Co., Ltd (Prof. Motoyuki Sato)

Technology

Measurement technology using radar for applications in disaster prevention and mitigation, social infrastructure, environmental conservation, and landmine removal.
ALISys Co., Ltd possesses two radar technologies: "GB-SAR," which can be used for early detection of landslides, identifying defects in social infrastructure, and preventing accidents at construction sites, and "ALIS," a landmine detection system.

  • GB-SAR is a radar system that enables remote monitoring of surface conditions using radar equipment. It can detect subtle surface changes as small as 0.5 mm in areas up to 4 km away.
  • ALIS (Advanced Landmine Imaging System) is a landmine detection sensor that combines a metal detector with GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar).

Strength

The strength of GB-SAR lies in its ability to monitor extensive 3D data in real time without requiring entry into the target area. It enables safe-distance monitoring of surface displacements caused by landslides or volcanic activity. Additionally, it can monitor bridges and other infrastructure.

The strength of ALIS lies in its high operational efficiency, distinguishing it from traditional metal detectors. Unlike conventional methods, it can differentiate between landmines and other metal fragments without excavation. The metal detector identifies the metal components within landmines, while the GPR uses radio wave reflections to image the plastic casing of landmines filled with explosives.

Use Case

  • 1 . GB-SAR has been utilized in municipalities in Japan that have experienced landslides in the past, such as Minamiaso Village in Kumamoto Prefecture and Kurihara City in Miyagi Prefecture. It plays a crucial role in providing early warning information to national and local governments, making it an effective technology for municipal disaster prevention measures.
  • 2 . GB-SAR is also in high demand from the private sector. Demonstration experiments are being conducted to utilize it in civil engineering projects, such as tunnel excavation, to quickly detect risks of collapse and prevent accidents before they occur.
  • 3 . GB-SAR is also useful for monitoring the aging of structures such as dams and high-rise buildings, as well as for monitoring social infrastructure. It can even be applied to archaeological surveys, offering potential uses primarily in the civil engineering and construction industries. Additionally, a proprietary radar device is under development that can be deployed in regions where long-term operation is challenging due to environmental factors such as heavy sand or snow.
  • 4 . ALIS is being used in landmine-affected regions such as Cambodia and Ukraine. Collaborating with local NGOs, teams conduct landmine removal operations while incorporating feedback from on-site experiences to improve its effectiveness.
  • 5 . It can also be used for detecting buried cables and other underground installations.
  • 6 . Combining GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) for subsurface measurement and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) for satellite observation, we have been conducting long-term research aimed at environmental conservation. This includes measuring groundwater and soil moisture in regions of Northeast Asia, such as Mongolia, Russia, China, and South Korea.

Business Model Examples

This section shows examples of companies using this technology for its businesses. The sections is intened for illustrating how the technology is used in the real world as food for thoughs for the applicants. Applicants doesn't necessarily follow the exact business model when developing their own business ideas.

ALISys Co., Ltd

The company name "ALISys" stands for "Advanced Land Imaging System" and encompasses advanced surface measurement technologies using electromagnetic waves. These technologies include the advanced landmine detection radar system (ALIS) and the advanced surface monitoring radar system (MIMO-based GB-SAR), both developed in Professor Motoyuki Sato's laboratory at Tohoku University.
The company develops, manufactures, sells, and operates systems such as "ALIS" and the ground-based synthetic aperture radar "GB-SAR." Additionally, it provides consulting services related to surface and subsurface visualization radar technologies.

Business Model

ALISys generates revenue by selling and operating our developed radar and sensors, primarily targeting municipalities in Japan and governments overseas.

Social Issues

  • Monitoring surface displacements of mountains at risk of landslides or volcanic eruptions from a safe distance is challenging.
  • Constantly monitoring the risk of collapse or aging of structures such as tunnels, dams, and high-rise buildings from a safe distance is difficult.
  • Landmine removal and the detection of buried objects require an enormous amount of time.

Solution

  • Development of information collection systems for providing early warning information.
  • Development of devices capable of detecting the risk of collapse or aging of structures.
  • Development of devices to improve the efficiency of detecting buried objects, such as landmines.

Value

  • Enables the use of technology for disaster prevention while ensuring the safety of municipal staff
  • Improves the accuracy of disaster prevention measures
  • Reduces the time required for landmine removal by 1/1000

Message from the Lab

Desired Candidate Profile

  • Individuals with knowledge or interest in software and radio wave application technologies
  • Individuals capable of proposing new business ideas through the social implementation of new technologies

Message

Tohoku University (Professor Emeritus)
Founder & CEO of ALISys Co. Ltd

Prof. Motoyuki Sato

  • Seeking individuals who can identify pathways to solve social issues in their own country through technology.
  • Looking for partners in regions prone to natural disasters such as landslides.
  • Welcoming discussions with people interested in the social implementation of new technologies.

Reference