Tenchijin, Inc. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Yasuhito Sakuraba), a JAXA-certified space venture providing the water leak risk management system “Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak,” which utilizes space big data, is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

 

 

Social Issues of Water Infrastructure in Japan

Large-scale leakage accidents occur in Japan due to the aging of water pipes in the water supply system. However, approximately 160,000 km (approx. 22% of all water pipes in Japan) of pipelines in Japan have exceeded their statutory service life. Inspections, maintenance, and repairs of aging pipelines require significant costs and are difficult to conduct over a wide area and within a short period using current methods. Furthermore, the problem is becoming more severe because of the expected decrease in revenue and workforce due to aging demographics and population decline. Tenchijin aims to contribute to solving these issues by utilizing space big data. Source: Water Statistics (Japan Water Works Association)

 

What is “Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak” ?

This image is a sample of “Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak”. The colored areas indicate high-risk areas for water pipe leaks. The degree of leakage risk is divided into five levels. The red areas indicate the highest risk of leakage.

 

What is “Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak” ?

This is a cloud-based system that enables the evaluation and management of leakage risks in potential areas in a range of approximately 100 square meters using data observed by multiple satellites (= space big data) and open data, classifying the risks into five levels.

By regularly registering and managing leakage points in this system, it is also possible for its AI to reevaluate leakage risks (with improved accuracy) based on accumulated leakage data. Through PoC with the Cabinet Office during fiscal year 2022 and hearings with other local governments, the expected effects of this system include a maximum reduction of 65% in inspection costs and a maximum reduction of 85% in investigation periods.

The excellence in technical prowess and the low implementation barriers were acknowledged, resulting in the receipt of the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award at the “7th Infrastructure Maintenance Awards” conducted by various ministries such as the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Since its launch in 2023, within one year, KnoWaterleak has been adopted by 15 municipalities including Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo Metropolitan Government (as of June 2024).

 

1. Utilization of Multiple Satellite Data

Tenchijin proposes leakage risk assessments tailored to each customer based on vast big data obtained from multiple satellites, taking into account the effects of climate change.

 

2. Leakage Risk Assessment by AI

Tenchijin improves evaluation accuracy by statistically analyzing data observed by multiple satellites, open data, deterioration/corrosion factors, and leakage occurrence information using machine learning (AI)

 

3. Confirmation and Management of Evaluation results

Evaluation results in the cloud-based leakage risk management system “Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak” can be checked anytime, anywhere using a mobile PC. Input and management of leakage investigation results on-site are also possible.

 

4.Verification and Issue Extraction

Leakage investigation results and reports from citizens can be saved and printed on graphs as knowledge information. Additionally, improving analysis accuracy by training AI is expected.

 

Company overview

Company name: Tenchijin, Inc.

Address: THE EAST Nihonbashi 1-chome, 5th floor, Mitsui Building, 1-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Yasuhito Sakuraba, CEO

Business content: land evaluation consulting using satellite data.

Site URL: https://tenchijin.co.jp/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tenchijin/

Twitter: https://x.com/Tenchijin_en