Japan airports test AI system to help facility maintenance

Airports in Japan have started testing an AI-based system to help improve monitoring and maintenance of runways and other facilities.

A total of 19 airports are running the tests through March next year.

The goal is to introduce a system that makes facility management more efficient amid a widespread labor shortage.

Narita airport near Tokyo and airports in the Kinki region are part of the project. Trading house Sumitomo helped to build the AI system.

The company says it analyzes data from cameras on inspection vehicles and drones to check for cracks on runways or other abnormalities.

Airports face a shortage of specialized inspection staff as aviation demand increases due to a surge in international visitors.

Sumitomo says its AI monitoring method could potentially cut inspection times in half.

Airports plan to start introducing the system after the tests are complete.