— Developing AI-Based Bushfire Spread Prediction to Drive New Disaster Prevention DX Business —
Tokyo, Japan – Oct. 01, 2026 – On 22/Sep/2026, Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Hitoshi Hatakeyama; hereinafter “AAS”) entered into a joint research agreement with the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia, in connection with ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub IH210100048: Resilient and Intelligent Infrastructure Systems, and has commenced the development of an AI-based bushfire spread prediction system.
This research will be conducted through the Resilient and Intelligent Infrastructure Systems (RIIS) Research Hub, the Australian Research Council (ARC)-supported research hub administered by UNSW. In collaboration with RIIS researchers and UNSW, AAS’s Advanced Technology Research Institute aims to establish next-generation disaster prediction technologies. This initiative is based on the partnership agreement signed with UNSW in 2025 and forms part of AAS’s medium- to long-term technology development strategy.
The project will utilise detailed spatial data of Australia—including terrain, buildings, and vegetation—to advance an AI system capable of predicting bushfire spread in three dimensions. By integrating high-resolution vegetation fuel and dynamic data such as wind speed, humidity, and temperature, the system aims to deliver highly accurate simulations that closely reflect real-world conditions.
This is expected to improve the accuracy of predicting fire spread range and progression speed in the event of a fire, thereby supporting rapid and well-informed decision-making for disaster response and prescribed preventive burning.
In recent years, the risk of bushfires has been increasing globally due to climate change, with Australia in particular facing large-scale and widespread fire damage as a major societal issue. This research seeks to address these challenges by first focusing on practical application and validation in real-world Australian environments, with the goal of establishing highly reliable and practical technology. Furthermore, in light of the growing incidence of forest fires in Japan and increasing demand for advanced disaster management solutions, future deployment as a solution for local governments and emergency management agencies in Japan is also being considered.
This initiative also promotes advancements in the disaster prevention DX domain through the integration of AAS’s core strengths in geospatial technology and AI. It is expected to contribute to medium- to long-term market expansion and the strengthening of revenue foundations through future deployment of services for government agencies and municipalities, as well as risk management solutions for infrastructure operators.
AAS remains committed to contributing to the realisation of a sustainable society by developing advanced technologies that address societal challenges and implementing them in practical applications, while enhancing corporate value.
Related Information
- UNSW: https://www.unsw.edu.au/
- ARC: https://www.arc.gov.au/
- RIIS: https://riis.org.au/
- 2025 Press Release: https://www.ajiko.co.jp/news_detail/1637
- AAS Advanced Technology Research Institute: https://www.lab-ajiko.com/