TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–OKI (TOKYO: 6703), jointly selected with East Japan Railway Company (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yoichi Kise; “JR East”), has conducted a demonstration experiment in Indonesia for approximately seven months in collaboration with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Headquarters: Bandung, Indonesia; “KAI”) under the JICA SDGs Business Supporting Surveys (JICA Biz) (Note 1). This experiment utilized OKI’s Zero-Energy IoT Series (“ZE-IoT Series”), which requires no wiring for power or communication, for remote slope monitoring along railway tracks. In the demonstration, it was confirmed that the ZE-IoT Series, which uses wireless sensors and cameras with NB-IoT (Note 2) communication, can provide stable monitoring even in local environments with high humidity and heavy rainfall. In addition, the results confirmed its effectiveness in strengthening disaster prevention and improving the efficiency of maintenance and management for railway infrastructure. Based on the results of this project, OKI aims to contribute to the advancement of disaster prevention and maintenance management for railways and other infrastructure, while also considering the expansion of these initiatives to other regions, countries, and sectors facing similar challenges.
In recent years, countries including Indonesia have frequently experienced landslides and floods caused by climate change, resulting in serious damage to transportation infrastructure such as railways. On-site inspections during such events are essential but involve challenges including travel time, inspection costs, and ensuring the safety of maintenance personnel. As such, for infrastructure operators, the early detection of abnormalities and the establishment of an efficient maintenance system through remote monitoring technologies have become a pressing issue.
In this demonstration, wireless acceleration sensors and zero-energy high-sensitivity cameras from the ZE-IoT Series were installed on slopes along railway tracks of KAI, and continuous data collection was carried out. The swift installation procedures are expected to reduce the burden on field operators in the future. Each sensor utilized NB-IoT communication method to detect slope inclination and minute changes in real time from a remote location, while the camera provided clear site images both day and night. Over approximately seven months of operation, the system was confirmed to function stably even in Indonesia’s characteristic environment of high temperature, high humidity, and heavy rainfall, proving that data collection and communication are possible regardless of weather conditions. Furthermore, demonstration experiments confirmed that accurate detection of slope changes and early signs of abnormality could be achieved remotely. As a result, the need for manual patrols and on-site inspections was greatly reduced, and in the event of any abnormality, it was demonstrated that the situation could be promptly understood and appropriate action taken. These achievements contribute to the safety and efficiency of KAI’s railway operations, and enable sustainable infrastructure maintenance.
Takashi Inoue, Executive Officer and Head of the Component Products Division at OKI commented, “The demonstration experiment clearly demonstrated the ZE-IoT Series’ advantages in terms of ease of installation, power efficiency, and highly accurate data collection, earning significant local recognition. Natural disasters frequently occur across Indonesia, and we believe this technology can contribute to disaster resilience both in the railway sector and in other critical infrastructure fields.”
Going forward, OKI will leverage the results of this demonstration experiment not only within Indonesia but also with a view toward expansion into neighboring countries and other regions, aiming for further growth in the global market. OKI will continue to strengthen initiatives as a key measure of its Medium-Term Business Plan, leveraging technological expertise in the social infrastructure field to create value globally and address social issues.
The following comment was received from KAI:
“We highly appreciate OKI’s initiative under JICA SDGs Business Supporting Surveys in introducing and implementing advanced sensor technologies directly in the field. This collaboration represents an important step in the transfer of knowledge and the introduction of cutting-edge digital technologies, which are perfectly aligned with KAI’s ongoing digital transformation in railway infrastructure management. We believe that the application of such innovative IoT-based monitoring solutions will greatly enhance the sustainability, safety, and efficiency of railway track operations and maintenance.”
[Overview of the Demonstration Experiment]
- Purpose: Slope monitoring using acceleration sensors, site monitoring using high-sensitivity cameras
- Installation period: January 2025 – July 2025
- Location: Purwakarta, Indonesia
- Details: Verification of the usefulness of the equipment and data communication
[ZE-IoT Series]
An IoT solution that enables remote monitoring of infrastructure such as slopes, bridges, and rivers without the need for commercial power supply or communication construction, utilizing external power sources like solar panels and batteries, as well as energy-efficient wireless communication technologies. The system has a strong track record of deployment throughout Japan, where various sensors continuously measure data such as river water levels, slope inclinations, and the natural frequencies of structures. This data is automatically transmitted to the cloud and changes or abnormalities are visualized chronologically.
In addition, by integrating high-sensitivity cameras, the system can capture clear images day and night. Infrastructure managers can check these measurement data and images in real time from a PC or smartphone browser, enabling them to grasp the situation remotely, even at remote locations.
[Terminology]
Note 1: JICA SDGs Business Supporting Surveys (JICA Biz)
A project that solicits applications from companies with a high potential and willingness to solve issues in developing countries, verifies the acceptability of proposed products/services, supports the establishment of product/service provision systems and securing profitability, and improves the accuracy of business plans. This demonstration experiment is a part of the project jointly selected by JR East and OKI as part of the FY2023 JICA SDGs Business Supporting Surveys (JICA Biz).
Note 2: NB-IoT
Abbreviation for Narrowband Internet of Things. A communication method that enables the connection of IoT devices over a wide area with low power consumption.
[Related link]
OKI Web site “Zero Energy IoT Series”: https://www.oki.com/global/ZEIoT/
“Zero Energy IoT Series” introductory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYe1Zhm1200
About Oki Electric Industry (OKI)
Founded in 1881, OKI is Japan’s leading information and telecommunication manufacturer. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, OKI provides top-quality products, technologies, and solutions to customers through its Public Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, Component Products, and Electronics Manufacturing Services businesses. Its various business divisions function synergistically to bring to market exciting new products and technologies that meet a wide range of customer needs in various sectors. Visit OKI’s global website at https://www.oki.com/global/.
Notes:
– Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. is commonly referred to as OKI.
– Other company names and product names mentioned in this text are the trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies.
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