Improving duct inspection efficiency with drones designed for confined spaces: Mitsui Fudosan and KDDI

Mitsui Fudosan and KDDI Smart Drone tested the use of the compact-space drone IBIS2 for equipment inspections in an office building they manage.

The drone successfully flew and captured footage inside hard-to-access areas such as ducts and underground water tanks, confirming leaks, dirt, and damage.

The trial suggests inspections could be done without ladders or temporary scaffolding, reducing workload, setup time, and fall risk.

If adopted more widely, the approach could improve safety and efficiency in building maintenance, especially for narrow or dark spaces.