Liberaware

About Liberaware

Liberaware Co., Ltd. is a Japanese startup specializing in the development of compact, industrial drones for inspecting confined, dark, and hazardous indoor spaces. The company was founded in August 2016 by CEO Hong-gyu Min. Min's motivation stemmed from his experience as a university researcher on a project using drones for internal nuclear plant inspections, where he realized the need to personally commercialize the technology to see it applied in real-world scenarios. Liberaware went public in July 2024, listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market.

The company's core offering revolves around its proprietary small-scale drone, "IBIS". Developed in-house, IBIS is designed to operate in non-GPS environments where conventional drones cannot, such as inside pipelines, boilers, ceiling attics, and other infrastructure. Key features of the IBIS include dust-proof motors co-developed with Nidec, high-sensitivity cameras for clear imaging in low light, and a robust frame that allows it to continue flying even after collisions. The latest model, IBIS2, is approximately 20cm in diameter and weighs 243g, capable of flying in harsh conditions. It can be equipped with options like an upward-facing camera and a thermal camera to detect abnormalities like water or gas leaks.

Liberaware operates through two primary business segments: a Drone Business and a Digital Twin Business. The Drone Business provides inspection services using IBIS drones, which can be deployed on a spot basis or through an annual rental plan. The rental plan includes pilot training, maintenance, and access to their cloud platform. The Digital Twin Business leverages the data captured by the drones. Through its proprietary cloud-based software "LAPIS," Liberaware processes video footage to create 3D models, point cloud data, and orthophotos, enabling digital management and analysis of facilities. This allows clients in sectors like steel, railway, construction, and power generation to perform safer, more efficient, and cost-effective maintenance by visualizing inaccessible areas and managing inspection data digitally.

The company has raised approximately $9.27 million over several funding rounds, with investors including Drone Fund, ORIX, and JR East Start UP Co., Ltd. Liberaware has also engaged in joint ventures and partnerships, such as the establishment of CalTa Inc. with the JR East group to promote digital twins in the railway and infrastructure industry. It has also collaborated on developing specialized drones for high-temperature and high-radiation environments.