Japanese technology company Pixie Dust Technologies has partnered with MAEDA Corporation and Accenture Japan to develop the Rebar Inspection System.  

The solution is designed to capture on-site still images of objects measured from a distance. 

The technology is expected to reduce the time required for on-site construction management testing of reinforcing bar arrangements. 

The solution is noted to have shown an 80% reduction in shooting time compared to traditional methods during its testing phase. 

Through the integration of 360° video and building information modelling (BIM), the technology provides a simplified method for confirming the correctness of reinforcing bar numbers and positions, as well as evaluating cover thickness.

The system leverages Pixie Dust's spatial data platform called KOTOWARI. 

KOTOWARI is an application designed for acquiring, storing, and analysing spatial data, including digital data. 

The company says it has been dedicated to developing KOTOWARI with corporate partners since its inception. 

KOTOWARI department general manager Tatsuya Nakamoto said: “Traditionally, construction management faced heavy workloads from capturing and selecting numerous on-site images. 

“With rising social demands, including adherence to regulations limiting overtime work and calls for work-style reform, we anticipate the Rebar Inspection System to transform the process of capturing documentary photographs.” 

The technology is designed to be consumer-oriented, with an aim to explore external software sales to encourage widespread adoption. 

MAEDA plans a nationwide rollout of the Rebar Inspection System by April 2024.