EIZO and Obayashi partner to advance remote construction with 3D imaging at noto peninsula disaster recovery site.

EIZO Corporation today announced that it has partnered with Obayashi Corporation to conduct a field test demonstrating the effectiveness of 3D imaging technology for remote operation of construction machinery at the disaster recovery site in Noto Peninsula, Japan.

The initiative was part of the Emergency Landslide Restoration Work following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake in the Sosogi and Shibuta areas of Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. The project required remote operation as a critical safety measure to protect workers from secondary hazards such as falling rocks, while maintaining efficiency in urgent recovery efforts. To achieve this, Obayashi connected the recovery site in Wajima with a remote operation base in Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture and carried out unmanned construction in hazardous zones.

Traditional remote operation relies on two-dimensional video feeds, which make it difficult for operators to judge depth and distance accurately. This limitation creates challenges for precise maneuvering and slows progress. To address these challenges, Obayashi conducted a field test of a solution that incorporates EIZO’s advanced 3D monitor and imaging technologies. By delivering realistic sense of depth comparable to on-site operation, the system allowed operators to focus on a single 3D view instead of multiple camera angles, improving both efficiency and accuracy. This solution was based on technology co-developed by EIZO and Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., which was announced in April 2024.

The field test demonstrated significant improvements in work efficiency. Operators using enhanced-depth-perception 3D imaging were able to load collapsed soil from a fixed position faster than those relying on conventional 2D video. EIZO’s Streaming Gateway ensured reliable long-distance operation by transmitting synchronized stereo images stably across more than 600 kilometers between Ishikawa and Chiba, enabling safe and seamless remote control. Furthermore, the use of 3D imaging eliminated the need for overhead camera installation, a step that often delays initial response, allowing disaster recovery efforts to proceed with greater speed and agility.

EIZO will continue to advance its 3D remote operation solutions for a wide range of construction machinery and applications, contributing to faster disaster recovery and helping address social challenges such as labor shortages in the construction industry.

Sustainability is a core principle that drives EIZO’s business strategy and operations. Dedicated to creating a positive impact on both society and the environment through responsible product design, efficient manufacturing processes, and innovative solutions, EIZO transparently discloses its environmental information in line with international initiatives such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).

As part of its sustainability efforts, EIZO is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040 through its Low-Carbon Transition Plan – Transition to Net Zero, focusing on addressing climate change, advancing circular economy principles, and reducing its environmental footprint throughout the entire value chain.

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