Hmcomm and Moriyama City Transition to the Social Implementation Phase of AI Water Leak Detection
Hmcomm Co., Ltd. announced that it will continue its joint proof-of-concept for AI-based water pipe leak detection with Moriyama City into FY2026, transitioning to the next phase aimed at social implementation.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 4, 2026 at 01:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 3, 2026 at 17:09
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 03:14 (418h 4m after Collected)
Hmcomm Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Koji Sanmoto; hereinafter 'Hmcomm') is pleased to announce that, based on the results of the joint proof-of-concept (PoC) experiment on AI-based water pipe leak detection conducted with Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture, the PoC will be continued in fiscal year 2026 (hereinafter 'this fiscal year'), transitioning to the next phase of initiatives aimed at social implementation.
In this initiative, by utilizing our core strength in acoustic analysis AI technology (Sound x AI), the AI detects and analyzes minute leakage sounds generated from water pipes. The goal is to upgrade and streamline leak investigation, which has conventionally relied on the experience of skilled technicians.
In the PoC with Moriyama City, the effectiveness of AI-based leak detection was confirmed, with cases demonstrating that the AI yielded judgment results on par with those of skilled investigators. Based on these achievements, the collaboration with Moriyama City will be continued this fiscal year.
Our company will work alongside Moriyama City to expand the verification in real-world operational environments and advance efforts toward social implementation.
**■ Results of the Proof-of-Concept**
In the PoC with Moriyama City, utilizing our proprietary acoustic analysis AI, the following results were confirmed:
* Confirmed the effectiveness of AI-based leak sound detection.
* Confirmed cases where the AI showed judgment results on par with skilled investigators.
* Confirmed the feasibility of the AI leak detection process in a real operational environment.
This confirmed the potential of a new maintenance and management method utilizing AI in the water infrastructure sector.
**■ Initiatives for This Fiscal Year's PoC**
In this fiscal year's PoC, with an eye on social implementation, we will advance the following initiatives:
* Expansion of AI leak detection verification in real operational environments.
* Further improvement of AI judgment accuracy and operational efficiency.
* Examination of an AI utilization model in water infrastructure.
Through these efforts, we aim to establish a next-generation water infrastructure management model utilizing AI.
**■ Comment from Takashi Morinaka, Mayor of Moriyama City**
I recognize that addressing aging infrastructure, including waterworks, is one of our most important administrative challenges.
Through the PoC in FY2025, the potential of a new maintenance method using AI was confirmed, and I have high expectations for its social implementation.
We will continue to work toward the realization of sustainable infrastructure management, with the city hall providing robust support within this public-private partnership project.
**■ Background**
In Japan, the aging of water pipes installed during the period of rapid economic growth is progressing, and advanced leak countermeasures and maintenance are critical issues for local governments.
On the other hand, leak investigation relies heavily on the experience and hearing of skilled technicians, leading to pointed challenges regarding human resource shortages and investigation efficiency.
Our company is developing AI monitoring solutions for social infrastructure utilizing acoustic analysis AI technology, and through this initiative, we aim for the social implementation of AI in the water infrastructure sector.
**■ Future Expansion**
This technology is expected to be applied beyond water infrastructure to the monitoring of various social infrastructure, such as gas pipes, roads, and bridges.
Moving forward, we will promote the social implementation and commercialization of AI utilization in the social infrastructure sector, with a view to expanding to local governments nationwide.
**[Reference: About PoCs with Local Governments]**
This project was adopted as part of the 'Public-Private Partnership Project Support Program' implemented by Moriyama City, and we have been advancing verification in cooperation with the local government.
In addition, the background of this initiative and the state of the on-site PoC are also featured on Moriyama City's official note (blog).
In this initiative, by utilizing our core strength in acoustic analysis AI technology (Sound x AI), the AI detects and analyzes minute leakage sounds generated from water pipes. The goal is to upgrade and streamline leak investigation, which has conventionally relied on the experience of skilled technicians.
In the PoC with Moriyama City, the effectiveness of AI-based leak detection was confirmed, with cases demonstrating that the AI yielded judgment results on par with those of skilled investigators. Based on these achievements, the collaboration with Moriyama City will be continued this fiscal year.
Our company will work alongside Moriyama City to expand the verification in real-world operational environments and advance efforts toward social implementation.
**■ Results of the Proof-of-Concept**
In the PoC with Moriyama City, utilizing our proprietary acoustic analysis AI, the following results were confirmed:
* Confirmed the effectiveness of AI-based leak sound detection.
* Confirmed cases where the AI showed judgment results on par with skilled investigators.
* Confirmed the feasibility of the AI leak detection process in a real operational environment.
This confirmed the potential of a new maintenance and management method utilizing AI in the water infrastructure sector.
**■ Initiatives for This Fiscal Year's PoC**
In this fiscal year's PoC, with an eye on social implementation, we will advance the following initiatives:
* Expansion of AI leak detection verification in real operational environments.
* Further improvement of AI judgment accuracy and operational efficiency.
* Examination of an AI utilization model in water infrastructure.
Through these efforts, we aim to establish a next-generation water infrastructure management model utilizing AI.
**■ Comment from Takashi Morinaka, Mayor of Moriyama City**
I recognize that addressing aging infrastructure, including waterworks, is one of our most important administrative challenges.
Through the PoC in FY2025, the potential of a new maintenance method using AI was confirmed, and I have high expectations for its social implementation.
We will continue to work toward the realization of sustainable infrastructure management, with the city hall providing robust support within this public-private partnership project.
**■ Background**
In Japan, the aging of water pipes installed during the period of rapid economic growth is progressing, and advanced leak countermeasures and maintenance are critical issues for local governments.
On the other hand, leak investigation relies heavily on the experience and hearing of skilled technicians, leading to pointed challenges regarding human resource shortages and investigation efficiency.
Our company is developing AI monitoring solutions for social infrastructure utilizing acoustic analysis AI technology, and through this initiative, we aim for the social implementation of AI in the water infrastructure sector.
**■ Future Expansion**
This technology is expected to be applied beyond water infrastructure to the monitoring of various social infrastructure, such as gas pipes, roads, and bridges.
Moving forward, we will promote the social implementation and commercialization of AI utilization in the social infrastructure sector, with a view to expanding to local governments nationwide.
**[Reference: About PoCs with Local Governments]**
This project was adopted as part of the 'Public-Private Partnership Project Support Program' implemented by Moriyama City, and we have been advancing verification in cooperation with the local government.
In addition, the background of this initiative and the state of the on-site PoC are also featured on Moriyama City's official note (blog).
FAQ
What are the features of Hmcomm's AI leak detection technology?
It utilizes proprietary acoustic analysis AI technology (sound x AI) to detect and analyze subtle leak sounds from water pipes, enhancing the sophistication of surveys that previously relied on the hearing of skilled technicians.
What were the results of the demonstration experiment with Moriyama City?
It was confirmed that AI can show results comparable to those of experienced leak detection technicians, and it has been demonstrated that the AI leak detection process is feasible in actual operational environments.
Can this technology be applied to other areas besides water pipes?
Yes. In the future, it is expected to be applied to various social infrastructure monitoring fields where acoustic analysis can be utilized, such as gas pipes, roads, and bridges.