Environmental Solutions Sector

World's first automated incinerator operation
For the operation of the incinerators of waste-processing plants, we began to collect data using IoT devices in fiscal 2014 and developed BRA-ING, a system which fully automates the intervention operations to improve waste combustion that had been previously conducted by experienced operators. As of the end of fiscal 2022, we have introduced this system in 12 facilities. We will continue to accelerate development efforts for the realization of automated operations.

Infrastructure Engineering Sector

Automatic AI-based Inspection of Bridge Reinforcement
We are proactively  introducing ICT and AI technologies on construction sites and developing these technologies. At present, we have experimentally introduced them to selected sites to verify their ability to streamline operations and reduce the amount of labor required.

Energy Industries Engineering Sector

Stable operation of biomass energy plants realized
In the event of an abnormality, the detection system sends a notification and a visualization tool enables data about the current situation to be instantaneous confirmed. This helps identify situations promptly and investigate their cause.

Digital Transformation Headquarters

Development of AI engine WinmuSe®
WWinmuSe® is a solution service we offer to solve customers' operation issues using time series forecasting and the optimization of AI engines developed in-house.  WinmuSe® has a proven track record, having been used for the demand forecasting and supply optimization of gas and water, inflow prediction and discharge optimization for hydroelectric dams, river-level forecasting by local governments, and other tasks. We will continue to advance new solution technologies, contributing to the continued improvement of value for customers.

Digital Transformation Headquarters

Establishment of the AI & IoT Group, a company-wide organization
In fiscal 2020, we established the AI & IoT Expertise Group, an internal organization with the goal of improving the ICT capabilities of the entire company and developing experts. We have carefully devised an action plan to facilitate the participation of people with limited opportunities to use IT in normal operations, in our efforts to enhance ICT skills related to OT* in addition to elevating the skill level of beginners and team members with intermediate-level skills. We hope that this will dramatically increase team members' ICT skills over the next few years. * OT: Operational technologies
※OT : Operational Technology(Control and operation technology）

Plant Construction Sector
Digital Transformation Headquarters

Significant reduction of time consumed for tasks at work sites achieved through the introduction of electronic tags.
Electronic tags attached to parts shipped from steelworks have enabled us to prevent workers at production plants from forgetting to load products. At work sites, the tags have enabled workers to manage deliveries just by scanning the cargo while walking around it. In addition, the integration of the electronic tags and 3D data enables the real-time confirmation of progress in the erection of structures at the Head Office. While there remain points that require improvement, we hope that the project will continue to be improved and streamlined in the future. 

Plant Construction Sector
Digital Transformation Headquarters

Use of Pla'cello® for the prompt handling of signs of abnormalities
Use of the system to detect potential plant abnormalities and visualize data and the analysis tools of Pla’cello® has enabled the early detection of abnormalities, the prompt assessment of situations and investigations into the causes of the abnormalities. This has made it possible to quickly address potential fatal abnormalities which can potentially lead to an emergency plant shutdown, contributing to the stable operation of the plants.