Airion Inc., a University of Tokyo-born venture specializing in AI implementation for the manufacturing industry, has begun a proof-of-concept project with BASIS Inc., a company engaged in infrastructure tech (mobile engineering services and IoT engineering services), to use AI to automate the verification of installation quality for NCUs (※2) attached to gas meters, in integration with BLAS (※1), the cloud-based construction management system developed by BASIS.
※1) BLAS: A cloud-based construction management system that allows work progress and photo data to be registered, updated, and managed from the field using a smartphone or PC.
※2) NCU: Short for Network Control Unit, a device installed on gas meters. It detects anomalies in real time without human intervention and promptly notifies a centralized monitoring center via telephone line or wireless communication.
■ Background of the AI Development
BLAS, developed by BASIS, has streamlined tasks such as serial number matching and meter reading verification by integrating an image recognition AI that reads numbers and text from photo data (Patent No. 7507600) with RPA. However, automation had been limited to matching and verifying the values read by the image recognition AI, and automating the verification of installation conditions had remained a challenge for the past several years.
■ What the AI Development Covers
In this project, we conducted a proof of concept for AI that verifies the physical installation conditions. Specifically, this includes verification tasks such as identifying the gas meter type, detecting cable entry points, and judging whether the cable routing is correct. Despite their enormous volume, these tasks previously had to be performed by visual inspection. With this AI development, it becomes possible to reduce the hours required for verification work while improving installation quality.
Illustration of the AI verifying installation conditions from photo data
■ Looking Ahead
After the proof of concept is complete, the developed AI will be integrated with BLAS and rolled out for use in the field. Airion and BASIS also plan to strengthen their collaboration, with an eye toward applications in other fields and other systems. Through these efforts, we aim to drive technological innovation across the industry and contribute to realizing a high-quality, sustainable society.
■ Company Profile
BASIS Inc.
Under its corporate philosophy of "Making the world more convenient with ICT," BASIS runs an infrastructure tech business that builds and supports the infrastructure of the digital society through technology. It provides telecommunications infrastructure design, construction, operation, and maintenance services, as well as various project support services, to infrastructure operators in telecommunications, electric power, gas, and other sectors.
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