CEATEC Highlights: AI Innovations Shaping the Future of Work and Everyday Life
The Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies (CEATEC) in Chiba, Japan, is putting a spotlight on artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to shape the future of work and everyday life. The event, which began on October 17, has already drawn attention from the media as numerous companies unveil their latest AI-driven technologies.
AI is making its way into various fields, serving different purposes ranging from addressing labor shortages to providing human-like companionship. Companies like Thinker, a venture company from Osaka University, showcased a robotic arm capable of delicately picking up items like tofu and irregularly shaped vegetables. Equipped with four infrared sensors at its fingertips, the robotic arm can accurately calculate an object’s distance and angle, enabling it to quickly and precisely grasp objects that were previously challenging for robots.
Another notable development at CEATEC is a service by Lixil Corp., which streamlines toilet cleaning in commercial facilities. By using sensors on doors, locks, and toilet bowls, AI can detect patterns in restroom usage and identify urgent cleaning needs like clogs. This data is then used to outline the most efficient cleaning routes for staff through a smartphone app, optimizing the cleaning process.
Hitachi Ltd. also displayed an AI-based service that visualizes underground water and gas pipes, which are typically challenging to locate without skilled workers. By using AI to detect and project the location of these pipelines, construction schedules can be expedited, alleviating labor shortages in the industry.
In addition to innovations in the workforce, CEATEC showcased AI’s potential for providing comfort and companionship in everyday life. Many exhibits featured AI capable of engaging in casual conversations or acting as tour guides using local dialects. For instance, a palm-sized robot named Romi, developed by Mixi Inc., utilizes deep learning technology to create human-like sentences, making interactions more natural and friendly. Romi can express over 100 different facial expressions and emotions, offering a sense of companionship to users.
Similarly, Advanced Media Inc., Japan’s leading provider of voice recognition software, exhibited an avatar built on generative AI called ChatGPT. This avatar can adapt its way of speaking and tone of voice depending on the settings, providing a personalized experience. It was even trialed in the Ibaraki prefectural government office, where it served as a guide speaking in the local dialect.
CEATEC 2021 has attracted a total of 684 companies and organizations, 122 more than the previous year. This high-tech trade show is set to continue until October 20, offering a glimpse into the future of AI and its potential to transform various industries, enhance productivity, and provide companionship in everyday life.
Note: This article is generated by OpenAI’s language model.
