The research using AI enhanced with statistical methods developed by Professor Takaaki Takahashi and Associate Professor Shonosuke Sugasawa of the Center for Spatial Information Science at the University of Tokyo, along with statistical data on human flow and various other data provided by SoftBank Corp. and JR Kyushu Group companies respectively, to provide highly accurate forecasts of the number of visitors and sales has started.

This research considers JR Hakata Station as a representative model of a growing city in Japan and uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) to identify factors that influence the number of visitors and sales at JR Hakata City, a large-scale commercial facility adjacent to JR Hakata Station, in order to make more accurate long-term forecasts. The goal of the research is to create attractive facilities for users by adapting the results of this research in various measures to improve users’ satisfaction and increase sales as well as contribute to promoting smart cities in other cities in Japan.

The full press release (in Japanese only) by Kyushu Railway Company, JR Kyushu Ekibiru Holdings, JR HAKATA CITY Co., Ltd., the University of Tokyo and SoftBank Corp is available as below (PDF).
https://beyondai.jp/contents/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/400208505.pdf

＜Related Links＞ ※ available in Japanese only
・Press Release at UTokyo Focus
https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/focus/ja/press/z1702_00033.htm
・Press Release at SoftBank
https://www.softbank.jp/corp/news/press/sbkk/2023/20230224_02/

The University of Tokyo and SoftBank Corp. (hereinafter referred to as SoftBank), in collaboration with Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to Odakyu Railway), began a new field experiment in December 2022 related to the Next-Generation AI Urban Simulator, expanding the target from a limited number of commercial facilities around Odakyu Ebina Station to cover the entire area around the Station.

“Next-Generation AI Urban Simulator” is one of the research themes promoted by the Institute for AI and Beyond under collaborative initiatives by the University of Tokyo and SoftBank, which have conducted the said research and development since April 2021, in collaboration with Odakyu Railway.

The field experiment aims to revitalize the livelihood and economy of the entire city by attracting more participants to local events, promoting purchasing activities, as well as improving efficiency of store operations based on the data acquired by “Next Generation AI Urban Simulator”. Furthermore, it is expected to solve urban issues such as reducing food loss and saving energy etc., to realize a sustainable urban environment.

Please see the following full press release (in Japanese only) (PDF).
https://beyondai.jp/contents/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PR_Next-Generation-AI-Urban-Simulator-20230117.pdf

＜Related Links＞ ※ available in Japanese only
・Press Release at UTokyo Focus
https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/focus/ja/press/
・Press Release at SoftBank HP
https://www.softbank.jp/corp/news/press/sbkk/2023/20230117_01/
・Press Release at Odakyu Railway HP
https://www.odakyu.jp/company_information/

Associate Professor Kenji Tanaka's research development of a "Urban Simulator for the next generation utilizing AI digital technology" from the Institute for AI and Beyond's Applied Research (High-cycle Research) has been featured on DG Lab Haus, a media outlet that provides information on cutting-edge technologies. This article features interviews with Associate Professor Tanaka, Mr. Shinichi Matsuda, Senior Director, AI Strategy Office Technology Unit, SoftBank Corp., and Ryo Kunieda, Manager, AI Strategy Office.

Title: "Another Ebina City" in Virtual Space - Institute for AI and Beyond's "Urban Simulator for the next generation utilizing AI digital technology"
Media: DG Lab Haus
Article URL: https://media.dglab.com/2021/06/08-ebina-01/

The University of Tokyo, Softbank Corp., Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd. and GRID Corp. will collaborate on the research development of a "Urban Simulator for the next generation utilizing AI digital technology" implementing Algorithm for People-Flow Naviation that encourages visitors to change their behavior in Ebina Station and area facilities on the Odakyu Line as one of the research themes in the Institute of AI and Beyond.

PDF（Japanese Only）
https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/content/400160449.pdf