Hitachi's AI Café Celebration: Insights from Construction Industry on Generative AI

On July 30, 2026, Hitachi Ltd. hosted the 10th event of its internal AI promotion community termed "AI Café". This initiative aims to enhance the understanding and application of generative AI across the organization. The event, facilitated by And-dot Inc., featured keynote speaker, Kō Furukawa from Shimizu Corporation's NOVARE Innovation Center.

Setting the Stage: Continuous Learning at AI Café

The AI Café operates as a relaxed, inclusive environment where employees can learn about generative AI while enjoying their lunch. This welcoming format encourages participation from various fields, inviting external experts to share practical knowledge. Since its inception in December 2025, the AI Café has successfully conducted multiple sessions, with experts from sectors like telecommunications, precision machinery, and now construction joining in.

Highlight of the Event: Learning from the Frontlines of Construction

Furukawa’s discussion centered around the real-world applications of AI in the construction sector. He highlighted the company's journey in adopting generative AI, addressing initial hurdles, and sharing valuable insights from their technological explorations. From overcoming both technological challenges and organizational barriers to enhancing precision through collaborations with external partners, Furukawa covered a comprehensive range of topics.

During his presentation, he outlined the journey of Shimizu Corporation in incorporating generative AI, illustrating how they transitioned from initial implementation to institutionalizing it within their operations. The strategic approach involved combining grassroots movements and top-down initiatives to reshape organizational culture, emphasizing collaboration among various stakeholders - field operators, vendors, and internal AI teams.

A key element of the discussion was how to ensure generative AI is not perceived as just a temporary trend but an integral part of daily operations. Furukawa emphasized the future integration of physical AI and robotics, paving the way for automation in construction tasks.

Engaging Discussions: Challenges of Integration Across Industries

The session concluded with a lively open discussion moderated by Yuta Ibaraki, CEO of And-dot Inc., and Tomokazu Oyama, the AI Ambassador of Hitachi. Participants focused on the challenges of implementing AI transformation in legacy industries like construction. The industry is characterized by a unique set of complexities due to diverse site conditions, construction methodologies, and regulatory environments.

Opinions were shared regarding the dichotomy between the successful implementation of AI in administrative functions like document preparation and information retrieval, versus the daunting obstacles facing automation in the physical construction processes. Participants recognized that while efficiency gains are being achieved in specific areas, substantial barriers still exist.

Moreover, the discussions delved into organizational aspects, addressing the gap between frontline workers and the transformation initiatives, including the hurdles surrounding the application for AI tools. These discussions revealed a shared challenge across sectors, highlighting both the need for technological advancements and an adaptive organizational culture.

Looking Ahead: Fostering Innovation through Learning

As a forward-thinking support organization, And-dot Inc. plans to strengthen its partnership with Hitachi. By further developing the AI Café, they aim to establish a platform where knowledge sharing and interactions among employees and guest speakers can flourish. The goal is to ensure insights gained from various industries inspire each participant’s reform initiatives and collaborative efforts in their respective fields.

About And-dot Inc.

And-dot Inc. is headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, and specializes in solutions that leverage generative AI, alongside related services. For more info, visit And-dot's website.