#Japan #V-Cube #Chiba #Telecube Cool #Aeon Agri

Innovative Approach to Heat Stress in Agriculture

In response to increasing concerns about heat stress among agricultural workers, a collaboration between V-Cube and Aeon Agri Creation has led to the pilot installation of the "Telecube Cool Pro". Located at the Aeon Chiba Kashiwa Farm, this portable booth is designed to be a cooling haven, allowing workers to take necessary breaks in a controlled environment. The trial period runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026, focusing on the effectiveness of this new solution in enhancing worker safety and productivity.

Context of Heat Stress in Agriculture

With the rise of extreme heat in Japan, the urgency for implementing heat stress measures has escalated. The Occupational Safety and Health Act mandates employers to ensure worker safety, which takes special significance in agricultural settings, where the conditions can be extreme. As of June 2025, stricter regulations surrounding heat-related work environments will be in place, requiring comprehensive reporting systems and preventive measures against potential heat strain.

Furthermore, data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries indicates a concerning increase in heat-related fatalities in agricultural jobs, with the numbers rising notably from 37 deaths in 2023 to 59 in the following year. This alarming trend highlights the pressing need for effective intervention.

Objectives of the Pilot Project

Aeon Agri Creation is committed to meeting international safety standards, including GLOBAL G.A.P., and prioritizes the health and safety of its employees while enhancing cultivation techniques. V-Cube, on the other hand, has developed the "Telecube Cool Pro," a remarkable booth capable of providing stable cooling even at external temperatures exceeding 40°C. This unique design integrates insulation, cooling, and air circulation to create an effective cooling solution (currently undergoing patent application).

The pilot project will validate the practical application of the Telecube Cool Pro as a "cooling shelter" for workers operating close to hot work environments. It aims to serve as a vital resource for safeguarding agricultural workers, utilizing innovative technology to foster a safer working atmosphere.

Overview of the Trial

• - Location: Aeon Chiba Kashiwa Farm, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
• - Duration: August 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026
• - Assessment Criteria:

- Environmental Data Monitoring: Recording temperature and humidity changes inside and outside the booth.
- Physiological Changes in Workers: Utilizing thermography to assess temperature changes before and after using the booth.
- Quantitative Analysis of Work Behavior: Evaluating shifts in break frequency, duration, and overall work efficiency.
- Psychological Feedback and Awareness: Surveys assessing changes in worker perception regarding breaks and their impact on productivity.

Features of the Telecube Cool Pro

The Telecube Cool Pro is a mobile booth that can be easily set up and relocated, which is particularly suited for the agricultural context. Unlike conventional temporary structures equipped with air conditioning, this unit's design seamlessly incorporates insulation, cooling, and ambient air circulation into one cohesive system, optimizing body temperature regulation for users.

Future Prospects

The collaboration between V-Cube and Aeon Agri Creation aims to leverage the results of this initiative to explore effective strategies for heat stress mitigation and productivity improvement for agricultural workers. Both companies are considering scaling this effort across the 21 Aeon farms nationwide, making it a vital component in the modern agricultural ethos.

For more information on the Telecube Cool Pro release, please visit:
Telecube Cool Pro Release

For further details about the Telecube cooling system, refer to:
Telecube Details

About Aeon Agri Creation

Aeon Agri Creation is part of the Aeon Group, specializing in agriculture with 21 directly managed farms across Japan. Their mission is to provide safe and fresh agricultural products to Aeon Group stores while promoting sustainable farming practices that consider environmental impacts.

About V-Cube

Founded in 1998 as a leading company in visual communication, V-Cube offers innovative communication solutions aimed at solving societal challenges like the aging population and workplace disparities, striving for a future where equal opportunities are available for everyone.