#Japan #Tokyo #Shimizu Corporation #Nefront #IndooAR

Nefront Brings Cutting-Edge IndooAR System to Urban Maintenance

In an era where urban maintenance faces significant challenges, including labor shortages and the need for improved efficiency, Nefront, based in Tokyo, is stepping up with innovative solutions. Recently, the company has been selected for the Tokyo Smart Service Implementation Promotion Project, also known as Be Smart Tokyo. This initiative, backed by the CIC Institute, emphasizes the importance of smart services in enhancing the quality of life for residents in Tokyo.

At the forefront of this initiative is the deployment of Nefront's spatial information management system, IndooAR, at the Shimizu Corporation's open innovation hub, NOVARE. This facility, located in Koto, Tokyo, is designed to cultivate talent and foster innovation in the construction and maintenance sector.

Nefront's IndooAR system is revolutionizing how repair information is stored and shared spatially. With urban infrastructure increasingly under pressure due to a growing population and aging assets, the traditional methods of maintenance are becoming inadequate. The IndooAR system aims to streamline maintenance tasks, making them more efficient and less time-consuming for workers.

Traditional inspection methods often require significant time investments, particularly in the training of staff and the reporting of inspection results. With the implementation of IndooAR, Nefront seeks to alleviate these issues by visualizing inspection know-how and simplifying record-keeping processes. The ultimate goal is to enhance the overall efficiency of urban maintenance operations.

The collaboration with Shimizu Corporation will serve as a testing ground for new workflows in maintenance operations. Insights gained from NOVARE will be utilized to expand this innovative system into other related facilities and companies, thus aiming for a comprehensive improvement in urban maintenance across the board.

Advanced Features of IndooAR

One of the standout features of the IndooAR system is its ability to utilize QR codes to identify and report inspection information in a three-dimensional space. This allows for the incorporation of location data, giving maintenance teams the ability to visualize inspection information through Augmented Reality (AR). This brings a significant advantage to maintenance work as it enhances understanding and communication among team members.

Moreover, the system supports the association of various documents such as PDFs, work instructions, images, and videos with specific spatial locations, thereby enriching the data context for maintenance personnel.

The interface also includes a management dashboard that displays inspection reports on a map, making it easier for supervisors to track progress and determine necessary actions efficiently. This two-way flow of information not only speeds up decision-making processes but also promotes seamless communication amongst team members.

About Nefront

Founded in June 2021 and led by CEO Shota Imamura, Nefront is dedicated to harnessing technologies like AI and AR to create a world where essential information is accessible right when it's needed. The company has developed IndooAR to pinpoint locations in indoor environments using image recognition technology, creating opportunities for better navigation and the management of information and goods.

In addition to IndooAR, Nefront also offers an AI-powered blueprint search service, allowing users to quickly find necessary plans among numerous PDF documents based on type or keywords.

You can learn more about Nefront and their services by visiting their official website or contacting them through their inquiry form.

Be Smart Tokyo Initiative

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government aims to improve the quality of life for its citizens through digital innovation. The Be Smart Tokyo initiative, launched in 2022, focuses on implementing smart services that enhance convenience and enrich the lives of Tokyo residents. By showcasing diverse smart solutions developed by startups, the project strives to boost the quality of life, also known as QOL.

For more information about the Be Smart Tokyo initiative, visit their website.

About CIC Institute

The CIC Institute is the expert team behind the CIC, managing innovation centers worldwide and providing related programs. They focus on supporting deep tech startups and fostering innovation ecosystems by collaborating with various stakeholders.

NOVARE: A Hub for Innovation

The NOVARE facility was established by Shimizu Corporation to enhance talent development and spur innovation. Named after the Latin term meaning 'to create or innovate', it serves as a space designed to leverage historical insights while paving the way for future advancements in construction and maintenance.

For more details on NOVARE, visit their site.