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NGK and Laboro.AI's Revolutionary Collaboration

In a groundbreaking partnership, NGK Corporation and Laboro.AI have jointly developed a sophisticated simulation software using generative AI technology. With its headquarters in Nagoya, Aichi, NGK, under the leadership of President Shigeo Kobayashi, has teamed up with Laboro.AI, led by CEO Tetsuo Shiihashi and COO/CTO Hiromasa Fujiwara, based in central Tokyo. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of science and technology simulation software within various manufacturing industries.

About the Project

The initiative combines NGK’s extensive theoretical and experimental insights into infrared irradiation and crystallization with Laboro.AI’s expertise in AI implementation. The objective is to create a simulation technology that is not only accurate but also efficient for key manufacturing processes.

In NGK's organic compound crystal exploration service, they strive to achieve diverse crystal structures, even when the same chemical components are used. These variations in crystal structures significantly impact solubility, stability, and formability—elements crucial especially in the pharmaceutical field. However, obtaining various crystal forms necessitates exploring numerous parameter combinations such as temperature and concentration, making comprehensive experimental validation impractical. Consequently, pre-emptive predictions through simulation are essential in streamlining the search process.

To tackle these challenges, NGK and Laboro.AI have expressed the physicochemical laws relating to infrared irradiation and crystallization through mathematical equations. They are developing simulation software that can perform large-scale numerical computations. Traditionally, this type of software development was dependent on manual implementation and validation, leading to risks of programming errors and prolonged development timelines.

In their assessments, both companies documented the equations, conditions, and constraints in a manner understandable to humans before inputting them into generative AI. The results confirmed that, when adequately supplying the AI with development rules and exemplary base code, it could produce accurate programming without oversimplification or misinterpretation. This innovative coding agent is set to take over substantial portions of software implementation, significantly reducing human workload to about one-third of the previous levels. This will allow developers to focus more on theoretical discussions, mathematical examines, and interpreting results.

Application in Crystal Structure Prediction Software

By applying the newly verified generative AI programming methods to their crystal structure prediction software, NGK aims to rapidly enhance functionalities that cater to customer needs while improving service quality and adding value. Furthermore, both companies intend to extend this methodology to the development of additional simulation software, aspiring to accelerate processes from research and development to societal implementation.

Insights from the Leadership

Atsushi Miyajima, Executive Officer at NGK

Atsushi Miyajima emphasized that NGK is leveraging DX (Digital Transformation) as a driving force for transformative corporate activities. He noted that rapidly evolving AI technologies are pivotal in determining the competitiveness of manufacturing processes. Working in tandem with Laboro.AI, NGK aims to address customer challenges in organic compound crystal exploration effectively. The results also promise to expedite the development of important simulation technologies across various new product designs.

Tetsuo Shiihashi, CEO of Laboro.AI

Tetsuo Shiihashi expressed excitement about collaborating with NGK, a company renowned for its top-tier technology, to accelerate industrial transformation through AI. He believes the project demonstrates that generative AI can be a crucial partner in scientific and technological computation—the backbone of manufacturing. Laboro.AI will continue striving to elevate AI technology into tangible business value, unlocking the full potential of Japan's manufacturing sector to realize its mission of reimagining industry and bridging technology with business.

Conclusion

Both NGK and Laboro.AI are committed to implementing their findings and methodologies across various sectors, with a shared vision of fostering innovation and enhancing productivity in manufacturing. As they push the envelope of AI application in industry, the potential for groundbreaking advancements continues to grow, paving the way for a future where technology and business synergistically thrive.