#Japan #Osaka #Construction AI #Asahi Kogyo #Safety Procedures

Revolutionizing Construction Efficiency with Generative AI

Asahi Kogyo Co., based in Minato City, Tokyo, is pioneering a new age of efficiency in the construction sector through the innovative use of generative AI. Their Osaka branch has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to streamline crucial aspects of construction processes, notably the preparation of "Safety Work Procedure Manuals" and "Work Image Diagrams."

These initiatives have yielded impressive results, reducing the time to draft work plans from approximately 2.5 days to just around 2 hours—an astounding time reduction of nearly 90%. This remarkable achievement will be showcased as a leading example during the internal technology presentation scheduled for October 30, 2026, and there are plans to roll this initiative out nationwide.

Background of the Initiative

In January 2026, Asahi Kogyo's Osaka branch launched an inter-departmental "AI Promotion Group" as part of its work style reform efforts. The group is focused on the theme "Working Faster and More Easily," creating accessible and practical manuals (currently totaling 37) that allow employees new to AI technology to utilize it effectively. This has led to a steady increase in AI usage across the organization.

Specific Applications and Effects of AI Utilization

1. Support in Creating Safety Work Procedure Manuals

The Safety Work Procedure Manual is a crucial document that guides construction operations safely. It elaborates how projects will be carried out for clients and serves as a textbook for field workers to ensure proper procedures are followed. Previously, experienced staff members were required to dedicate substantial time to create these documents due to the complexities involved.

With the new AI system, inputting work details allows AI to generate a structured draft. This tool primarily addresses high-risk areas like equipment handling, cutting the drafting time from half a day to just one hour. The system has also helped standardize the quality of safety procedures based on insights from veteran workers.

2. Generation of Visual Work Image Diagrams

The initiative also includes the creation of "Work Image Diagrams," which combine on-site photos with AI-generated illustrations of workers, equipment, and safety measures. Previously, drawing these required about 16 hours using CAD software, but now it takes only about one hour for the AI to produce a draft. This serves as a powerful visual tool for clients, enhancing their understanding while avoiding any confusion regarding the AI’s role in image creation.

In these diagrams, significant features include:

• - Proper worker arrangements and postures (e.g., welding processes)
• - Fire prevention measures (like flame-retardant sheet installations)
• - Safety assurance of the working environment ( ventilation facilitated by fans, and clearly marked restricted areas with cones)

By visually communicating what could be abstract in mere words or drawings, Asahi Kogyo fosters solid consensus with clients and ensures that field workers strictly adhere to safety procedures.

3. Knowledge Retention via a Prototype "Manager AI"

The company has also developed a prototype conversation-based AI dubbed "Manager AI," which has been trained by interviewing seasoned managers and learning from the company's construction manuals. This enables younger staff to get immediate, accurate answers to technical inquiries, establishing a new foundation for knowledge transfer.

Quantitative Success of the AI Implementation

According to the aggregation functions of the generative AI service used within the company, October 2026 saw an estimated reduction of about 10 hours of labor per user—or approximately 1,400 hours total across the Osaka branch. This transformation allows construction employees to optimize their time on routine tasks, allowing for a greater focus on improving safety management and construction quality.

Future Outlook

Going forward, Asahi Kogyo plans to replicate the successful outcomes from the Osaka branch across all business locations, fostering shared knowledge and bolstering construction productivity company-wide.

About Asahi Kogyo Co.

Founded in 1925, Asahi Kogyo Co. has committed to creating optimal environments based on advanced technologies of air, water, and heat. The company operates in equipment construction and manufacturing, specializing in air conditioning and hygienic systems for factories, laboratories, and data centers, as well as precision environmental control devices for semiconductor and LCD manufacturers. Their mission is centered on nurturing comfortable environments and creating ideal spaces.