HEROZ Collaborates with Nihon Kogakuin on AI-Powered Crane Game Development

Revolutionizing Entertainment: The AI-Powered Assist Catcher

In a groundbreaking collaboration, HEROZ Inc. has partnered with Nihon Kogakuin to bring forth a unique R&D program called "VisionCraft." This initiative is aimed at harnessing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to develop a new type of crane game known as the Assist Catcher. This innovative project will make its debut at the Amusement Expo 2025, taking place from November 14 to 15, where it will be featured at the exhibitor's corner dedicated to "The Future of Crane Games Created by Students".

The VisionCraft Program

VisionCraft represents an exciting blend of education and industry. This initiative allows students from Nihon Kogakuin to collaborate with professionals and companies, aiming to create market-ready products and experiences. Expanding beyond traditional classroom education, students, educators, and external creators unite in this unique program focused on product conception, development, and presentation. VisionCraft embodies a co-creation model that strives to produce societal value through learning and innovation in real-world contexts.

Understanding the Assist Catcher

The Assist Catcher is an advanced crane game that integrates several high-tech features—cameras, microphones, speakers, motor controls, data processing capabilities, and communication functions—all in one system. What sets this game apart is its use of AI to perceive customer emotions and situations, providing personalized assistance and adjusting prize placements to enhance player experience. Users will find themselves interacting in new ways, making the game more immersive and fun.

HEROZ's Contribution

As part of the VisionCraft initiative, HEROZ has provided substantial technical and development support. This includes:

- Requirement Definition and Game Flow Design Support: Helping define AI usage requirements from the initial stages of experience design and constructing implementation guidelines.
- AI Control Design and Rule Conversion Support: Transforming the game flow into a rule-based system and lending support to the AI-controlled crane operations.

With these strategic contributions, HEROZ seeks to foster an environment where students can access new technologies while integrating their academic expertise.

Future Directions

In November 2024, HEROZ formalized its commitment to nurturing AI talent by establishing a partnership agreement with Nihon Kogakuin. The first step in this collaboration is offering technical support through VisionCraft, which is not only an after-school program but also a comprehensive experience involving students from various fields, including AI, game creation, and animation. These students are encouraged to leverage their strengths and collaborate to craft a novel amusement experience, guided by HEROZ’s technical expertise.

Moving forward, HEROZ plans to intensify its support beyond basic technical assistance, engaging more actively in project management and design planning. The goal is to ensure that students acquire practical development skills in an ever-evolving field. HEROZ aims to pioneer new integrations of education, AI, and practical societal applications in partnership with Nihon Kogakuin.

Event Details

- Event Name: Amusement Expo 2025
- Organizer: Japan Amusement Industry Association (JAIA)
- Date: November 14-15, 2025 (November 14 is a business day, November 15 is for general attendees)
- Location: Tokyo Big Sight, Halls 4 and 5 (Koto, Tokyo)
- Entry Fee: Paid (Advance registration required for November 14, free entry for exhibitors' guests; free for children under elementary school age on November 15)
- Exhibition Summary: The exhibition will unveil practical demonstrations, AI customer service experiences, and explanations by the student developers within the "Future of Crane Games Created by Students" special corner.