Kyoto's Construction Bureau Integrates Advanced AI Agent 'Hikari' to Address Workforce Shortages

Kyoto's Construction Bureau Implements AI Agent 'Hikari'

In a proactive move to address the anticipated shortage of skilled technical staff in the construction industry, the Kyoto City Construction Bureau has adopted a specialized AI agent named 'Hikari', developed by the Tokyo University-affiliated startup, Akari Inc. This innovative approach aims to utilize the knowledge and expertise of seasoned professionals while embedding AI technology into everyday operations.

Addressing Structural Challenges

The construction sector faces unique challenges, particularly within municipal civil engineering departments where specialized knowledge is crucial. Regular departmental relocations create difficulties in accumulating and transferring expertise, leading to potential inefficiencies. In response to these challenges, the Kyoto City Construction Bureau has decided to integrate 'Hikari', which not only serves as a tool to enhance the efficiency of construction tasks but also embodies a wealth of pertinent regulations, standards, and practical knowledge.

Practical Use Cases

The 'Hikari' AI will be leveraged in various practical applications, spanning routine desk work to emergency site responses. Some of the anticipated use cases include:

1. Supporting Young Employees in Research and Preliminary Decision-Making
'Hikari' expedites the process for young staff members to find essential references within extensive design standards and manuals, allowing them to investigate issues promptly and draft documentation efficiently.

2. Objective Evaluation of Outsourced Proposals
The AI will analyze design calculation documents and comparison tables produced by external contractors, verifying the suitability of proposed methods against field conditions. Unlike generic AI systems, 'Hikari' is specifically tuned with expert knowledge in construction to ensure thorough evaluations and informed decision-making from the client's perspective.

3. Automated Illustration Generation
By integrating construction step diagrams with real site photographs, 'Hikari' can automatically generate intuitive visuals that highlight new and removed areas, as well as used machinery. This feature not only aids young staff in understanding project nuances but also improves communication materials for residents unfamiliar with technical terms.

4. Data Organization and Retrieval for Bridge Department
'Hikari' will assist in arranging vast amounts of accumulated documentation by establishing clear operational protocols for keyword searches and naming conventions. This initiative will enhance accessibility to critical information and create a model case that encourages broader knowledge utilization across the bureau.

5. Rapid Response in Case of Disasters
During severe weather events that may lead to road flooding or structural damage, 'Hikari' will support swift decision-making regarding recovery methods and budget estimates based on the extent of the disaster.

Future Developments

Following user assessments through discussions with the bureau's Civil Engineering Office and the Project Division, further use cases will be developed to ensure that the AI meets the operational demands of frontline workers. The potential for quicker methods and cost estimations during crisis scenarios is a priority, as the team focuses on developing actionable guidelines for effective operational application.

Insights from Stakeholders

Makoto Maki, Digital Transformation officer at the Kyoto City Construction Bureau, expressed confidence in the decision to implement 'Hikari'. He noted the importance of adopting AI now, given the expected decline in technical staff over the next decade. 'Hikari', which incorporates over 800 construction-related publications and standards, offers responses grounded in practical experience, fulfilling immediate operational needs from daily tasks to emergency recovery efforts.

About 'Hikari'

'Hikari' is an advanced AI agent designed to support high-level decision-making and business processes within the construction domain. It possesses a comprehensive database of over 800 specialized texts and relevant regulations, enabling it to assist in tasks such as document preparation and specification verification autonomously. This innovative tool not only enhances efficiency but also helps convert tacit knowledge held by veteran technicians into organizational shared knowledge, promoting sustainable knowledge transfer.

About Akari Inc.

Founded in February 2021, Akari Inc. is a Tokyo University-originated AI startup driven by the mission of solving societal challenges using cutting-edge technologies. The company focuses on improving productivity and knowledge transfer in core industries such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, and retail through uniquely developed AI solutions.