#Japan #Tokyo #Sumitomo Forestry #Premal #AI Layout Search

Sumitomo Forestry's AI Layout Search System: Revolutionizing Home Design

In an exciting development in the realm of residential construction, Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd., under the leadership of President Toshio Mitsuyoshi, is set to introduce a groundbreaking customer support system featuring an AI-driven layout search, specifically aimed at their standardized housing product, Premal. The proof of concept (PoC) model for this innovative system was completed in April, with plans for practical application by the end of this year.

The layout search system leverages the knowledge and expertise of experienced consultants, allowing AI to analyze information gathered from clients to provide tailored layout recommendations for the Premal housing model. This significant advancement aims to improve the efficiency of proposal preparation, with future applications potentially extending to custom-built homes. By utilizing AI, the Sumitomo Forestry Group is committed to promoting digital transformation (DX) within the building industry, focusing on streamlining sales and design processes while enhancing the value and satisfaction of wooden homes for customers.

Overview of the System

The AI layout search system is composed of three distinct AI components that incorporate a large language model (LLM). Initially, sales representatives input data collected during client consultations regarding family structure, housing preferences, and current living concerns into the system.

1. Customer Requirement Deep-Dive AI: This AI participates in discussions to identify potential latent demands of the client, acting as a virtual advisor with the personas of sales, design, interior, and landscape specialists.
2. Layout Search AI: Based on the insights provided by the Customer Requirement Deep-Dive AI, this AI organizes client requests and selects optimal layout candidates from a database.
3. Database AI: This component inputs the selected layout images into the LLM, allowing it to catalog and accumulate features of various layouts for future reference by system administrators.

This innovative integration of technologies signifies a major stride in natural language processing (NLP), utilizing vast textual data and sophisticated deep learning techniques to enable advanced language comprehension, thereby facilitating more natural dialogue and content generation.

Background

Creating tailored proposals for ideal homes traditionally requires extensive research and reference materials, demanding significant time and effort. In response to this challenge, Sumitomo Forestry has developed a supportive AI system that shares the knowledge and insight of seasoned sales and design professionals to streamline the process.

Future Outlook

The company plans to implement this layout search system across all branches by the end of 2025 during the proposal process for Premal. Continuous technical verification will aim to refine the system's capabilities, enhancing the accuracy of negotiations and suggestions made by the Customer Requirement Deep-Dive AI. Future initiatives will focus on utilizing accumulated data not only for standard housing projects but potentially for custom builds as well.

About Premal

The Premal housing concept combines “Premium” functionality with “Minimal” aesthetic qualities, leading to a living space that is not only functional and comfortable but also universally appealing and elegantly designed. This product provides a total coordinated specification, including both interior and exterior elements, distinguishing itself with a shorter timeline from contract to handover compared to custom-built homes. For more information, visit Premal Product Line.

As a company committed to sustainable practices, Sumitomo Forestry operates globally, encompassing everything from forest management and lumber production to residential construction and biomass power generation. Their long-term vision, “Mission TREEING 2030,” outlines a commitment to addressing significant challenges facing society, emphasizing digital innovation as a key driver for market transformation and the enhancement of supply chain efficiency in wooden architecture.