AWL, Rakuten Mobile, and Vissel Kobe Partner for Cutting-Edge AI Verification Project

Introduction

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling the pressing issues of labor shortages and rising costs in the security industry, AWL Inc., Rakuten Mobile Inc., and Vissel Kobe Inc. have been selected as demonstration entities in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Regional DX Promotion Package Project (AI Verification Type)." This project, managed by Mitsubishi Research Institute, will launch in June 2025 in Kobe City, focusing on optimizing communication loads through a large-scale surveillance system utilizing edge AI.

Overview

The security industry faces severe labor shortages and escalating personnel costs, driving the need for digital transformation (DX) and automation through AI. However, leveraging cloud and AI for surveillance and analysis in large venues like stadiums has posed challenges, including strained communication infrastructure due to the need for high-volume video data transmission. This demonstration project aims to address these issues by reducing communication loads and enhancing efficiency in security operations using edge AI solutions. This involves testing the effectiveness of dynamic monitoring and abnormal detection capabilities while also considering the future implementation of the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) platform to manage and control wireless access networks.

Project Details

The demonstration will explore three critical validation areas:

Validation 1: Communication Volume Reduction

To mitigate communication strain, we will install far-edge devices at strategically chosen locations for surveillance cameras. Additionally, a connected edge server will be set up within the stadium grounds. This far-edge technology will utilize AI for risk assessment, and image recognition to analyze video feeds, compressing data into three categories: text, images, and video clips. The edge server will aggregate monitoring information and utilize small language models (SLM) to generate concise reports for security personnel. This process seeks to optimize mobile network communication loads while contributing to a streamlined security workflow, reinforced by the potential use of the RIC platform.

Validation 2: Versatility and Scalability of AI

Focusing on enhancing the performance of the image recognition AI, this part of the demonstration will scrutinize its ability to detect anomalies such as personal injury or violence. By testing various scenarios, the goal is to develop an AI solution that remains effective across different environments, ensuring that the technology is adaptable and widely applicable in security operations.

Validation 3: System Portability

Looking to the future, this validation will explore highly portable solutions integrating mobile network technologies. By leveraging transportable cameras, the project aims to increase the accuracy of AI-driven anomaly detection across diverse settings. This would lead to improved security across large events, amusement parks, train stations, airports, retail spaces, and rural areas, delivering a versatile and effective security system worldwide.

Timeline

The demonstration project is anticipated to run from June 2025 to January 2026. AWL, Rakuten Mobile, and Vissel Kobe are committed to contributing to the solution of national safety and security challenges through this initiative.

For those interested in the selection results of this project, you can find more details on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' official website.

Conclusion

As digital transformation continues to reshape industries, the collaboration between AWL, Rakuten Mobile, and Vissel Kobe stands as a significant step toward innovating security systems. By harnessing advanced AI technology and edge computing, this initiative not only addresses current operational challenges but also paves the way for a safer, more secure future.

For further inquiries, AWL's contact details are as follows: