#Japan #Pocket Queries #Sendai #Sendai City #Tohoku University

Pocket Queries Champions Smart City Initiatives

In a significant move towards the development of a smart city, Pocket Queries, a Tokyo-based robotics firm, has partnered with Sendai City and Tohoku University through the Smart Frontier Council. This initiative aims to create advanced services tailored to the needs of citizens, while also promoting regulatory reforms essential for the future of Sendai.

What is the Sendai City × Tohoku University Smart Frontier Council?

The Sendai City and Tohoku University Smart Frontier Council represents a collaborative framework among Sendai City, Tohoku University, and roughly 80 business entities, with a shared vision of actualizing a smart city. At its core, the council's mission revolves around pioneering groundbreaking services through data collaboration and addressing regulatory challenges. Among its key focuses are the establishment of a zero-carbon city, wellness initiatives, urban resilience, and community revitalization efforts.

The diverse subcommittees and cross-sectoral working groups are actively advancing various projects to innovate urban life, making Sendai a model for smart city paradigms.

Insights from CEO Norihiko Sasaki

Norihiko Sasaki, CEO of Pocket Queries, highlighted the pressing challenges facing the region, including declining birth rates, an aging population, and aging infrastructure, which directly tie to labor shortages and safety concerns. Utilizing their expertise in robotics, the company is pushing forward with the development of a four-legged robot expansion system, designed to navigate construction sites, respond to disaster scenarios, and assist in community monitoring. This innovation represents a significant step towards addressing these local challenges by complementing human capabilities in various essential tasks.

Through rigorous field testing, including infrastructure inspections and outdoor assessments, Pocket Queries has confirmed that their robots can stably walk, capture images, and acquire data in uneven terrains, showcasing their reliability and effectiveness. With the council's collaboration, the organization is eager to expand opportunities for proof of concept and societal implementation, engaging with other local governments and businesses, including those in Sendai.

About Pocket Queries

Founded to address workforce shortages faced by frontline operators, Pocket Queries specializes in developing digital tools aimed at skill inheritance, efficiency, and multi-skilling in the workplace. Incorporating cutting-edge generative AI technology, they strive to transform technical validation and real-world applications effectively. With headquarters located in Tokyo Opera City Tower, the company is at the forefront of robotics, IoT, and practical applications of VR, AR, and MR, continually working to empower communities through innovative solutions.

For more information, visit Pocket Queries.