#Japan #Tokyo #JTB #KARAKURI #GENIAC-PRIZE

JTB and Karakuri: Award-Winning Innovation in Customer Support

In a groundbreaking achievement, JTB Corporation, headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, and Karakuri Co., Ltd., based in Chuo, Tokyo, have received the coveted User Transformation Award at the “GENIAC-PRIZE” event organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). This award recognizes their collaborative development of an AI agent aimed at enhancing customer support productivity in the travel sector.

What is the GENIAC-PRIZE?

The GENIAC-PRIZE is a program designed to advance research and implementation in the field of generative AI. It focuses on three key areas: social challenges, public agencies, and safety. The initiative encourages the development of generative AI solutions to tackle pressing societal issues.

The AI Agent: Revolutionizing Customer Queries

The AI agent recognized in the award was developed by leveraging JTB’s extensive expertise accumulated over years in the travel industry, coupled with Karakuri’s cutting-edge “KARAKURI VL” technology. This innovation allows the AI to handle a wide range of inquiries from customers efficiently and accurately, thus significantly improving customer satisfaction and streamlining operations in customer support. The success of this project exemplifies the high level of integration between industry knowledge and advanced AI technology.

Enhancing Customer Experiences

With the proliferation of travel-related queries ranging from bookings to specific travel advisories, the need for effective customer support has never been greater. The AI agent not only provides timely answers but also learns and adapts to new information, making it a vital tool for JTB's customer service staff. This enhancement leads to quicker resolutions and more personalized experiences for travelers.

Future Prospects: A Commitment to Excellence

JTB and Karakuri are dedicated to continuing their exploration of generative AI technologies to deliver even higher quality services to their customers. They aim to tackle various social challenges by implementing AI-driven solutions that can effectively meet customer needs in an evolving travel landscape.

For those interested in the GENIAC initiative, additional information and updates can be found on their official YouTube channel: GENIAC Official Channel.

About JTB

JTB Group operates with a mission to create sustainable connections through its “Exchange Creation Business”. With a strong digital foundation, JTB aims to co-create value within communities and organizations while fostering connections and empathy among people. More information can be found on their official website: JTB Corporation.

About Karakuri

Karakuri Co., Ltd. prides itself on developing “Friendly Technology” as a startup emerging from the University of Tokyo. With leading-edge large language model (LLM) construction technology, Karakuri also specializes in creating omni-modal AI agents that recognize voice and images, promoting automation of complex tasks and customer experience innovation. To learn more, visit their website: Karakuri.