BIPROGY Launches AI-Powered Recovery Support System for JR East
BIPROGY has introduced an innovative support system utilizing generative AI for East Japan Railway Company (JR East) to enhance railway maintenance processes. This state-of-the-art system integrates real-time data regarding failures into its operations. By analyzing this information, the system extracts relevant historical instances, providing recommendations for fault causes and optimum recovery procedures. The primary goal of this initiative is to reduce recovery times, alleviate the workload of operators, and stabilize the quality of recovery instructions.
In the context of Japan’s declining population, characterized by an aging society and reduced numbers of railway users, both passengers and railway workforce numbers are projected to diminish drastically. This makes it crucial for railway operators to manage operations efficiently with fewer personnel. In light of this scenario, JR East is accelerating its digital transformation (DX) to adapt to new challenges, promoting its management vision, "Transformation 2027." Among the innovations under this initiative is the development of a railway-specific generative AI system, which is set to be released in October 2024.
BIPROGY, leveraging its established digital technologies, has been working diligently with JR East to automate various railway equipment maintenance tasks. This cooperation has included remote monitoring of railway facilities and surveillance of grade crossings, aiming to enable a more streamlined approach to railway operations.
The new recovery support system operates by inputting a timeline of systems failure. It then utilizes generative AI to search historical data for similar incidents, facilitating the identification of causes and generating recommendations for prompt recovery actions. Traditionally, a control agent would follow a manual process for narrowing down the cause of the failure, which could be time-consuming and complicated. The implementation of this advanced system is expected to reduce recovery times, lessen operational burdens on control agents, and deliver more consistent quality in recovery directives.
1. Labor Reduction in Expanding System Application: The previous method employing conventional machine learning AI often required extensive amounts of data and a significant workload for implementation as the system is scaled. This new solution circumvents those challenges by dividing the operations into different control areas and segments, allowing for rapid and cost-effective expansion through AI recommendations.
2. Enhanced Functionalities Through Generative AI: The system leverages a robust database of archived recovery information and manuals to provide actionable insights on necessary actions for recovery, identifying fault sources, and outlining counter-measure procedures. In addition, the system can predict the estimated recovery time needed.
Upcoming features will include the ability to automatically transcribe and summarize voice communications between the control station and on-site crews during recovery operations via generative AI, with implementation planned for within the fiscal year 2025.
BIPROGY plans to use its extensive expertise in railway facility maintenance and data obtained from cloud-based surveillance services like "Smart Unisite for Railway" and "Grade Crossing Memory Remote Monitoring Service" to develop new services. The objective is to continue supporting railway operators in maintaining and improving their transportation quality.
Smart Unisite is a registered trademark of BIPROGY Inc. Other company names and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective organizations. The information herein reflects the status as of the announcement date and may change without notice.
BIPROGY Group’s management policy for 2024-2026 highlights five core areas of focus, aiming for enhanced value delivery through concentrated resources. This initiative is strategically positioned within the realm of "Mobility." Through partnerships with numerous stakeholders, BIPROGY Group is committed to advancing the mobility industry and fostering a sustainable society.
BIPROGY Group's 2024-2026 management policy encompasses strategies focused on growth businesses, particularly in market development revolving around AI technologies. The goal is to create both social and economic value that contributes to the resolution of societal challenges while promoting sustainable development.
Background
In the context of Japan’s declining population, characterized by an aging society and reduced numbers of railway users, both passengers and railway workforce numbers are projected to diminish drastically. This makes it crucial for railway operators to manage operations efficiently with fewer personnel. In light of this scenario, JR East is accelerating its digital transformation (DX) to adapt to new challenges, promoting its management vision, "Transformation 2027." Among the innovations under this initiative is the development of a railway-specific generative AI system, which is set to be released in October 2024.
BIPROGY, leveraging its established digital technologies, has been working diligently with JR East to automate various railway equipment maintenance tasks. This cooperation has included remote monitoring of railway facilities and surveillance of grade crossings, aiming to enable a more streamlined approach to railway operations.
Overview of the System
The new recovery support system operates by inputting a timeline of systems failure. It then utilizes generative AI to search historical data for similar incidents, facilitating the identification of causes and generating recommendations for prompt recovery actions. Traditionally, a control agent would follow a manual process for narrowing down the cause of the failure, which could be time-consuming and complicated. The implementation of this advanced system is expected to reduce recovery times, lessen operational burdens on control agents, and deliver more consistent quality in recovery directives.
Key Features of the AI System
1. Labor Reduction in Expanding System Application: The previous method employing conventional machine learning AI often required extensive amounts of data and a significant workload for implementation as the system is scaled. This new solution circumvents those challenges by dividing the operations into different control areas and segments, allowing for rapid and cost-effective expansion through AI recommendations.
2. Enhanced Functionalities Through Generative AI: The system leverages a robust database of archived recovery information and manuals to provide actionable insights on necessary actions for recovery, identifying fault sources, and outlining counter-measure procedures. In addition, the system can predict the estimated recovery time needed.
Upcoming features will include the ability to automatically transcribe and summarize voice communications between the control station and on-site crews during recovery operations via generative AI, with implementation planned for within the fiscal year 2025.
Future Initiatives
BIPROGY plans to use its extensive expertise in railway facility maintenance and data obtained from cloud-based surveillance services like "Smart Unisite for Railway" and "Grade Crossing Memory Remote Monitoring Service" to develop new services. The objective is to continue supporting railway operators in maintaining and improving their transportation quality.
Related Links
- - JR East Press Release, June 10, 2025: "Using Railway-Specific Generative AI to Enhance Stability in Transport" Link
- - Exploration of Cloud-Based Surveillance Service: "Smart Unisite for Railway" and Grade Crossing Memory Remote Monitoring Service Link
Smart Unisite is a registered trademark of BIPROGY Inc. Other company names and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective organizations. The information herein reflects the status as of the announcement date and may change without notice.
Core Business Initiatives
BIPROGY Group’s management policy for 2024-2026 highlights five core areas of focus, aiming for enhanced value delivery through concentrated resources. This initiative is strategically positioned within the realm of "Mobility." Through partnerships with numerous stakeholders, BIPROGY Group is committed to advancing the mobility industry and fostering a sustainable society.
Growth Business Initiatives
BIPROGY Group's 2024-2026 management policy encompasses strategies focused on growth businesses, particularly in market development revolving around AI technologies. The goal is to create both social and economic value that contributes to the resolution of societal challenges while promoting sustainable development.
Topics Business Technology）
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