PLM Industry's Largest Event "Aras Connect Japan 2026" Held; Nissan Chemical and Panasonic Digital Announce Case Studies on Data Utilization and Business Transformation in the AI Era

Aras (Headquarters: Massachusetts, USA, CEO: Leon Lauridsen, Japan Branch: Aras Japan K.K., Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan Branch President: Masahiko Kuji), a leader in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions and Digital Thread solutions for Engineering AI, held its community event "Aras Connect Tokyo 2026" on June 16, 2026 (Tue).

Aras Connect Japan 2026 was held as one of the largest community events in the PLM industry in Japan. A total of 15 programs were conducted, including a keynote speech by Aras Corporation CEO Leon Lauridsen, case study presentations by user companies, introduction of the latest technologies by Aras Japan, breakout sessions by partner companies, and a reception.

In the General Session presentation by Aras, the vision for next-generation PLM utilizing AI and Digital Thread was introduced under Aras's "Adaptive Intelligence" vision, along with the low-code API management framework "Aras Innovator Edge." In the afternoon breakout sessions, the latest solutions and practical case studies were shared on themes such as Digital Thread, MBOM, MBD, and AI utilization.

Participants gained a deeper understanding of Aras's latest technologies and future initiatives in AI and PLM, and had the opportunity to acquire knowledge for promoting their own digital transformation through interaction with user and partner companies.

The Key to AI Utilization Lies in Data and Digital Thread

At the beginning of the event, Masahiko Kuji, President of Aras Japan K.K. and Vice President of Japan Operations at Aras Corporation, took the stage. Kuji reflected on the "2025 Cliff" proposed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, explaining that while many companies have been working on digitalization and DX, there are still many cases where operations, systems, and data remain fragmented, requiring further efforts to achieve true business transformation.

He also emphasized that with the rapid spread of generative AI increasing corporate expectations for AI utilization, it is crucial to accumulate reliable data and establish an environment where it can be utilized when needed to maximize its value.

He further stated, "Now that AI is attracting so much attention, building a data foundation to maximize its power is essential. At Aras Connect, we want to share our DX and AI utilization initiatives with our customers and partners, and deliver hints that lead to transformation in manufacturing."

Masahiko Kuji, President of Aras Japan, giving opening remarks

The Future of Next-Generation PLM Depicted by "Adaptive Intelligence"

Leon Lauridsen, CEO of Aras Corporation, explained that in the face of significant changes in the corporate environment, such as increasing product complexity, stricter regulations, and changes in supply chains, the utilization of AI is indispensable for maintaining and improving competitiveness.

He emphasized that the "Digital Thread," which connects data and processes scattered throughout the company, is crucial for maximizing the effects of AI. In his presentation, he introduced Aras's "Adaptive Intelligence" concept, as well as the low-code API management framework "Aras Innovator Edge," initiatives for AI governance, and the future vision of PLM utilizing AI.

He also introduced, with a demonstration, future concepts for efficiently building and expanding PLM environments using AI, demonstrating new possibilities for advanced product development and data-driven decision-making in the AI era.

US Aras CEO Leon Lauridsen reporting on recent developments

Expanding PLM Utilization and Digital Transformation Across Industries - Sharing Transformation Case Studies from the Front Lines

In the user company case study presentations, initiatives for business reform and Digital Thread construction using PLM were introduced.

Satoru Numajiri and Tomonari Shinshi from Nissan Chemical Corporation presented a case study of PLM utilization in a chemical manufacturer. They explained their efforts to centralize and manage technical information and data from R&D to production, and share and utilize it across organizations to improve product development efficiency and speed. They shared practical knowledge on why a chemical manufacturer adopted PLM, which is often used by machinery and equipment manufacturers, the background of factory-led promotion, and the challenges in implementation and operation.

Furthermore, Kazuyuki Yamamoto from Panasonic Digital Co., Ltd. introduced the "Panasonic Transformation (PX)" initiatives promoted by the Panasonic Group. Focusing on business process reform and centralized management of development data, he explained the concept of building a Digital Thread that connects design, manufacturing, and procurement by establishing a common platform for item masters, codes, and BOMs. He also shared their approach of phased implementation while building consensus with related departments.

These case study presentations highlighted the importance of centralized data management and cross-departmental information sharing, as well as practical initiatives for building a Digital Thread that serves as the foundation for AI utilization. For participants, it was an opportunity to gain many insights into business transformation through PLM utilization and the way data should be utilized.

In the afternoon breakout sessions, a variety of sessions were held by Aras Japan and its partner companies. Aras Japan introduced on-site application development using the no-code development suite "Aras ProApp Designer," concepts for a new MBOM Solution, and PLM utilization support through a subscription model. Partner companies also gave presentations on diverse themes such as MBOM/BOP management utilizing Digital Thread, CAD data utilization, MBD/ASPICE compliance, AI utilization platforms, and AI-powered E2E testing.

In each session, the latest initiatives and practical examples for data utilization, system integration, and AI utilization were shared, providing participants with many insights for considering their own digital transformation. Notably this year, numerous concrete approaches for incorporating AI into business and development processes were presented, including AI applications utilizing CAD data, the use of AI agents, and the construction of AI utilization platforms, leading to active information exchange at the venue.

In addition, 14 solution exhibits from Aras and its sponsors were set up at the event venue. As solutions introduced in the presentations were also on display, many visitors showed interest and visited the exhibition booths.

Solution exhibition corner

Aras × Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Special Collaboration "Donuts DX" Project Implemented

For the first time this year, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Japan provided sponsorship as a donut sponsor.

The event introduced the concept that both "Aras PLM (DX) that brings transformation to business" and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts' "Donuts Transformation (DX)" that revitalizes office communication aim for true "Transformation."

During the afternoon break, the most popular "Original Glazed®" was offered to participants. There were instances where the CEO himself handed out donuts to participants, and many participants enjoyed conversations naturally while eating donuts, spreading smiles and interaction throughout the venue.

Scene from the "Donuts DX" project

It was a valuable opportunity for customers and partner companies to deepen their understanding of the latest technologies, utilization examples, and future business transformation possibilities. In addition to presentations and case studies, active interaction among participants took place, fostering new insights and connections in various parts of the venue.

Aras will continue to promote knowledge sharing and value creation through communities with its customers and partners, contributing to the advancement of digital transformation.

"ACE Connect 2026 Japan" Event Overview

Name: Aras Community Event "Aras Connect Tokyo 2026"

Theme: Adaptive Intelligence - Evolving Intelligence Accelerates Innovation

Date: June 16, 2025 (Tue) 10:00 - 18:00

Venue: Akasaka Intercity Conference

Address: 1-8-1 Akasaka, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Akasaka Intercity

Target Industries: Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, Heavy Industry, Industrial Machinery, High-Tech & Electronics, Chemicals, Medical Devices, Energy, Construction, Plants, Manufacturing DX & Smart Factory related, etc.

Special Site: https://aras.com/ja-jp/lp/aras-connect-tokyo

Sponsors: 20 companies in total

Main Programs: Aras Representative Greeting / Latest Aras Information / User Presentations / Breakout Sessions / Solution Exhibition by Aras and Sponsors / Reception, etc.

About Aras

Aras provides a Digital Thread platform for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Engineering AI. Aras's technology is built on an AI-native, low-code development platform, enabling the rapid delivery of flexible solutions. Aras connects teams across departments and functions to critical product data and agent-based AI throughout the product lifecycle and extended value chain. For information about Aras, please visit our official website. You can also find the latest information about Aras on social media.

Key Customers: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kubota, Denso, Nissan Motor, Fujifilm, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Murata Manufacturing, Renesas Electronics, Airbus, Audi, Microsoft, etc.

Website: https://www.aras.com/ja-jp

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aras-japan

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/arasplm

X: https://x.com/ArasJapan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArasJapan/

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