Open and JRC Engineering Commence Collaboration on AI and Automation Solutions for Manufacturing

Open Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director, Executive Officer: Takayuki Ishii; hereinafter 'Open'), a subsidiary of Open Group Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Tomomichi Takahashi), and JRC Engineering Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Mitaka-shi, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Hiroshi Kumagai; hereinafter 'JRC Engineering') have commenced collaboration in the development of AI and automation solutions for manufacturing sites.

Through this collaboration, the companies will promote AI utilization, equipment data linkage, and business automation in manufacturing sites by combining Open's expertise in RPA, AI, and business automation with JRC Engineering's embedded, control, and software development technologies.

Background of the Collaboration

In the manufacturing industry today, addressing productivity improvement and quality maintenance, in addition to labor shortages and the aging of skilled technicians, have become critical issues.

Meanwhile, despite growing expectations for AI and digital technologies, implementation at manufacturing sites often fails to progress due to reasons such as connectivity with site equipment, accommodation of closed-network environments, real-time processing, and the complexity of system linkage.

Open has thus far provided comprehensive support, accompanying clients from business design to operational improvement through business automation support utilizing RPA and AI. On the other hand, JRC Engineering possesses advanced software development technology including embedded, control, and communication fields as its strength, and holds an extensive track record in the manufacturing industry sector.

In this collaboration, by combining the strengths of both companies, they will proceed with the development and provision of solutions for manufacturing sites under the theme of 'AI and automation that can be practically utilized on-site.'

Anticipated Areas of Application

This collaboration anticipates solution application in areas such as the following:

- Anomaly detection and analysis support utilizing AI - Support for succession of skilled technicians' know-how - Collection and visualization of equipment data - Linkage between in-factory systems and back-office operations - AI utilization in closed-network environments - Automation of forms and routine tasks at manufacturing sites

Centering on the above, the companies will support the improvement of productivity and operational efficiency at manufacturing sites through the provision of solutions that align with on-site operations.

Future Activities and Prospects

Going forward, the two companies will proceed with solution development tailored to on-site issues, focusing primarily on the areas of AI utilization, equipment data linkage, and business automation in the manufacturing industry.

Based on the FDE (Flow Deployed Engineer) concept promoted by Open, they will drive digitalization and automation taking into account the entire business flow, and by combining this with JRC Engineering's technological capabilities in the embedded, control, and communication fields, realize implementation support predicated on on-site operation.

Furthermore, they will construct a framework capable of consistently handling everything from requirement definition, design, and development to introduction and maintenance, aiming for on-site-embedded support that goes beyond mere Proof of Concept (PoC).

In the future, including the utilization of generative AI and on-site data, they will promote initiatives geared towards further operational advancement in the manufacturing industry.

About the FDE (Flow Deployed Engineer) Promoted by Open

At Open, an FDE (Flow Deployed Engineer) is defined as an engineer who is stationed on-site and commits to achieving results with 'gritty implementation power' from issue understanding, technology selection, system development, and AI implementation to operational entrenchment.

Based on the following three points, they aim to act as a bridge between management and the front lines, as well as between IT and business operations:

1. Understanding the Front Lines Stationed on-site, they thoroughly address practical understanding originating from the 'people who use it' on-site, and the fundamental review of the business flow itself when presupposing AI.

2. High-speed Prototype Development + Improvement They minimize deviations in requirements through prototype construction on-site, field testing, and iterative refinement.

3. Running Alongside Until Operation and Entrenchment They provide gritty support until the site reaches a state where it can operate autonomously, filling the 'last mile' of the front lines.

For details, please see the service page: https://open-fde.jp/lp/

Company Overview

Open Inc. (https://open.co.jp/) - Headquarters Location: KDX Nishi-Shimbashi Bldg. 3F, 3-3-1 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo - Established: July 2013 - Representative: Takayuki Ishii, President and Representative Director, Executive Officer - Capital: 30 million yen - Business Description: Information processing services utilizing smart robots (RPA, AI), consulting business, outsourcing business, digital marketing, online advertising business

JRC Engineering Co., Ltd. (https://www.jrce.co.jp/) - Headquarters Location: MCC Mitaka Bldg. North Wing 4F, 8-7-2 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo - Established: April 1, 1983 - Representative: Hiroshi Kumagai, President and Representative Director - Capital: 90 million yen - Business Description: Software development service business, IT solution business for healthcare, IT solution business for enterprises