日本語 
The digital transformation goals of Japan got another boost following the unveiling of an advanced artificial intelligence system by NEC Corporation that can create very accurate 3D images using regular footage taken by smartphones or any other consumer cameras in just one minute. The new technology was jointly developed by the Keio AI Research Center and it does not require any expensive scanner machines and even removes people, cars, and other transient items present in the scene automatically.
It is a very important step forward for digital twin development and will completely change the approach to monitoring and managing operations by infrastructural facilities, construction companies, and other industries. NEC is planning to launch this product on the market in 2027.
A Simpler Way to Build Digital Twins
Digital twins, which are basically virtual models of the physical environment, are currently considered one of the cornerstones of infrastructure management. In order to create an accurate digital twin, special cameras, LiDAR, long data processing time, and temporary closure of infrastructure for data collecting are needed.
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The new NEC AI technology allows one to overcome all these issues because it makes it possible to record normal videos through any smartphone or general camera and then convert it to a very accurate 3D model with the help of Gaussian Splatting and NEC algorithms.
One of the system’s standout features is the intelligent analysis of visual complexity. Complex areas are provided with more points to be rendered, while simple surfaces need less. The process saves about 90% of time in comparison with traditional Gaussian Splatting techniques, resulting in the generation of full 3D models in about one minute.
The AI system is capable of automatically recognizing and eliminating temporary objects, such as workers, cars, and machines. The system uses the surrounding visuals to reconstruct the background of the image.
Solving Long-Standing Challenges for Infrastructure Operators
The news comes amid a period of labor shortages in Japan within industries such as construction, utilities, transportation, and infrastructure management.
Regular inspections of bridges, tunnels, power plants, factories, and big construction sites usually involve sending trained individuals to remote areas, which is expensive but also less efficient. Video calls and ordinary photos offer limited views, preventing people working remotely from assessing site conditions properly.
Through NEC’s AI-built 3D models, engineers and other professionals can explore virtually any angle of a facility through the use of standard computers or tablets. This feature makes remote inspections much more efficient and helps to deal with emergencies faster as well as collaborate remotely.
Another advantage of the new technology is reduced disturbance during the operation of facilities since they no longer have to halt operations while data is being collected.
Accelerating Japan’s Digital Twin Economy
This invention will help speed up the implementation of digital twins in various industries of Japan.
For many years, the Japanese government has always been emphasizing the importance of digital transformation in the country, especially concerning the modernization of infrastructure and smart cities. Cost-effective digital twin solutions powered by AI will enable industries to implement these technologies at low costs that seemed high before.
With reduced cost and time to deploy digital twins in their infrastructure, NEC is enabling other industries apart from manufacturing, such as utilities, transport, logistics, real estate, disaster management, and municipal infrastructure, to adopt the digital twins solution.
Moreover, this technology matches the vision of Japan concerning intelligent infrastructure.
New Opportunities Across Japan’s Technology Industry
The release of NEC’s AI solution into the business environment is likely to have some effects felt through the Japanese technology landscape.
Cloud computing companies could experience an increase in demand for their services due to the need for scalable platforms that will enable storage and processing of vast amounts of 3D spatial data. Software development companies focused on visualization solutions, AI analytics, GIS solutions, and industrial automation would gain from the widespread adoption of digital twins.
Construction technology companies would be able to include the platform into project management processes and use it for the tracking of project progress and virtual collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and the client.
Strengthening Japan’s Global Leadership in Industrial AI
The new development emphasizes the rising influence of Japan in utilizing AI for transforming industrial processes as opposed to using it only in consumer products.
Contrary to most developments in AI revolving around chatbots and other generative functions, the latest development by NEC clearly shows the potential of AI in solving operational problems in industries.
The technology allows operators of infrastructures to have better monitoring of their infrastructures, allows construction companies to manage projects well and helps public bodies to prepare themselves for disasters through the use of virtual copies of physical environments.
As more and more organizations are investing in smart infrastructure and Industrial Revolution 4.0, the technologies which can make creation of digital twins easier are set to be key elements in future industrial processes.
The commercial launch of the new development is set for fiscal 2027 and the Japanese company is poised to lead in the global digital twin market through the help of this new technology which will help businesses address their staff shortages, improve operational efficiencies, minimize inspection costs and improve infrastructure resilience.
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