[13] Mr. Masaya Inakawa (LaboRobo)

Project 1:Achieving cost-effective automation through the development of end parts to be attached to the tip of a robotic arm

Technology

1. Robot Arm Control: Flexible control technology capable of high-precision movements and handling multiple tasks
2. End Part Development: Highly customizable attachments utilizing 3D printing and modularization technologies
3. Programming: Optimization of robot control algorithms and movement patterns

Strength

1. Technical foundation enabling low-cost automation at a scale of hundreds of thousands of yen
2. Part designs tailored to on-site workflows with easy interchangeability
3. Capability to address niche needs, such as those in research facilities and small-scale manufacturing industries

Use Case

1. Swapping beakers and pipetting in laboratory settings
2. Utilization as a simple harvesting robot in the agricultural sector
3. Automation of specific processes in manufacturing environments reliant on manual labor


Project 2:Automating cafeteria checkout using image recognition technology

Technology

1. Image Recognition: Development of algorithms for accurately identifying dishes and food items
2. Hardware Integration: Combining cameras and displays to scan food items on trays
3. Software: Designing an interface that integrates image processing with the accounting system

Strength

1. A high-precision system capable of recognizing multiple types of dishes simultaneously
2. Alleviation of cafeteria congestion and improvement of operational efficiency
3. Development of a cost-effective prototype for implementation

Use Case

1. Complete automation of the checkout process in university cafeterias
2. Streamlining meal tracking and payment management in hospital cafeterias
3. Labor-saving implementation of self-checkout systems in food courts


Project 3:Enter the miniature world using VR! Offering a new experiential content

Technology

1.VR: Provide a realistic living experience by immersing users in a miniature world
2.Microcontroller Technology: Create a system where the miniature interacts seamlessly with the VR environment

Strength

1.Offering a new type of content that allows users to immerse themselves in a miniature world
2.Potential for collaboration with a wide range of entertainment industries

Use Case

Offer content that allows users to enter a miniature world using VR technology and enjoy interactions with characters
1.Immerse yourself in a miniature house inhabited by 3D-modeled characters using VR and enjoy spending time there
2.Even in homes where pets are not allowed, you can care for and interact with pets in the miniature world


Project 4:A talking surveillance camera integrated with AI and image recognition

Technology

1. AI: Abnormality detection and motion prediction algorithms
2. Image Recognition: Real-time analysis of targets and abnormal behavior
3. Audio Output: Output pre-configured warnings and notifications through voice
4. GPT API Integration: Generate flexible messages based on detection results, enabling immediate response

Strength

1. Real-time Abnormality Detection: Provide immediate feedback after detecting unusual behavior
2. Flexible Definition of Abnormalities: Customize the conditions for abnormal behavior to suit the specific environment
3. High Adaptability: Adjust the camera and audio output based on the installation environment and intended use
4. Cost-effectiveness: Designed to offer advanced features while minimizing implementation and operational costs

Use Case

1. Shopping malls
• Locate and guide lost children
• Detect suspicious behavior and notify the management office

2. Factory
• Detect intrusion into hazardous areas and issue immediate warnings to workers
• Enhance safety management to improve the working environment

3. School
• Detect suspicious individuals near school gates and ensure children's safety
• Enhance campus safety through advanced security cameras

Message

What I want to know

1st year doctoral student, Tohoku University,
Graduate School Of Engineering, Robotics Department

Mr. Masaya Inagawa

Challenges and solution ideas for various countries that can potentially be addressed by utilizing and combining the four technologies mentioned above:
1. Simple tasks that can be solved using robotics
2. Issues that can be addressed with image recognition
3. Problems that can be resolved through AR's interaction with the real world
4. Challenges that can be tackled with talking surveillance cameras
– In Japan, due to concerns over personal information, it is difficult to use GPT to process camera images, making practical implementation challenging

Desired Candidate Profile

People interested in or currently undertaking research
While we can create the product here, having some understanding of programming and related skills would make conducting field trials easier. With tools like ChatGPT available, the barrier shouldn’t be too high.

Reference