Nagoya University has signed an industry-academia collaboration agreement with Toyota Systems Corporation (hereinafter “Toyota Systems”) that seeks to tackle social issues utilizing an AI- and data-driven approach. The collaboration also aims to promote human resource development.
Under this agreement, the two parties will establish a joint research center at Nagoya University and promote practical collaborative research that combines academic expertise at the university with Toyota Systems’ implementation capabilities in the fields of business and IT.
Background
As the importance of AI and data utilization soars, companies face complex social and operational challenges which are increasingly difficult for them to navigate alone.
Toyota Systems have been actively promoting the practical application of AI- and data-driven solutions to strengthen Toyota Group’s competitiveness, while Nagoya University have been working to resolve real-world social issues through research in information science and engineering.
Under the new agreement, the two parties will combine their knowledge and resources to establish a framework for long-term, hands-on research.
Key points of the initiative
- Solving social and operational challenges using AI- and data-driven approaches
The collaboration will leverage technologies such as human flow analysis, logistics simulation, and image/language processing to undertake implementation-oriented research in the mobility sector.
- A collaborative research environment housed on Nagoya University’s campus
A joint research center will be created where faculty, students, and corporate engineers can engage in daily discussions and tests, accelerating research and implementation.
- Fostering talent by exposing students to real-world problems
The collaboration will cultivate the next generation of highly skilled personnel by having students work with real-world business data and challenges.
Activities under the initiative
Toyota Systems and Nagoya University will undertake the following activities at the joint research center:
- Utilization of 3D data via digital twin technology that uses point cloud and image data
- Analysis, forecasting, and simulation of behavior, population flow, and logistics data
- Business applications of image recognition, natural language processing, and dialog technologies
- Business improvement, productivity enhancement, and human resource development utilizing AI and quantum technologies
The collaboration will pursue various research themes, making necessary adjustments based on research outcomes and other circumstances.
Future developments
The collaboration agreement is set to last three years with a possibility of extension depending on the effectiveness and impact of the research results. The parties will work together at the joint research center to support business transformation within the Toyota Group and strive to build a sustainable society.
Comments from the representatives
Naoshi Sugiyama, President of Nagoya University:
The role of connecting knowledge to concrete social implementation holds a special importance for universities now more than ever before.
Under our collaboration with Toyota Group, we will work closely with Toyota Systems not only to produce quality research but also to develop human resources by having corporate researchers collaborate with our faculty and students. Through this agreement we will break down the walls between academia and industry, working together to realize a sustainable society.
Hiroaki Kitazawa, President and CEO of Toyota Systems:
AI is not an end in itself; it is important to begin with on-site challenges and real data and consider how we might use AI in that context. Toyota Systems is in a position to discuss such issues and challenges using real data obtained through our day-to-day operations.
Under this partnership, we will establish a joint research center as a hub where company employees, researchers, and students can engage in regular discussion, creating an environment where new perspectives and ideas are born from the intersection of diverse positionalities and disciplinary specialties. We expect the partnership to produce high-impact results, as well as contribute to the development of human resources.
