中央ビルト工業 List of Products and Services

◆Added to the points for construction performance evaluation Safie Co., Ltd.'s outdoor cloud recording cameras "Safie GO 360" and "Safie GO PTZ AI" were registered in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's new technology information provision system "NETIS" on May 20. As a result, the use of both cameras in public works will be eligible for additional points in construction performance evaluations. ◆Improving efficiency and safety on site The "Safie GO 360" is easy to install and can capture a panoramic view of the entire site, clearly displaying objects even at close focal distances in narrow areas. The "Safie GO PTZ AI" allows for adjustments to the shooting range according to the schedule, even on large sites, and enables pinpoint verification of objects several tens of meters away. Additionally, with edge AI features for person detection and counting, it can detect unauthorized access and count the number of people passing through. In construction sites, person detection and notification help prevent material theft and enhance safety management, while quantitatively understanding the flow of people in target areas aids in event planning. These two models reduce movement and working time on site, enabling remote progress management and safety checks. They also comply with regulations on overtime limits, achieving overall efficiency and productivity improvements across the industry.

◆Achieving Reduction of Labor Burden on Site through BIM Utilization Mitani Sangyo Co., Ltd. announced on May 16 that it has received a subsidy for the Takano Home Ishikawa Branch New Construction Project, a joint venture with Takano Construction Co., Ltd., as part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Building BIM Acceleration Project for fiscal years 2022-2023. The company states that by utilizing BIM in this project, it has realized a common understanding between the client and contractor from the design stage and minimized rework during construction, thereby reducing the labor burden on site. ◆BIM Contributes to Solving Challenges in the Construction Industry, Promoting Adoption through Subsidies BIM visualizes building information to facilitate confirmation processes among stakeholders, addressing various challenges in the construction industry, such as improving efficiency in design and construction and enhancing quality. To address the issue of long working hours caused by labor shortages in the construction industry, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is promoting the "Building BIM Acceleration Project" to spread the adoption and utilization of BIM. This project supports a portion of design and construction costs for architectural projects where multiple businesses create building BIM data. Particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that have not yet adopted BIM, utilizing this subsidy program can lower the barriers to BIM implementation.

◆ Until now, conversion of BAIAS data was necessary Ecomott Inc. and GRIFFY Inc. will collaborate starting May 22 to integrate Fukui Computer Co., Ltd.'s civil engineering construction management system "EX-TREND Musashi" with the rebar inspection AR system "BAIAS(R)" (hereinafter referred to as BAIAS*). BAIAS is a system that enables rebar inspection of reinforced concrete structures with just one person by utilizing the LiDAR sensor and camera of the iPad Pro, significantly improving work efficiency. Until now, the data measured by BAIAS was output in a proprietary format, necessitating conversion to a construction management chart for submission to the client. ◆ Output now possible as a construction management chart With this collaboration, rebar data measured by BAIAS can be imported into EX-TREND Musashi in XML format, allowing for output to a construction management chart suitable for electronic delivery. This will achieve a 50-70% reduction in work time for rebar inspections and streamline the inspection process. Additionally, it has become possible to input the design values from EX-TREND Musashi into BAIAS, simplifying the task of registering design values before measurement. *BAIAS is a jointly developed product with Muramoto Construction Co., Ltd.

◆Assetization of Filmed Footage Made Possible On May 20, Pictogram Co., Ltd. announced the provision of the "Site Archive" feature for its cloud storage service "Connect Camera," which captures fixed-point camera footage from construction sites. With this feature, footage from Connect Camera will be automatically stored in the cloud on a site-by-site basis, allowing for efficient long-term preservation of construction records. There have been calls for effective utilization of Connect Camera footage, and with this new feature, filmed footage can now be assetized and utilized effectively without waste. ◆Archiving from 10 yen per site The "Site Archive" feature allows multiple cameras to be set up at a single site, enabling the storage of recorded footage data on a site-by-site basis. Archiving can be specified for any period or time frame, with options for extraction frequency such as one image per hour or one image per day. Additionally, time-lapse footage and voice memos can also be archived, and time-lapse videos can be created from the archived data. The cost starts at 10 yen per site if one image is extracted per hour from 9 AM to 6 PM over a period of four months. Currently, a limited-time campaign is offering 5GB of free storage.

◆Easing reinforcement work and reducing the time spent on design considerations by 90% On May 23, Arent Co., Ltd. announced that CRESS FEED Co., Ltd. has adopted its "Lightning BIM Automatic Reinforcement." "Lightning BIM Automatic Reinforcement" is an Autodesk Revit add-in software that automates and accelerates each step of the time-consuming and labor-intensive reinforcement design process. By generating complex reinforcement models in an instant, it significantly reduces the time spent on manual tasks, achieving a 90% reduction in the traditional design consideration workload. Additionally, it combines high precision with ease of use, allowing less experienced engineers to produce high-quality designs. Using this software not only contributes to shortening construction project timelines but also helps reduce costs and environmental impact, promoting efficiency and sustainability. ◆Engineering group also adopts it for operational efficiency CRESS FEED Co., Ltd. is an engineering group that has participated in large-scale projects both domestically and internationally, engaging in structural design across various fields for over 60 years. In pursuit of further operational efficiency, they have adopted "Lightning BIM Automatic Reinforcement" while utilizing the latest 3D CAD technology.

◆Learning Basic Knowledge as a Construction Engineer TechnoCom Co., Ltd. held the opening ceremony for the third term of the "Construction Manager Training Course" on May 7. The third term of the "Construction Manager Training Course" consists of 13 participants, including 7 men and 6 women. They will learn basic knowledge as construction engineers, such as CAD and surveying, with the goal of working as assistant supervisors on construction sites. The course content includes understanding blueprints, acquiring surveying and CAD skills, project management, quality control, safety management, legal training on construction industry laws, labor standards laws, and road traffic laws, as well as learning specialized terminology and business skills. The program lasts for 5 months, during which participants will be employed as full-time employees of TechnoCom and receive a salary. ◆Starting a Salary-Paid Training Program in 2023 Despite strong demand in the construction industry, a serious labor shortage is worsening, with an estimated shortage of about 900,000 workers by 2025. To address this issue, the company launched a salary-paid training program called the "Construction Manager Training Course" in January 2023, aimed at educating employees from the ground up and continuously developing talent. The first and second cohorts of the course, totaling 16 participants, have successfully transitioned to new careers in the construction industry.

◆Listed in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "Inspection Support Technology Performance Catalog" IXIS Co., Ltd. announced that its bridge inspection lower flange gripping image acquisition device "Turrets" has been registered in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "NETIS" (New Technology Information System) as of April 26. This device is also included in the Ministry's "Inspection Support Technology Performance Catalog." ◆Image acquisition and inspection via remote control Traditionally, bridge inspections required scaffolding to be erected, with workers performing close visual inspections, which involved risks associated with working at heights and necessitated the scaffolding setup process. The new device places a traveling unit to sandwich the lower flange of the bridge's main girder, connecting the spans with rails, and captures images using a camera with lifting functionality positioned on the rails. The images have location information added by sensors on each axis, allowing for inspection, image processing, and data organization. This device accommodates lower flange widths of 250mm to 650mm, enabling it to operate even with minor obstacles or environmental changes. With this device, scaffolding is only required at the installation points of the main body, shortening the process. Additionally, since the operation is conducted remotely from the ground by workers, the risks associated with working at heights are reduced, enhancing safety.

◆ Release of "AmiVoice Photo TORUZO" Advanced Media Inc. will release the photo management app "AmiVoice Photo TORUZO" on May 27, which incorporates new features into the existing "AmiVoice Rebar TORUZO." The app allows for easy operation of capturing and managing photos necessary for construction projects from a tablet device, significantly streamlining related tasks. ◆ Equipped with "Electronic Marker Function" Photos for "Construction Status Management," "Material Acceptance," and "Photos Attached to Safety Documents" can be taken with an electronic blackboard without the need for illustrations. The photo organization feature allows for intuitive creation of a construction photo ledger. With the "Electronic Marker Function," users can simply tap on the captured rebar photos to attach numbered electronic markers to the rebar in the images, thereby enhancing the efficiency of rebar inspections. Additionally, the "Highlight Display Function" has been added, allowing for filtered searches by section, addressing the challenge of difficulty in capturing images due to overlapping highlight displays. When multiple diagrams exist, a new "Branch Selection Function" has been introduced to easily link them, enabling quick generation of photos with an electronic blackboard.

◆ A research and development center aimed at solving challenges in the construction industry opens Takamiya Co., Ltd. announced on May 15 that it will open the "Innovation Hub" within its research and development center "Takamiya Lab. West," aimed at addressing challenges in the construction industry, in mid-September. The company is a comprehensive platform for temporary equipment, developing, manufacturing, selling, and renting next-generation scaffolding systems called the "Iq System," which aims to improve productivity at construction sites. In the fiscal year 2023, it is working on solutions to enhance efficiency at construction sites and tackle challenges using digital transformation (DX), including the announcement of a new business model called the "Takamiya Platform," which combines temporary equipment and DX. ◆ Research and development of solutions in the construction industry "Takamiya Lab. West" is a base for researching and developing solutions to construction challenges. Additionally, the "Innovation Hub" will conduct research and development of solutions and demonstration experiments to create solutions aimed at problem-solving. It will also verify the various services of the "Takamiya Platform" and conduct research on setting safety standards and visualization for temporary equipment, with the goal of addressing the labor shortage in the construction industry and improving productivity.

◆Comprehensive Solutions for Construction Surveying Operations Leica Geosystems announced on May 8 the release of a field controller that serves as a comprehensive solution for construction surveying operations. The controller is the "Leica iCON CC180" equipped with an Intel(R) 12th generation high-performance processor. It features a highly visible 8-inch LCD display that allows for touch operation even with wet fingers, gloves, or a stylus. ◆Numerous Construction Surveying Apps in "Leica iCON Site" The iCON CC180 is used with the software Leica iCON Site installed. iCON Site includes numerous applications necessary for construction surveying, such as measurement, pile driving, alignment and layout, and earthwork calculations, enabling quick processing of tasks on-site. Additionally, the controller can also be used for hydraulic excavator machine guidance and as a panel for ICT construction machinery. Furthermore, the controller docking station has a built-in charging function, ensuring that the device remains fully charged while operating as machine guidance, thus achieving highly productive work.

◆ Matching "Leftover" and "Wanted" On May 8, 2024, Tom Housing Co., Ltd. announced the launch of a service called "Amatta," which matches "leftover" and "wanted" construction materials among construction businesses. The company aims to solve the waste and scrap issues in the construction industry with the mission of "using all construction materials without discarding them," contributing to the achievement of the SDGs. ◆ No listing fees and unlimited listings In construction sites, various construction materials often remain as excess inventory, incurring costs for storage and disposal. At the same time, there are sites that lack materials and need to purchase new ones. According to a survey by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the recycling rate of construction mixed waste is only 50.4%, which is significantly low compared to wood and concrete debris. Users who list leftover construction materials do not need to pay listing fees and can list as many times as they want. Users who want construction materials can receive them for free up to a certain number of transactions. The company hopes that Amatta will inspire the entire construction industry to work together to leave a positive impact on the planet and the future.

◆Add-on for Revit2022 to Enhance Designers' Efficiency Marufuji Sheet Pile Co., Ltd. announced on May 9 that it will begin operating its original BIM system "M-craft," specialized for heavy temporary construction, starting April 15, 2024. "M-craft" is a program added to Revit2022 that streamlines drafting work compared to 2D CAD. With its bulk placement function for various components and annotations, it significantly reduces model creation time and enables the creation of high-precision models. Additionally, anyone can create models that meet a passing standard without relying on experience. The family data is optimized for heavy temporary construction, featuring a wide range of data for construction machinery (RG pile drivers, three-point pile drivers, telescopic cranes), temporary bridges (truss type and plate girder type land crosses), and earth retention components (spherical adjusters, belly bracing, small fireproof blocks), among others. ◆Improved Customer Satisfaction By strongly assisting designers, "M-craft" brings consistency and efficiency to business processes and contributes to improved customer satisfaction. The company aims to actively promote DX centered around "M-craft" to enhance labor productivity in the construction industry.

◆Enabling Rapid Response to Unexpected Situations On May 2, 2024, Senseway Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Senseway) announced the addition of a worker map display feature to its safety management solution "Worker Connect," which supports the health management and safety assurance of workers. With this feature, the location of workers can be easily identified, allowing for a rapid response in the event of unexpected situations. ◆Using Beacons Indoors and GPS Outdoors for Tracking "Worker Connect," provided by Senseway, realizes the understanding of work locations and visualization of health conditions by sensing workers' vital data, location information, and fall situations through the use of vital sensors. In case of abnormalities, alert notifications enable the prevention of heatstroke and detection of fall accidents. The newly added map display feature allows administrators to view the locations of workers on a map, using beacons indoors and GPS outdoors, enabling them to monitor workers' positions even from remote locations. The service will be available from May 8, 2024, and an additional paid option for SMS and voice alert notifications will also be available.

◆Changing the plan to evolve into environmentally friendly construction machinery Kato Works Co., Ltd. announced on May 1 that it will partially change its plans for the "Hybrid Lifter," which is currently under development, in order to further reduce CO2 emissions. As a result, the sales launch originally scheduled for spring 2024 will also be postponed. ◆Additional CO2 emission reduction unit to be equipped The "Hybrid Lifter" is an environmentally friendly rough terrain crane that improves fuel efficiency, reduces noise, and suppresses CO2 emissions by assisting travel and operation with an electric motor. The company had planned to commercialize this world-first "Hybrid Lifter" and release it this spring. However, this time, in pursuit of being "environmentally friendly," the company decided to change its plans to prepare for the addition of a unit that further reduces CO2 emissions and for mass production. The CO2 emission reduction unit will operate using electricity during crane operations, further minimizing CO2 emissions during work. With this change in plans, the "Hybrid Lifter" will evolve further. The sales timing and other details of the new "Hybrid Lifter" will be announced as soon as they are decided.

◆Utilization of Drones for In-House Surveying Operations Aerosense Inc. announced on May 2 that it will exhibit at the "6th Construction and Surveying Productivity Improvement Exhibition (CSPI-EXPO 2024)" to be held at Makuhari Messe (event dates: May 22-24). At this exhibition, the company will showcase and introduce drone-based surveying solutions that can be easily used on-site, contributing to labor-saving in the construction and civil engineering industry and the in-house production of surveying operations. The company's booth is located at area 10-64 in Hall 3. ◆Three Products on Display The exhibited products include three items: the dual-frequency GNSS receiver-equipped drone "New Aerobo PPK," the GNSS-integrated aerial marker "Aerobo Marker," and the photogrammetry analysis service "Aerobo Cloud." The "New Aerobo PPK" is a domestically produced drone that supports post-processed kinematic positioning, capable of obtaining highly accurate positioning information while significantly reducing the number of aerial markers needed and the time required for photogrammetry. The "Aerobo Marker" is an aerial marker that can simply be placed on the ground during drone aerial photography, and it can also be used for public surveying. The "Aerobo Cloud" is a cloud-based application that enables management of drone data and captured images, as well as high-speed and high-precision processing and analysis.

◆ Enhancement of RICOH360's Features with "Dark Scene Mode" On April 16, Ricoh announced the launch of a new feature called "Dark Scene Mode," which brightens 360-degree images taken in dark environments. This feature will be available as a media management option in the "RICOH360 Premium Package." "Dark Scene Mode" utilizes AI technology to provide image correction capabilities that allow users to understand the situation clearly with bright and clear images, even in dark settings. ◆ 360-Degree Image Technology Addressing the Construction Industry's "2024 Problem" In light of the "2024 Problem" in the construction industry, where penalties will be imposed for exceeding overtime limits, the use of remote-controlled 360-degree image technology for on-site surveys and progress checks in construction management is on the rise. However, there have been complaints that "the images are too dark and hinder the verification process." Ricoh's Dark Scene Mode was developed to address the issue of "image darkness." With this release, it will now be possible to confirm situations with clear images even in dark environments, eliminating the need to physically visit the site. This is expected to improve the efficiency of progress checks at construction sites.

◆ Demonstration Experiment Using the "Unicycle Electrification Kit E-cat kit2" On April 16, 2024, CuboRex Co., Ltd. and Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd. announced that they conducted a demonstration experiment to improve transportation efficiency at construction sites using electric unicycles. At a construction site ordered by Daiwa House Industry, they compared and evaluated unicycles equipped with CuboRex's "Unicycle Electrification Kit E-cat kit2" against regular unicycles. ◆ Work Efficiency Improved by Approximately 40% Recognizing the heavy labor of transportation tasks as a challenge in construction sites that are chronically short of manpower, Daiwa House Industry collaborated with CuboRex to conduct a demonstration experiment using electric unicycles. In a comparison using both regular and electric unicycles at the actual site, it was found that the electric unicycle could carry an additional 20 kg per round trip, resulting in an overall work efficiency improvement of about 40%. Although the demonstration experiment took place in a muddy work area due to rain, the electric unicycle successfully completed the transportation tasks without getting stuck in the mud. In a survey conducted among participating workers, all responded that they would like to continue using electric unicycles in the future.

◆DX for Inspection and Diagnosis Work On April 16, IHI Corporation, IHI Infrastructure Systems Corporation, and IHI Infrastructure Construction Corporation announced the development and launch of tools to support inspection and diagnosis work for infrastructure structures such as bridges. Regular inspections of road structures like bridges are mandated by law, but there has been a demand for digital transformation (DX) in the inspection and diagnosis field due to a shortage of technicians. ◆Utilizing Smartphones and AI The company has launched "Smartphone Inspector (R)" and "AIcon Diagnosis Service." With "Smartphone Inspector (R)," it is possible to take photos of damaged areas, input inspection information, and enter diagnosis results using just one smartphone. Inspection reports can also be created simply by sending data from the smartphone to a computer, significantly improving the efficiency of inspection and diagnosis work. Additionally, smartphones are smaller, lighter, and easier to handle than tablets, making it easier to ensure the safety of inspectors. The "AIcon Diagnosis Service" is a contracted service where experts check the results from the company's developed "AIcon Diagnosis (R)" and suggest appropriate countermeasures. The service report also provides access to a "Estimated Public Cost System," which calculates estimated public costs based on the user's budget scale and current situation.

As a safety measure for inspection work, Blue Innovation Co., Ltd. announced on April 16 that the indoor inspection spherical drone "ELIOS 3" has been introduced to Shimizu Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Shimizu Corporation). At Shimizu Corporation's construction sites, inspections before the completion of construction and post-construction inspection work are carried out. However, the locations for these tasks include underground pits that pose a risk of oxygen deficiency and high places that require scaffolding. As a safety measure for these hazardous inspection tasks, Shimizu Corporation has been focusing on drones and has been considering in-house development. However, in underground pits where GNSS and compasses do not reach, even professional drone pilots could not achieve stable flight, making inspections with drones difficult. The "ELIOS 3" is a drone capable of flying in indoor environments where GNSS and compasses do not function. Shimizu Corporation conducted verification of the drone's introduction in underground pits, inside buildings under construction, and within tunnels. As a result, they confirmed safety and outcomes equivalent to visual inspections, leading to the decision to implement it. After the introduction, it has been reported that not only has safety improved, but it has also contributed to increased work efficiency and cost reduction.

◆Enhancing Functions Useful on Site Fukui Computer Architect Co., Ltd. will release the latest domestic BIM system "GLOOBE 2024" on May 15. In this latest version, we have significantly enhanced functions that are useful on site to address the numerous challenges facing the construction industry, aiming for "increased productivity." ◆Strengthening Structural Planning and Temporary Planning In [GLOOBE Construction], the functionality for structural planning has been enhanced. This reduces the overlap of dimensions and symbols, streamlining the process of making corrections and revisions, and has cut the work time for creating structural drawings and quantity takeoffs by approximately 40% compared to previous versions. Additionally, the enhancement of temporary planning functions (efficiency in input tasks) has significantly shortened the input time for temporary models, streamlining the creation of drawings required for Article 88 applications. One-sided scaffolding and sheet types have been addressed in the basic model creation. Furthermore, by bundling the next-generation scaffolding masters from major manufacturers, we can accurately create temporary models for eight domestic companies. In [GLOOBE Architect], the regulatory functions have been enhanced to comply with the revised Building Standards Act that came into effect on April 1, 2023. Additionally, across the GLOOBE series, we have strengthened interoperability with other BIM software.

◆Challenges of Slopes Around Infrastructure Koizumi Seima Co., Ltd. announced on April 11 that it has released a multifunctional soil management sheet made of silicone material, tentatively named "Silicone Canvas" (patent pending), developed with knowledge and technology from the civil engineering industry to address issues related to secondary disaster prevention and weed management on slopes around infrastructure. ◆Suppressing Soil Erosion, Weathering, and Weeds On slopes around infrastructure, there is a demand for labor-saving solutions and reductions in herbicide and running costs. This sheet features the company's unique special processing, which provides moderate permeability to prevent soil erosion and suppresses soil weathering and weed growth, such as slope collapse. Additionally, the back of the sheet is bonded with polyester non-woven fabric, which acts as a cushioning material against the ground. The raw material silicone is a synthetic resin with a structure formed by alternating silicon and oxygen in siloxane bonds. It has high durability, maintains quality, and exhibits excellent heat resistance and cold resistance from -100 to 300 degrees, making it difficult to ignite even at high temperatures. As a result, it remains soft when laid outdoors, with no concerns about changes in quality or cracking. By laying this sheet, it becomes possible to reduce material waste, extend service life, maintain quality, and prevent weeds, meeting the needs of the civil engineering industry.

◆Construction DX Utilizing Mixed Reality Technology On February 22, 2023, Informatics Co., Ltd. announced a case study utilizing MR (Mixed Reality) technology in intersection improvement work in Miyagi Prefecture. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with Tokyo Paving Industry Co., Ltd., which introduced the MR system to the site around October last year, aiming to promote digital transformation (DX). ◆Projecting Holograms in the Correct Position The MR system unveiled this time uses Microsoft's augmented reality headset "HoloLens 2" and a dedicated application "GyroEye Holo," along with an add-on software called "TS+," jointly developed by Informatics and Chiyoda Instruments Co., Ltd. By achieving high-precision display through integration with surveying equipment total stations and real-time correction of positional deviations, it resolved the issues of previous systems that could not project holograms in the correct position. In addition to site verification at the start of construction, consistency checks with design documents, and confirmation of construction after completion, it is also used to explain the completed image to residents involved in entrance and exit construction.

◆All Solutions in the Architecture and Building Materials Industry Gathered Messe München Japan Co., Ltd. will hold the 'BAU 2023' International Trade Fair for Architecture, Materials, and Systems from April 17 (Monday) to April 22 (Saturday), 2023, at Messe München in Germany. The event will take place on a large scale across 19 halls and 200,000 square meters. More than 2,000 companies are expected to exhibit, showcasing materials (such as zinc and aluminum), roofing materials, security and intrusion monitoring systems, building automation, spatial concepts, and more. Opening hours are from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (until 4:00 PM on the final day). Ticket prices are EUR 29.50 for a one-day ticket, EUR 45.50 for a two-day ticket, and EUR 59.50 for a full ticket. ◆Practical Co-Hosted Programs Available The event will feature co-hosted programs where experts from around the world will answer various questions related to the architecture and building materials industry. Key themes of the co-hosted programs include "Homes of the Future," and there will be opportunities for experts to respond to questions from the audience.

One of the challenges in introducing wind power plants has been construction costs. On February 22, 2023, JGC Holdings Corporation announced that its group company, JGC Corporation, has established optimal design technology for power cables for wind power plants. In the 6th Strategic Energy Plan announced in October 2021, it was stated that efforts would be made to expand the introduction of onshore wind power and accelerate the formation of offshore wind power projects in order to make renewable energy a primary power source; however, high construction costs have been one of the challenges. In particular, the power cables (submarine) used for the construction of large-scale offshore wind power plants with a generation capacity of 0.5 to 1 GW are costly, sometimes amounting to several tens of billions of yen. The company aims to reduce the cost of power cables in wind power plant construction by about 10%. The company has focused on the limited time when the output in wind power reaches 100% and has been working with DNV in the Netherlands since April 2021 to examine the optimization of power cables. Through "dynamic rating," which simulates wind conditions and generator output in detail, they have established optimal design technology that minimizes the excess cable size to the necessary minimum.

◆Released in conjunction with the application for the examination starting on March 1 On February 22, 2023, the Japan Construction Information Center, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as CIC Japan Construction Information Center) released a subject-specific past question collection and textbook for the 2023 fiscal year’s first examination for the second-class civil engineering construction management technician. These books are aimed at self-learners in preparation for the second-class civil engineering construction management technician's first examination, for which applications will begin on March 1. ◆Educational materials by pioneers in construction management technician exam preparation CIC Japan Construction Information Center, a pioneer in construction management technician exam preparation, has produced educational materials that busy professionals can use for study. The "2023 Fiscal Year Second-Class Civil Engineering Construction Management Technician First Examination Subject-Specific Past Question Collection" released this time has carefully selected questions that should be memorized from past exams by subject to enable efficient learning. Additionally, the "2023 Fiscal Year Second-Class Civil Engineering Construction Management Technician First Examination Textbook" identifies high-probability points from a vast range of topics through analysis of question trends and explains them clearly. The subject-specific past question collection is priced at 3,080 yen (including tax), and the textbook is priced at 3,300 yen (including tax), both available for purchase on Amazon and the official website.

◆ Dedicated Recording Terminal for "SSTRACE(R)SYSTEM" News Tech Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as News Tech) has announced the start of sales and rentals of smartphones that serve as dedicated recording terminals for the construction-generated soil traceability system "SSTRACE(R)SYSTEM" provided by the Advanced Construction Technology Center, a public interest incorporated foundation. When transporting construction-generated soil, proper processing records can be made simply by tapping an IC card on the smartphone. ◆ Battery Degradation Warranty Included News Tech will provide the AQUOS sense3 manufactured by Sharp Corporation, which has the necessary mobile wallet (NFC) functionality and waterproof and dustproof performance suitable for construction site environments, for the construction-generated soil traceability system "SSTRACE(R)SYSTEM" promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. In addition to the necessary applications, the company's app "Smartphone Medical Record," which connects to the diagnosis of the smartphone's health status and degradation prediction, will be pre-installed, and the battery will also come with a degradation warranty. The setup will include a data communication SIM, and the complete package will be available for sale or rental. The sales price is 38,940 yen (including tax) per unit, and the rental fee is 8,250 yen per month (including tax, with a minimum contract of 6 months).

◆Release of Pile Inspection Support Using Construction BPO Function On February 14, 2023, Photraction Inc. released pile inspection support using the construction BPO function in its production support cloud service "Photoruction" for the construction industry. This enhances support related to structural work following rebar inspection. ◆Pre-registration of Hundreds of Blackboard Panels Among the structural works that require extensive inspection time, pile construction inspection has previously involved creating hundreds of blackboard panels on-site according to the construction procedures and placement positions, photographing them, and managing them through documentation. The pile inspection support function of "Photoruction" automatically reads the necessary blackboard panels from structural drawings and pre-registers hundreds of them. The blackboards can be accessed anytime from a mobile app. Inspection pins are placed at the locations of the pile numbers indicated in the drawings, and by changing the status of the inspection pins after the work is completed, construction personnel can check the progress on-site via cloud access. The company states that these features provide an environment where engineers, who previously spent a lot of time on preparation and report creation, can focus on quality management of the building.

◆Digitizing the large volume of forms generated on-site On February 14, 2023, MC Data Plus Co., Ltd. announced that its construction site management service "Worksite," aimed at the construction industry, has been fully implemented at construction sites nationwide managed by Shimizu Corporation. Shimizu Corporation has been promoting the introduction of "Worksite" to improve the productivity of on-site management tasks through the digitization of forms such as daily work reports, work instructions, and safety environment logs, which are generated in large quantities on-site. ◆Labor aggregation is almost automated In this implementation, the initial setup proceeded smoothly due to the collaboration with MC Data Plus's already deployed "Green Site" across all sites, and future enhancements in functionality are also anticipated. Furthermore, through the integration with the access management system of "Green Site," labor aggregation at the site level has been almost fully automated. Additionally, the integration of scheduled work performance and heavy machinery operation data is being utilized for aggregation and analysis in subsequent processes at headquarters, branches, and sites. The approval function for scheduled work performance and the long-term storage of evidence through the archiving function after completion are expected to contribute to the promotion of paperless operations.

◆ How to Digitize "Writing on Drawings"? TransRecog Inc. announced on February 14 that it has been selected for the project "Digitizing Drawing Reviews! We want to streamline administrative procedures related to building confirmations" promoted by Nishinomiya City. Nishinomiya City is considering the introduction of electronic applications for administrative procedures related to building confirmations. However, since "writing on drawings" is mandatory in the drawing review process for building confirmation applications in the city, how to digitize the drawing review has been a challenge. As a result, through this project, the company and Nishinomiya City will collaborate to conduct a demonstration of digitizing drawing reviews using the company's AxelaNote. ◆ AxelaNote Widely Used in the Construction Industry AxelaNote is the world's first Windows PDF drawing software that allows users to write on a PDF by overlaying a transparent sheet without altering the original PDF. It can also be used to write on PDF files that prohibit annotations, making it widely used in the construction industry. Additionally, the software can be installed with accompanying tools that allow for page rearrangement and deletion of PDFs, as well as PDF comparison.

◆Achieving High-Precision and Reliable Inspections with AI Technology On February 14, 2023, Nishio Rent All Co., Ltd. began renting the AI rebar inspection terminal "Field Bar(R) FB-100," manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Engineering Co., Ltd., which was launched on January 26, 2023. The introduction of this terminal, which enables high-precision and reliable rebar inspections using AI technology in a short time and with a small number of personnel, is said to contribute to the promotion of digital transformation (DX) at construction sites. ◆Approximately 60% Reduction in Inspection Time The "Field Bar(R) FB-100" can instantly perform automatic measurement of the number, diameter (thickness), and spacing of rebar using its built-in stereo camera, boasting a measurement accuracy of ±5mm for rebar spacing. It eliminates the need for traditional dedicated markers or scale setups, allowing inspections to be conducted by a single person, thereby achieving labor savings while maintaining inspection quality. Additionally, by integrating with rebar inspection report generation tools, it enables automatic creation of inspection reports and documentation, resulting in a system that can reduce inspection time by approximately 60%, including preparation and administrative tasks. With a waterproof design (IP65) and a display that is easy to see outdoors, digital rebar inspections can be conducted even in harsh outdoor environments.

◆AI-powered Deterrent Security System "Talking Camera" On February 10, 2023, Innovator Co., Ltd. announced the launch and sale of the outdoor security camera system "Talking Camera." This new outdoor security camera system uses AI to identify only human and vehicle intrusions, deterring them with sound and light, thereby preventing theft and vandalism that frequently occur at construction sites and material storage areas. ◆High-quality Long-duration Recording for Up to 3 Months The "Talking Camera" prevents crime by exposing intruders or vehicles at construction sites and material storage areas to strong light and sound that are conspicuous in the surroundings. Users can check live footage from the site on PCs, tablets, or smartphones, allowing for monitoring regardless of location. It can issue warnings not only with preset sounds but also with original audio, and users can converse from the monitoring PC or smartphone. Additionally, it records in full color even at night with high quality that surpasses typical surveillance cameras. By adopting the latest video compression technology, H265AI, it achieves long-duration recording for up to 3 months. The recorded footage also features an AI search function that allows users to find specific footage based on specified conditions.

◆Good News for Construction Companies Struggling with Low Delivery Utilization Rates On February 7, mign Co., Ltd. released a joint delivery system called matery for the construction industry. By utilizing matery, construction companies can reduce costs and time associated with deliveries, while drivers can expect increased earnings from delivering to multiple sites. In construction sites, there are frequent cases where large trucks are loaded with only a small amount of materials due to sudden requests from the site, leading to low delivery utilization rates. ◆The Arrival of a Construction Materials Uber! The new matery app functions like Uber, utilizing the GPS on truck drivers' smartphones, allowing both construction companies and drivers to register and use the app. When a construction company publishes delivery information for the materials they want to send (including pickup and delivery locations, size of the cargo, fees, etc.), the app displays the pickup and delivery points and notifies drivers in the area. Drivers can apply based on the notified proposals, and construction companies can compare the applicants' offers to select a driver. The app will be provided within approximately one month after interviews and other processes. The applicable industries include construction, civil engineering, manufacturing, real estate, and transportation.

A Small Company Owner in Ibaraki Prefecture Tells His Own Story On February 6, 2023, Parade Books, a publishing venture of Parade Co., Ltd., released "The Birth Story of Asuka Design Studio: Rebirth - The Journey from Dismissal as President to Comeback" in bookstores nationwide. This is a nonfiction story about Yu Tamaki, the representative director of Asuka Studio, and his journey to becoming the president of an architecture company while overcoming various hardships. A Comeback Story from the Depths of Being Dismissed as President Yu Tamaki, who entered the construction industry with no experience, held management positions and served as an executive at three housing companies, but was forced to take responsibility for a scandal caused by a subordinate and was dismissed from his executive role. Afterward, he became the president of another housing company, but his clumsy personality, which made him poor at navigating social situations, led to a sudden dismissal from the parent company. From that low point, with the support of his colleagues, he clawed his way back and established the architectural design office, Asuka Design Studio. He personally took up the pen to turn this nonfiction story into a book. Parade Books hopes that industry peers, aspiring independent businessmen, and those considering building a home will read it.

◆Advancement and Operational Innovations for ZEB Transformation On February 1, Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd. announced that its super high-rise office building "Hareza Tower" received the highest award, the "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (ZEB/ZEH category)," in the Energy Conservation Grand Prize 2022 for energy-saving initiatives. The "Energy Conservation Grand Prize" is a system that recognizes energy-saving efforts, products, and business models that serve as a model for others. ZEB and ZEH refer to buildings and homes aimed at achieving net-zero primary energy consumption annually. ◆Achieving Energy Savings by Reevaluating Air Conditioning and Indoor Illumination The company undertook energy-saving measures in "Hareza Tower" by reevaluating the power supply and control systems of the air conditioning units and the illumination levels in the office rental spaces. In the air conditioning units, the development and adoption of grid-type air conditioners and grid-type humidifiers have reduced the power supply, contributing to a reduction of approximately 6.32 kW per floor in the upper floors. Additionally, to enhance efficiency, a system capable of optimal operation control using sensing data was implemented. Furthermore, the illumination levels in the office rental spaces were reduced from the standard specification of 700-750 lx to 500 lx by using carpets with high reflectivity and designs that create a sense of brightness.

◆A logistics facility expected to accommodate multiple companies as tenants Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Daiwa House) announced that the multi-tenant logistics facility "DPL Sakaido 2," which it has been constructing in Sakaido City, Saitama Prefecture, was completed on January 31, 2023. The facility is four stories high, with a site area of 48,356.80 square meters and a total floor area of 92,638.99 square meters, designed to accommodate multiple companies as tenants. ◆Equipped with facilities for employees and BCP measures Daiwa House is sequentially constructing five logistics facilities on a site of approximately 204,000 square meters in Sakaido City, with the recently completed "DPL Sakaido 2" being the fourth facility. It is adjacent to the Sakaido Nishi Smart IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway and connects to the Metropolitan Central Expressway at the Tsurugashima Junction, which is about 5 km away, providing easy access to the Tohoku Expressway and Chuo Expressway. This facility serves not only as a logistics consolidation center for the metropolitan area but also functions as a relay logistics facility. Additionally, it is equipped with childcare facilities for the employees of tenant companies and has introduced an EV bus for transportation between Sakaido Station on the Tobu Tojo Line and the facility. As part of BCP measures in anticipation of disasters, it has installed a seismic isolation system, emergency generators, and storage batteries.

◆LIXIL's Unique Composite Technology On February 1, 2023, LIXIL Corporation (hereinafter referred to as LIXIL) announced the launch of its composite technology named "FORCE CARBON," which enables the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in building materials. On the same day, a special website for "FORCE CARBON" was opened. ◆Enabling Product Development with Challenging Designs "FORCE CARBON" is a technology that optimally combines lightweight yet highly strong CFRP with other materials, inspired by the high strength characteristic of CFRP. By utilizing this technology, not only is the performance of residential buildings improved, but the high strength allows for the elimination of excess material, making it possible to develop beautifully refined designs that were previously difficult to achieve. Additionally, the reduction in overall material usage and weight contributes to lower environmental impact during transportation and improves work efficiency during construction. LIXIL aims to contribute to the realization of "a future of living that exceeds imagination" through various products and innovative ideas born from "FORCE CARBON."

◆Improving Operator Safety and Environmental Performance On January 24, 2023, Nikko Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Nikko) released a new model of its asphalt plant "Value Pack" series, specifically designed for the production of recycled asphalt mixtures, called "VPIV-Clover." This model adopts a unit construction method, making it the first of its kind in Japan, and also enhances operator safety and environmental performance. ◆Improving Work Environment by Reducing Maintenance Frequency The newly developed asphalt plant "VPIV-Clover" by Nikko employs a unit construction method that is transportable by truck, based on the concept of "delivering happiness to users and cities." Compared to previous models, it shortens the plant assembly period by more than two weeks, ensuring stable supply. Additionally, the use of exterior materials with sound-absorbing and insulating properties has helped to reduce noise pollution and improve energy efficiency. By changing the layout of each device from a flat arrangement to a three-dimensional arrangement, the need for trolleys and belt conveyors has been eliminated, and the floor area has been expanded compared to previous models, thereby reducing accident risks. Furthermore, by enclosing and collecting dust and asphalt fumes generated in certain areas, the frequency of maintenance has been successfully reduced, improving the working environment for operators.

◆Display ratings with a 5-star mark On January 20, 2023, Sun Frontier Realty Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Sun Frontier Realty) announced that it has obtained "BELS" certification from the Japan Housing Performance Evaluation and Display Association for six properties it manages. "BELS" is an energy performance labeling system for buildings that started in 2014, which displays ratings based on the primary energy consumption of buildings using a 5-star mark. ◆Two properties received a 4-star rating In this certification, "＋SHIFT MITA" in Minato Ward, Shiba, and "Higashi-Nihonbashi Central Place" in Chuo Ward, Higashi-Nihonbashi, both managed by Sun Frontier Realty, received a 4-star rating. Additionally, three properties, "MARK SQUARE Okachimachi," "AKIHABARA CENTRAL SQUARE," and "THE SHORE Nihonbashi Kayabacho," received a 3-star rating, while "＋SHIFT TUKIJI" received a 2-star rating. In recent years, as real estate companies and funds are increasingly required to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, Sun Frontier Realty will continue to promote the acquisition of certifications such as BELS and other environmental certifications.

◆Sequential introduction to new construction sites On January 17, Zero Board Co., Ltd. announced that it will sequentially introduce its GHG emission calculation and visualization tool "Zero Board Construction" to new construction sites of Takenaka Corporation starting in February 2023. Currently, Zero Board Construction is undergoing demonstration experiments at construction sites in collaboration with Takenaka Corporation and Yuasa Trading Co., Ltd. ◆GHG emissions during the construction phase will be a challenge moving forward In Japan, CO2 emissions from construction machinery account for 1.4% of total industrial emissions, highlighting the emerging challenge of addressing GHG emissions during the construction phase. Zero Board Construction is a tool designed to manage GHG emissions from heavy machinery and equipment at construction sites on a building and daily basis, aimed at solving this challenge. Emissions data is collected from activity data obtained from IoT devices installed on heavy machinery and equipment, which is then automatically and in real-time incorporated into Zero Board Construction for calculation and visualization. The company plans to further develop its functions by actually operating Zero Board Construction and aims to eventually calculate GHG emissions predictions during the design phase.

◆Portable and labor-saving temporary large water bags On January 17, 2023, Taiyo Industry Co., Ltd. and Central Japan Highway Maintenance Co., Ltd. announced the joint development of a temporary large water bag called "Highway Delta" as a substitute for large sandbags. Developed over approximately a year and a half with the aim of replacing large sandbags used during road disasters, it excels in portability and labor-saving features. ◆Can be compactly folded for storage and transportation As landslides and other sediment disasters on road slopes are increasing, the temporary large water bag "Highway Delta" was developed as a disaster prevention tool to replace sandbags that are installed to prevent the intrusion of muddy water and stones after emergency measures such as sediment removal. Due to its long triangular bag made of highly waterproof material, it can be compactly folded for storage and can be moved as is. To install, it is stretched out, laid down, and water is poured inside. Unlike large sandbags, heavy machinery is not required for installation, and when using Central Japan Highway Maintenance Co., Ltd.'s water truck for filling, it can be set up by four workers in just 15 minutes. Additionally, because it is a water bag, it has the advantage of not scattering sediment during removal and can help mitigate impact when vehicles collide with it.

◆Reducing On-Site Burden for Key Management FiberGate Inc. (hereinafter referred to as FiberGate) announced on January 16, 2023, that it has jointly developed a key management system with Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd. aimed at improving the efficiency of on-site operations. The system, developed for construction sites of multi-family residential buildings, sends key opening and closing information from smart locks on the entrance doors of each unit to an IoT platform via a Wi-Fi router, and integrates with the cloud of an IoT device centralized management service. On-site technicians can check the key opening and closing information through a dedicated application, eliminating issues such as forgetting to lock the door. ◆Also Contributing to Enhanced Security By implementing this system, on-site technicians will be able to operate key opening and closing remotely. They can perform key operations for specific units, as well as manage key operations by floor, and simultaneously unlock or lock all units. As a result, the need for borrowing and lending keys among on-site workers will be eliminated, and the visualization of key opening and closing information will enhance security on-site. FiberGate will conduct the implementation and verification of this system at its construction sites and consider expanding it across the industry.

◆ "Equipment Women's Meeting" Exchanges Opinions with Work Style Reform Professionals On January 13, Work-Life Balance Co., Ltd. announced the summary of the "Equipment Women's Meeting Roundtable" held in October 2022 with representatives from six member companies of the Architectural Equipment Engineers Association. The "Equipment Women's Meeting" was established in 2012 to promote camaraderie among female engineers in the architectural equipment industry. ◆ Industry-Wide Efforts Are Necessary The roundtable, moderated by Work-Life Balance, a professional in work style reform, discussed topics such as work style reform in light of the labor hour limit regulations in the construction industry set for 2024. Active discussions took place regarding the necessity of reform, the appeal of the architectural equipment industry, and the need for structural changes unique to the industry. It was commonly recognized that there is a significant gap in values regarding overtime work between younger and managerial generations, indicating the need for a shift in awareness across the entire industry regarding work style reform. Additionally, it was concluded that collaboration with the government and other companies is essential to create an environment where younger generations can continue to work, and the discussions will be communicated to the public. The content of the roundtable will be published on the Work-Life Balance website around January 19.

◆Registration in the New Technology Database System On January 16, 2023, SB C&S Corporation and Hololab Inc. announced that their jointly developed AR/MR visualization solution for 3D CAD/BIM/CIM files, "mixpace," has been registered in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's New Technology Information Provision System (NETIS). By being registered in NETIS, which allows for efficient browsing and consideration of new technologies developed by private companies, the opportunity for utilization in more sites is expected to expand. ◆Automatic Conversion in as Little as 1 to 2 Minutes "mixpace" is a solution that converts data created in 3D CAD/BIM/CIM into 3D data that can be viewed on devices compatible with AR (Augmented Reality) and MR (Mixed Reality), completing what used to be a lengthy conversion process in as little as 1 to 2 minutes automatically. It supports 18 types of 3D file formats in the 3D CAD/BIM/CIM fields and can convert files up to 1.5GB in size. Additionally, a dedicated viewer app compatible with HoloLens 2 and certain models of iPads is provided, enabling VR utilization in conjunction with "Recover Virtual Workplace."

◆Advanced Media, Metropolitan Expressway Technical Corporation, and Nagaoka National College of Technology Jointly Develop System Advanced Media Inc. (hereinafter referred to as Advanced Media), Metropolitan Expressway Technical Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Metropolitan Expressway Technical), and Nagaoka National College of Technology (hereinafter referred to as Nagaoka College) announced on January 11 that they have jointly developed a "Report System for Inspection Results Using Voice Input." The three parties have jointly filed patents related to the technologies used in this system. This system was developed by combining Advanced Media's AI voice recognition technology, AmiVoice, with the voice input-compatible inspection system that Nagaoka College had been developing. By utilizing ICT devices instead of paper, the system prevents the omission of handwritten records and reduces the time required for data entry after work. Additionally, the system has undergone repeated modifications based on trial implementations in the field. ◆Improvement in Report Quality Metropolitan Expressway Technical has fully implemented the system since April 2022, using it for biannual routine inspections across all routes of the Metropolitan Expressway. This has enabled greater efficiency and sophistication in operations, leading to improved report quality, and it is anticipated that work time will be reduced by approximately 20% in the future.

◆Efficient Installation of Glass and Building Material Panels Actio Co., Ltd. has started renting out the glass worker, a heavy object suction transport machine, from January 11. The glass worker is an arm-type remote operation machine. It can suction and transport glass and building material panels using suction cups, and fit them into window frames or walls. Since the suctioned part can move horizontally to the side, fine adjustments can be made during installation, allowing for efficient placement of glass and other materials by operating the remote control close to the installation site. ◆Three Models Available for Rent The glass worker comes in three models: the self-propelled GW625 and GW1125, and the UPG1200, which can be used for installation while being lifted by a crane. The GW625 has six suction pads and a maximum load capacity of 625 kg, while the GW1125 has twelve suction pads and a maximum load capacity of 1,125 kg. Both models allow for boom elevation and retraction, as well as lateral and vertical swiveling and rotation. The UPG1200 features twelve suction pads and a maximum load capacity of 1,200 kg.