The winners of the Category Awards and special Corporate Awards in the Generation Award category, announced at the "INNO-vation Generation Award" ceremony on November 22, 2017, are as follows.
■ Category Awards
1. Information and Communications
MAMORIO, Inc.
Anti-loss tag "MAMORIO"
<Reason for Selection>
This is a product that has been commercialized through crowdfunding and other means. The service design is also attractive, as the network effect works the more users there are, making it easier to find items, such as by updating information when users pass each other.
1. Information and Communications
Karin Ikeda
"Tengoku nau" (Now in Heaven)
<Reason for Selection>
The handling of an individual's digital devices and service accounts after death has been a topic of debate in recent years. These are called "digital legacy" or "digital end-of-life planning" and are becoming a problem. The value of expressing that the person has passed away with a light nuance like "Now in Heaven" instead of a negative, heavy expression is very modern.
3. Medical
Toshiya Sueoka
Development of a "stress reduction tool" that realizes a "third eye" with technology using the "bird's-eye view projection method"
<Reason for Selection>
He is researching a method to solve stress reduction scientifically, not just as a matter of feeling, and is getting closer to its realization. We expect that stress reduction with such an approach will become common in the future.
4. Education
Yuho Goto
A mobile children's center that does not have a fixed garden on that land.
<Reason for Selection>
He proposes a new form of children's center for preschoolers that will lead to measures against the declining birthrate and work style reform. To realize this, ICT-based facility management and user management will be essential. Also, the hurdles to realization seem high, such as the need for legal整備, but we hope that he will continue to make efforts toward this realization.
5. Primary Industries such as Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry, and Distribution
WaterCell Co., Ltd.
Agri-note
<Reason for Selection>
Recording and preserving experience in agricultural work in a shareable format is an effective means for successors. It was evaluated because it is realized in a form that is easy for young agricultural workers to get into, with an interface that feels like a virtual game.
6. Security
Power Elec Co., Ltd.
IoT monitoring outlet "WiFi-Plug"
<Reason for Selection>
Not only for monitoring, but it is also possible to turn off the power remotely. We feel the potential for it to become a major device for home control by linking with AI speakers in the future.
7. Sensing and Data
Waseda University Iwase Laboratory
Self-healing electrical wiring for disconnections
<Reason for Selection>
To eliminate the experience of cable disconnection that everyone has experienced, they are researching automatic repair of disconnections. This has a wide range of applications, such as reducing maintenance costs and effectively utilizing resources, and is thought to have great economic benefits.
8. Radio Waves and Their Effective Use
Takanori Hirose
Solving social issues by combining radio waves with different characteristics and communication technologies for effective use
<Reason for Selection>
He is researching methods to realize not only the improvement of the level of hospitality for foreign tourists, which is already a problem, but also appropriate information transmission in times of disaster. It is thought that various solutions will be proposed in the future, but if this approach of fusing broadcasting and communication is realized, the impact will be great.
9. Video and Audio
Kanda Giken Co., Ltd.
VR Battleship Yamato
<Reason for Selection>
They are currently continuing production while raising funds through crowdfunding. There is a strong passion to preserve not only battleships like the Yamato but also to recreate railway lines, utilizing his high 3D modeling skills to leave it in a form that many people can experience in VR.
10. Biotechnology
-
No Winner
11. Disaster Prevention
Eiichiro Honma
Smartphone zombie countermeasure: disabled person approach alert
<Reason for Selection>
For people with visual impairments, smartphone zombies are an unavoidable obstacle. The approach of solving the problem of smartphone zombies as a system rather than through the person's awareness feels realistic.
12. Distribution
Setouchi Kamome Project General Incorporated Association
Kamomes (activities to solve regional issues including logistics and medical problems using drones)
<Reason for Selection>
They are conducting demonstration experiments using drones to solve the problems of remote islands and mountainous areas. The knowledge gained from this demonstration experiment can be applied horizontally to other similar regions. We want to support this as a practical example of solving problems with technology.
13. Robots and AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. & ZENRIN CO., LTD.
"Drone Highway Concept" to create 3D maps and support safe drone flight
<Reason for Selection>
There are high expectations for drones as a means of transporting goods in times of disaster and emergency, but there are various regulations when it comes to actually flying them. In order to realize safe and high-speed transportation of goods, it is considered that not only the development of drone hardware but also the combination of data on airspace where flying is permitted will become a more practical solution.
13. Robots and AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Yoshihiro Saji
Disaster prevention robot that makes full use of drones
<Reason for Selection>
We evaluated the point that he is considering a solution that combines a robot that acts on the ground for disaster recovery and a drone that handles aerial photography to monitor the disaster situation on the ground and the robot's operational status and formulate an optimal action plan.
14. IoT (Internet of Things)
Yusuke Kimura
Training sharing platform "Sharetore"
<Reason for Selection>
He is developing a service that provides optimal practice menus and reduces the burden on volunteer coaches in order to improve soccer skills. We want to evaluate the point that the benefits unique to online services, such as the fact that practice methods are shared and evaluated, leading to the narrowing down of more optimal practice methods, are also being incorporated into sports.
15. App
Tomohiro Kiguchi
A calendar app that fills up with appointments
<Reason for Selection>
There are business-oriented services where an AI judges the content of an email and automatically makes a meeting reservation, but I think that a schedule management service aimed at enriching an individual's leisure time like this idea is a service that will be born in the future. I want to evaluate it as an idea that makes me feel that future.
16. Other Fields the Implementing Organization Never Thought Of
Mizuto Terashima
Small electric mobility that can run on snow ~Cuboard~
<Reason for Selection>
He has developed a means of transportation to improve life in heavy snowfall areas and is at a stage close to practical use. It seems that amendments to the Road Traffic Act will be necessary for driving on public roads, but it seems that it can be put to practical use immediately as a new leisure activity at leisure facilities such as ski resorts.
■ Special Awards from Sponsoring Corporate Group
IACE TRAVEL CORP.
Kenta Toshima
VR Overseas Travel Experience Service for the Elderly
<Reason for Selection>
For our aging society, we felt the demand and potential for practical application not only in delivering images from around the world as a simulated experience to elderly people who cannot go out, but also in providing a video distribution service that visits memorable places on their behalf. For example, visiting the place of their honeymoon or delivering images of their hometown as it is now.
ACCESSTRADE CENTER CO., LTD.
Junichi Miyagawa
Creating a New Style of Evacuation Drill that Connects Schools and the Community
<Reason for Selection>
The reason we endorsed the proposer's entry challenge is that the roles that each of the four bases—elementary, junior high, and high schools closely tied to the community, and the community (community center)—should play in disaster countermeasures that may occur in the future are clearly defined.
Even able-bodied people lose their ability to make normal judgments in the event of a major disaster, and it is understandable that people with disabilities and the elderly face even greater risks.
We can also expect public assistance, in addition to self-help and mutual help, by creating such a system as a comprehensive community support system. We strongly feel that this is truly an INNO-vation sponsored by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
WILLER, Inc.
Airporter Inc.
"Airporter" (Same-day baggage delivery service between accommodation facilities and airports)
<Reason for Selection>
This proposal can solve a common problem faced by travelers around the world.
We expect that travelers' behavior and communication will change, and that deeper and more diverse experiences will be created.
We also selected it as a corporate award because we believe it will realize our vision of "creating innovation through mobility."
S-style Co., Ltd.
Tomoya Izumi
Record of Memories
<Reason for Selection>
S-Style Co., Ltd. proposes custom-made suits that match the customer's image.
If this idea can be realized, it will be possible to objectively review one's own fashion in the past and find hints for coordination that is suitable for oneself.
We support this proposal in anticipation of the possibility that past memories will lead to future dreams.
FM OSAKA CO., Ltd.
Asuna Nakagawa
Recommended Radio Station Guide
<Reason for Selection>
I think this idea was inspired by a conversation during an exchange of opinions with students from other prefectures, but recently, when the radio itself is disappearing from our surroundings, thank you for your proposal on how to promote it by focusing on the content of the program.
We selected it with the hope that it will be some kind of trigger for rediscovering the radio.
Obun Printing Co., Inc.
Takeo Co., Ltd.
A paper flashlight with an electronic circuit that lights up when rolled! "PAPER TORCH"
<Reason for Selection>
At Obun Printing Co., Inc., we provide new solutions born from printing technology.
We wanted to support this product because this PAPER TORCH greatly expands the possibilities of printing and is a product that makes us feel the future, and also because it is an innovative product that fuses "form and function," where the intensity of the light changes depending on how the paper is rolled.
Catalina Co., Ltd.
Takashi Sasaki
Alterna School
<Reason for Selection>
The world of VR and AR has great potential.
However, there is also an aspect that seems to be deflating.
We are full of desire to support that.
Kisly Co., Ltd.
SONIX Co., Ltd.
FlipCast
<Reason for Selection>
Kisly Co., Ltd. provides the bottle-less water server "CoolQoo".
The IoT device in this idea is easy to imagine being integrated with our water server, and it is simple yet convenient and can be applied to various fields. We were also attracted to the fact that the proposer did not specify the method of provision.
We support this idea.
Guinness World Records Japan K.K. ("Machiokoshi Nippon" Project)
Susumu Ando
Long-run softball tournament in the Tohoku tsunami-stricken area
<Reason for Selection>
We felt that this was an easy-to-understand idea that could get both children and adults excited by taking on a challenge to the world.
We hope that you will utilize Japan's wisdom and craftsmanship to systematize the project and appeal the recovery of Tohoku not only domestically but also to the world.
Being the world's best is not just a dream. Please take this opportunity to liven up Tohoku.
k-style Holdings Co., Ltd.
Shinya Shimojo
Third-generation new category, vertical free-viewpoint video "SwipeVideo"
<Reason for Selection>
k-style Holdings Co., Ltd. operates five business companies in Japan, and among them, we are focusing on early childhood education. If this idea is realized, it will be possible to realistically provide the Category of view captured from a baby's perspective, which could, for example, give useful hints about childcare to men who are raising children. In an era where paternity leave for men is being sought, this idea has the potential to open up a new way of childcare.
Case O'clock Co., Ltd.
Adtron Technology Co., Ltd.
foop (IoT hydroponic interior that allows you to enjoy hydroponics with your smartphone)
<Reason for Selection>
At Case O'clock Co., Ltd., we manufacture and sell the WAYLLY smartphone case that can be attached to glass. We felt the potential to enrich people's lives by collaborating the IoT technology of this idea with our smartphone cases. We support this idea with the hope for the development of IoT technology that enriches people's lives.
CGL Co., Ltd.
Daiki Morotomi
AI-powered learning optimization system
<Reason for Selection>
At CGL Co., Ltd., we provide various learning opportunities and information exchange forums for business leaders to play an active role in the global field. Artificial intelligence can sometimes be seen as a threat to humanity, but we support this idea in the hope that its realization will allow for the effective use of artificial intelligence as a good friend in learning.
Sharp Corporation
Triple W Japan Inc.
Excretion prediction wearable D Free
<Reason for Selection>
We often hear about the need for excretion prediction while listening to the challenges of nursing care facilities. In our increasingly aging society, we feel that this system is a system that will be very beneficial to society. We also selected it for the corporate award because we can think of ways to use it in conjunction with our RoBoHoN.
Stretch-ya-san Co., Ltd.
Seiji Fudewaki
Formation of educational environments such as career education and vocational education using VR (virtual reality)
<Reason for Selection>
Stretch-ya-san Co., Ltd. operates full-fledged stretching specialty stores in Tokyo. We believe that by realizing this idea, customers can simulate stretching in VR and compare it with the effects of real stretching, making it easier to appeal the original charm of stretching. We support this idea.
SEIBU HOLDINGS INC.
Takenori Inomata
Real-time sports facility sharing service using IoT
<Reason for Selection>
By building a platform that centrally manages not only our own facility information but also that of local governments and other businesses, we can provide an environment where people can more easily engage in sports, leading to the maintenance and promotion of health, the formation of communities, and regional revitalization. We were attracted to the potential to lead to the realization of our vision of "becoming a company that supports our customers' lives."
Japan Information Learning Promotion Association
Tatsunori Kobayashi
Easy grading app for smartphones
<Reason for Selection>
The reason we adopted this idea is that we felt the potential to completely change the way exams have been conducted until now.
Until now, it has been a matter of course that mobile devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets cannot be brought into exams.
Of course, this is to prevent cheating, but it is quite difficult to completely ban mobile devices, which are so widespread and used for various purposes in daily life, from exam halls in the future. In that case, we believe that by using them correctly in connection with exams, we can find functions that are useful for examinees and for us, the organizers.
Sosu Co., Ltd.
Aya Yamaguchi
Collecting women's foot shapes with glass slippers
<Reason for Selection>
Sosu Co., Ltd. sells products related to women's foot problems under the Perorin brand.
This idea of collecting foot shape data with glass slippers and improving the shoes themselves combines fun and practicality.
We wanted to realize this idea so that many people, like Cinderella, can find the perfect shoes for them and be happy.
T-ARTS Company, Ltd.
Shingo Azuma
The Hole Connected to Brazil
<Reason for Selection>
We selected the T-ARTS Award by focusing on "ideas that make daily life scenes fun." "The Hole Connected to Brazil" is a whimsical and fun idea that brings an entrance to the other side of the earth into daily life, and we empathize with it. We also evaluated the proactive effort of actually creating the device and are pleased to present this award.
TOKYO METROPOLITAN TELEVISION BROADCASTING CORPORATION
meleap Inc.
Techno Sports HADO
<Reason for Selection>
Of course, the unconventional "idea and creativity" of whether it is possible to experience the special moves of popular manga in the real world is impressive. From our perspective, having focused on and created programs about e-sports since its early days, "HADO" has high entertainment value as an experiential game and real event, and it is also a content that can be enjoyed visually on television. We believe it truly embodies the "INNO-vation of e-sports."
Knowledge Capital Association
Takushi Yanagisawa
Control of phantom limb pain using a BMI prosthetic hand
<Reason for Selection>
This is a study that uses the "cutting-edge technology" of BMI in the "medical" field to suppress the pain of phantom limb pain patients and "enrich the lives" of phantom limb pain patients. We have decided to award it because we expect further development in the future, such as the presentation of research results based at Knowledge Capital and collaboration with other participants.
Nippon Enterprise Co., Ltd.
Novars Inc.
Communicating battery "MaBeee"
<Reason for Selection>
The concept that a battery-powered product can become an IoT product simply by attaching "MaBeee" is wonderful. Furthermore, we selected it because it is extremely superior in that it allows you to control the product with your smartphone by using a smartphone app. We look forward to further evolution in the future.
Nextwel Co., Ltd.
Routrek Networks, Inc.
Next-generation nutrient solution soil cultivation system "Zero Agri"
<Reason for Selection>
At Nextwel Co., Ltd., we support people with disabilities with the keywords of welfare and WEB. Currently, "agriculture-welfare collaboration" that links agriculture and welfare is being promoted, and by utilizing this idea, it seems that a system that is easy for welfare staff to systematize can be created. We support this idea in the hope that it has the potential to be applied to the entire biological world, beyond the framework of agriculture.
Human Academy Co., Ltd.
Mutsumi Seki
AI heart maintenance robot
<Reason for Selection>
The reason for the award is that the kind-hearted idea of "a robot that brings healing and a positive heart to people" was created based on his own experience, and it was an idea where the coexistence and symbiosis of people and robots could be imagined and realized in a way that is close to people's lives.
Followas Co., Ltd.
ASAHI Net, Inc.
respon (Massively multiplayer online (MMO) survey app)
<Reason for Selection>
At Followas Co., Ltd., we provide services related to recruitment and job seeking. If this idea can be realized, it will be possible to collect surveys from job seekers in real time at recruitment information sessions, which will lead to an increase in the hiring rate. We support this idea in the hope that it has the potential to match companies and job seekers more efficiently.
FuRyu Corporation
Tatsuo Nakagawa
Automatic evaluation system for makeup skill
<Reason for Selection>
Since our company has supported women's "cuteness" through print sticker machines, we strongly resonated with this technology that makes women cuter and happier by quantifying the quality of their makeup. The selection criteria was the ability to express the qualitative part of "cuteness" with a quantitative evaluation.
Mirai Works Inc.
Mamoru Iwabuchi
"Lucky Clock App"
<Reason for Selection>
As a company that provides a place for freelancers, a new way of working, "to freely choose one's time," to be active, the Lucky Clock, created with the idea that "the sense of time is ambiguous, and if you try, you can do it, and your life may be enriched by having more of your favorite time," had something in common with the worldview we envision.
MODE, Inc.
Hiroya Kato
Development of an IoT container and web service that realizes real-time tracking of packages in logistics
<Reason for Selection>
In response to the problem of redelivery of packages, we evaluated the point that he did not just cry out that it was a problem, but took the first step with a startup-like approach of a concrete proposal using IoT technology and prototype production.
We would like to support him in a way that reduces costs and labor by providing MODE's data collection solution from the real world.
Mobile Internet Capital, Inc.
Wooju Lee
Automatic human body video correction system based on deep learning ~Making people stand out with natural human body video correction technology~
<Reason for Selection>
The AI developed by the proposer is excellent in image recognition, and its applicability has been enhanced by three technologies: "intelligence breakdown technology," "big data handling technology," and "cloud & client-side learning technology." We evaluated its ability to respond to the diverse needs of customers.