NGK to Invest in Startup Developing and Providing Artificial Intelligence

NGK INSULATORS, LTD. (hereinafter “NGK”) has invested in Laboro.AI Inc. (hereinafter “Laboro.AI”), a company headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, and involved in the development and provision of artificial intelligence (AI).


Digital transformation (DX) has progressed in various industries in recent years. In the manufacturing industry in particular, DX is being used in a variety of activities that integrate Monozukuri and digital technologies, including reform of the engineering chain (*) and supply chain, and acceleration of R&D using data analysis. Laboro.AI is a specialist that develops and provides “Custom AI”, a customized AI solution, and conducts a consulting business using AI for companies that are moving ahead on DX.

NGK established the Digital Transformation & Innovation Dept. in the previous fiscal year to create a database including the technologies, expertise, and tons of test data accumulated since its foundation and combined this with digital technologies such as AI analytics and IoT to raise production efficiency and to create new products and businesses that can contribute to society. Through this investment, NGK will work together with Laboro.AI as a business partner, further enhance productivity and promote the early commercialization of various types of R&D themes. Through investment and working together, NGK will enhance the use of data and digital technologies to realize the stated DX goal of “connecting people, things and services to enrich human life.”

The NGK Group regards carbon neutrality and contributing to a digital society as socials issue to address under its Mid - to Long - Term Vision, NGK Group Vision: Road to 2050. We have also established a goal of “New Value 1000” to achieve net sales of 100 billion yen from new businesses in 2030. To do so, we established Corporate NV (New Value) Creation in April and are proactively advancing the creation of new products and businesses in such ways as collaboration with outside alliances. Going forward, NGK will continue to contribute to society by propelling DX and developing and providing various ceramic technologies.

• *Engineering chain: A series of operations centered on development and design departments in the manufacturing process
  

Overview of Laboro.AI, Inc

Name	Laboro.AI, Inc.
Location	3F GINZA GS BLDG.2, 8-11-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Establishment	April 1, 2016
Representatives	Representative Director and CEO Tetsuo Shiihashi Representative Director, COO and CTO Hiromasa Fujihara
Details of business	Development of customized AI using machine learning and consulting to install AI
URL	https://laboro.ai/

Back to index