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We at Nexco-East Engineering ensure
that drivers can safely use expressways
by providing inspections
and troubleshooting all day, all year.
We also secure and train personnel
who can use digital data
and make good judgments
to provide technical support
that makes expressways
sustainable infrastructure.
For example,
we are working to build a new system
that lets inspectors input data on-site
into tablets and links it
to analytical databases in real time.
In 2012 we opened
a Technical Training Center in Takasaki.
By 2022, we trained 1,095 people,
about the number of employees we have,
to improve skills
and hand down technologies.
In the past,
learning how ETC ( Electronic Toll Collect
equipment operates
was explained with extensive materials
and then trained with actual devices.
However, radio communication and control
signal flows are impossible to see,
so we had to rely on
trainees' imaginations.
The same is true with
tunnel emergency equipment.
We explained using 3D models
and panel illustrations,
but trainees showed differences
in their levels of comprehension.
We decided to address this problem
by visualizing
what we had previously relied on
trainees' imaginations.
We thought combining "virtual spaces"
such as invisible infrared sensors,
radio communication
and data transmission routes
with the "real spaces"
of ETC practice lanes
would foster better understanding,
so we started development of
training materials using MR technology.
Also, the internal structure
of automatic water sprinkler system
for tunnel emergencies
cannot be seen from the outside,
so we superimposed a CG simulation
of the internal water flow
and developed training materials
for visualizing internals
and operating status.
In personnel development
at the Technical Training Center,
we prioritize hands-on learning
and work to create training materials
with visual elements
to further trainees' understanding.
In particular, we train engineers
using practical training
with real equipment rather than
scale models.
By using MR to recreate facilities
using detailed 3D models,
we have accurately reproduced the timing
and synchronization between devices,
and instructors have said
this makes explanations easier.
Many trainees commented that
visualizing invisible radio waves
and water currents has made it easier
to understand the flow of signals
between devices from sensor operation
to radio wave emission timing at a glance.
Plus, linking tablets and other devices
has enabled remote training,
creating an environment
where many trainees can take part.
For this project, DataMesh assisted
with development of an application
uses in ETC facility and tunnel emergency
equipment training.
We helped by developing
new learning content
that uses MR technologies.
Our aim was to build
a new experience like none before.
Combining digital twin technologies
with MR offers two benefits.
The first is furthering cognitive support
and understanding through visualization
by superimposing 3D data
on real spaces, as with this project.
The second is monitoring and simulations
through linkage with IoT data.
This could be further developed
by applying AIGC technology.
It can enable simple generation
of virtual content and simulation logic
through natural language dialogue
such as voice and text and without coding.
To make this possible,
we want to use our proprietary
digital twin platform FactVerse
along with the AIGC function FactVerse AI
to support the efforts
of numerous companies.
In addition to practical training
at our Technical Training Center,
the development of online training and OJT
building a hands-on safety training system
to improve on-site safety skills,
and addressing the shortage of engineers
caused by falling birthrates
through ICT-based remote maintenance
such as remote inspection
and failure response are some of the
technical support applications
we will study in the future.