Press release -
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/
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About NGK Insulators
NGK INSULATORS (NGK) is a leading company in the field of ceramics.
Since its foundation in 1919, NGK has used its unique ceramic technology to provide numerous ground-breaking products that solve social issues. Today, NGK is active in more than 20 countries worldwide, with business foci including mobility, energy, IoT and industry. As one of the largest manufacturers of ceramic substrates for automotive catalytic converters, NGK has built on this to also develop new products and businesses with ceramics that actively reducing the strain on our global environment.
Furthermore, NGK’s products include the energy storage system “NAS” batteries, in addition to the compact, thin, and high-energy-density lithium-ion rechargeable battery “EnerCera” line, vital tools for sustainable energy infrastructure.
NGK focuses on the two business fields “carbon neutrality” and” digital society” and is aiming to realize 80% of total company sales in these two fields whilst also achieving net-zero CO2emissions by 2050. Through providing innovative, high-quality products, NGK is committed to contributing to our society. In order to create a future where people can coexist with nature, NGK will continue to develop and provide products that support social infrastructure while preserving the environment.
