January 2019 Vol. 17 No. 1

Feature Articles: New Value Creation through Collaboration with B2B2X Partners

• Accelerating Digital Transformation to Create New Value

  

  Abstract
  NTT is working to accelerate digital transformation to create new value by leveraging research results that are the most advanced in the world. In particular, we believe that through collaboration with B2B2X (business-to-business-to-X) partners, we can combine the different strengths of NTT and our partners, which will lead to the creation of value that can transform the world. In this article, the process of value creation―from the significance of collaboration and generating ideas to technical verification and promotion―is explained.

• Creation of New Value in Collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

  

  Abstract
  In collaboration with partner companies and organizations, the NTT Group is accelerating its efforts to promote the B2B2X (business-to-business-to-X) business model and thereby support the digital transformation of our corporate customers. This article describes a collaboration between NTT and our partner company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). In particular, it explains how we are applying the results of research and development (R&D) done by the NTT laboratories in the information and communication technology (ICT) field to MHI’s social infrastructure products such as those for the energy and environment fields and the transportation and shipping industries and also to MHI’s factories and work sites in Japan and abroad. This partnership is aimed at rapidly creating new value through social infrastructure × ICT and utilizing R&D results in solutions to solve our customers’ problems as well as social problems.

• Collaboration with NYK Line in the Maritime Industry

  

  Abstract
  The maritime industry (shipping companies, shipyards, marine equipment manufacturers, etc.) in Japan and the rest of the world is going through a major transformation. The issues to be addressed include further strengthening environmental regulations, reforming an industry structure that is likely to be affected by global economic trends, building evolved ships with a view to future autonomous navigation, and finding a solution to the increasing shortage of human resources such as captains and sailors. The NTT Group aims to support the maritime industry in addressing these issues and is therefore applying its information and communication technology expertise cultivated in the telecommunications business to the maritime industry. In this article, maritime industry trends and specific efforts of the NTT Group in response to those trends are introduced, and future directions are presented.

• B2B2X Collaboration in the Primary Industry Sector: Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries

  

  Abstract
  Primary industries in Japan such as agriculture presently face problems such as a declining working population, the aging population, and a decreasing area of agricultural land. Meanwhile, the world is said to be facing a global food crisis due to the future population explosion. Information and communication technology (ICT) is attracting a lot of attention as a way to contribute to solving these domestic and international challenges. The NTT Group is actively engaged in the primary industries by utilizing the ICT that we have developed in the telecommunications business. In this article, specific efforts and future directions of the NTT Group and partners in the primary industry sector are introduced.

• A Kabuki and Information Communication Technology Collaboration: Kabuki × ICT

  

  Abstract
  At NTT, we have been promoting various initiatives concerning the application of information and communication technology (ICT) to kabuki, the traditional Japanese performing art. Specifically, we have been conducting joint experiments with Shochiku Co., Ltd. since 2016 aimed at providing new ways to appreciate kabuki by using ICT. We have also been providing technology for Cho Kabuki supported by NTT, which has been performed since 2016 at the Niconico Chokaigi festival held by Dwango Co., Ltd. With the success of these achievements, NTT and Shochiku are planning to conduct commercial performances at the Minamiza Theatre in Kyoto starting in 2019. In this article, we introduce past initiatives concerning kabuki × ICT and outline future prospects.

• Demonstration Trial of Nara Guide Bot―Kintetsu Railway and NTT Group’s Jointly Developed Information Guidance Service for Train Stations

  

  Abstract
  There are many sightseeing spots along the railway lines of Kintetsu Railway Co., Ltd., including Nara and Ise-Shima, and the number of international tourists to these areas is rapidly increasing. In this article, we introduce a demonstration trial conducted at Kintetsu Nara Station of a tourist-guide service for inbound tourists. The service is called Nara Guide Bot and uses NTT’s multimodal Agent-AI (artificial intelligence).

Global Standardization Activities

• Trends in Standardization of High-precision Time- and Frequency-synchronization Technology for Creating a 5G Mobile Network

  

  Abstract
  High-precision time- and frequency-synchronization technology has received worldwide attention in recent years for its importance in creating a future fifth-generation (5G) mobile network. Consequently, standardization of this technology is underway by ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union - Telecommunication Standardization Sector) Study Group 15. This article introduces the function of time- and frequency-synchronization technology in 5G mobile networks and describes standardization trends concerning technical requirements such as synchronization-network architecture and synchronization accuracy.

External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings

• External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings