AIST:Information Technology and Human Factors

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From IT infrastructure to application technology: make, connect, use

The rapid growth of devices (smartphone, tablets, robots, wearables, etc.) and the Internet has increased the amount of information that is being produced and accessed by society. In order to better utilize the data produced from millions of devices and systems, we are conducting research and development in a wide range of fields at the interface between information technologies and human factors. Our mission is to engage and enrich the public through the research and development of intelligent systems combining computational and physical capabilities for human use. A key component of our mission is making new discoveries in the hardware and software that interacts with physical devices to sense and change the state of the real world. Our discoveries will lead to industry innovations and contribute to the advancement of society by facilitating the interaction of humans with cyber-physical systems.

New Research Results

Development of a Hammer Testing System Based on AI to Prevent Oversight in Inspections

AIST has developed an AI system to learn, through machine learning, differences in the hammering echoes of infrastructure to detect anomalies automatically. Unusual sound analysis technology determines whether there is an anomaly. Upon detection, the anomaly is shown to the inspector in real time. An anomaly map is generated upon completion of the hammer test. Testing can be performed even if sufficient data are not available in advance.

AI hammer testing system to assist testing

Demonstration of the Effectiveness of Motion-Assist Devices for Sensorimotor Learning Using a Rat Experimental Model

AIST has demonstrated that learning effectiveness can be improved by assisting stimulus-response motion in a timely manner. Air-pressure stimuli were applied to one forepaw of a rat. The number of days for the rat to learn the correct forepaw was investigated by varying the timing of intervention and the target forepaw for intervention (on the correct response side or the incorrect response side). The learning time was less when intervention produced an incorrect motion than when intervention produced a correct motion. The intervention was effective when applied just before the rat responded spontaneously.

Developed rat-learning experimental apparatus

Research Unit

Information Technology Research Institute

Human Informatics Research Institute

Intelligent Systems Research Institute

Towards realization of intelligent systems that robustly work in various environments

The mission of Intelligent Systems Research Institute is to promote fundamental long-term research whose outcomes for the society have been examined be thorough investigations. The institute studies intelligent systems technologies that are defined by smart information processing and robotics to assist human behaviors, and seeks their basic principles, elemental technologies and system architectures to contribute the realization of the sustainable society and the creation of novel industries.
Recently, we focus on R&D of technologies of sensing and recognition of 3D environments, motion and grasp planning, and locomotion in unstructured environments. R&D of applications of intelligent systems collaborating with companies are highly encouraged, including, but not limited to, in manufacturing, service, maintenance of infrastructure and executing complex tasks in dangerous, degraded, human-engineered environments.

Image of Task of a dual-arm manipulator picking up a part randomly stored in a box and setting it to a fixture

Research Base

AIST Tsukuba (Central, East, North)

Location

AIST Tsukuba Central 2, 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568, Japan
Tel: (029) 861-5201 / Fax: (029) 861-5989
(from outside Japan: Tel: +81-29-861-5201 / Fax: +81-29-861-5989)
Intelligent Systems Research Institute WEB site

Automotive Human Factors Research Center

Robot Innovation Research Center

Artificial Intelligence Research Center

Open Innovation Laboratory

Since FY 2016, as a part of the “Open Innovation Arena concept” promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), AIST has created the concept of “open innovation laboratories” (OILs), collaborative research bases located on university campuses, and has been engaged in their provision. We are planning to establish more than ten OILs by FY 2020.

AIST will merge the basic research carried out at universities, etc. with AISTʼs goal-oriented basic research and applied technology development, and will promote bridging research and evelopment and industry by the establishment of OILs.

AIST- Tokyo Tech Real World Big-Data Computation Open Innovation Laboratory (RWBC-OIL)

Cooperative Research Laboratories

In order to conduct research and development more closely related to strategies of companies, we have established collaborative research laboratories, bearing partner company names.

Partner companies provide their researchers and funding, and AIST provides research resources, such as its researchers, research facilities, and intellectual property. The loaned researchers of companies and AIST researchers jointly conduct research and development.

By setting up cooperative research laboratories, we will accelerate the commercialization of our goal-oriented basic research and application research with partner companies.

NEC – AIST AI Cooperative Research Laboratory
SEI – AIST Cyber Security Cooperative Research Laboratory
TICO – AIST Cooperative Research Laboratory for Advanced Logistics
Panasonic – AIST Advanced AI Cooperative Research Laboratory

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