Started providing AI data analysis “ML Connect” using AutoML for manufacturing and construction industries

SB Technology Corp. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President ＆ CEO: Shinichi Ata; hereinafter referred to as SBT) provides advanced technology for the manufacturing and construction industries based on various data collected from machinery and equipment. We are pleased to announce that we have developed ``ML Connect'' (MLC), which provides data analysis using AI, and will start providing it from today.
Based on the knowledge cultivated through SBT 's big data analysis and AI system implementation, MLC uses Azure Machine Learning's Automated ML (AutoML) *1 provided by Microsoft to perform MLC, which was previously performed by data scientists. This service automates the process of selecting algorithms and creating AI models. This allows user companies to make time-series predictions through data analysis using high-precision AI at a low cost and without the need for data scientists, making it possible to promote DX using IoT and AI.
MLC can be linked with SBT 's IoT platform "IoT Core Connect (ICC)". When working with ICC, we will provide seamless services from collecting, managing, and visualizing IoT data to linking data to MLC and visualizing the results of data analysis by MLC.
Following the time-series forecasting model "MLC Forecast" provided this time, we plan to provide the anomaly detection model "MLC Anomaly Detection" at the end of March.

*1 Automated ML: A method for automating the design and development process of machine learning models

■Click here for details on ML Connect.
https://www.softbanktech.co.jp/service/list/azure-iot/ml-connect/

■ Background

In the manufacturing and construction industries, many PoCs (proofs of concept) have been conducted as a starting point for DX, using IoT technology to collect and visualize data at production and maintenance sites. The transition to full-scale implementation is progressing. According to an announcement by IDC Japan *2, the domestic IoT market is predicted to reach 12,636.3 billion yen in 2024, from the actual (estimated) 7,153.7 billion yen in 2019. Additionally, as the introduction of IoT and AI expands, the concept of ``democratization of AI,'' which allows anyone to use AI, is spreading. Various AI technology frameworks have appeared, making it easier to work on the PoC level, but when trying to put them into practical use, the cost of setting up an execution environment is high, and there are an increasing number of cases where implementation is not progressing. .
SBT leverages its experience in cloud implementation and the knowledge it has cultivated in its big data business to implement many initiatives in the IoT and AI fields, including the introduction of preventive maintenance systems for machinery and equipment operation optimization systems for customers in the manufacturing and construction industries. We are providing support. "ML Connect" was developed as a service that automates the machine learning process based on this knowledge and provides simple AI-based data analysis with high accuracy and low cost.

*2 Announcement of domestic IoT market forecast by industry sector and case study by use case: https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prJPJ46213220

■ Service overview

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• *Initial cost and monthly cost will vary depending on the service plan. Please contact us for details.
• *If you are considering implementing it in conjunction with ICC, a separate fee will be required.

■Click here for details on IoT Core Connect.
https://www.softbanktech.co.jp/service/list/azure-iot/iot-core-connect/

SBT will continue to contribute to customer companies' DX promotion and new business creation by utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as cloud, IoT, and AI, with the aim of realizing a rich information society for the new normal era. .

■Endorsement
We have received comments from Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd. regarding the launch of this service.

Microsoft Japan is pleased to welcome SB Technology Corp. to the launch of ML Connect.
The "ML Connect" service announced this time was developed based on SB Technology Corp. 's advanced technical capabilities in Microsoft Azure and the experience and achievements in building AI models and data infrastructure accumulated in the big data business.
By using Azure Machine Learning to automate processes traditionally performed by data scientists, we will solve the shortage of human resources, which is an issue for expanding the use of AI, and support the use of AI by our customers.
We are confident that our customers in the manufacturing and construction industries will be able to make a significant contribution to the acceleration of smart factories and servitization.
Microsoft Japan will continue to support the use of data and AI through strong collaboration with SB Technology Corp. and contribute to the promotion of DX by customers.

Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.
Deputy General Manager of Partner Business Headquarters Executive Officer General Manager of Service Partner Business Headquarters
Sadao Kondo

■Information on exhibiting at “Cloud & Edge IoT Solutions for Manufacturing Industry EXPO 2021 Spring”

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Please see here for event details and participation application ▶ https://ve.itmedia.co.jp/em/2021s/cloud_edge

• ・Microsoft and Azure are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
• -The company names, product names, and service names mentioned in this release are trademarks or registered trademarks of our company, each company, or each organization.