NEWS

JIG-SAW Announces Participation in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System) Demonstration Tests

JIG-SAW and SAKAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. participated in comprehensive demonstration tests of 5G conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) in 2019, together with KDDI, Obayashi Corporation, and NEC in the field of “ICT construction” using 5G.

In this demonstration test, the autonomously running road roller developed through the ASCS project* jointly conducted by JIG-SAW and Sakai Heavy Industries was connected to a 5G network, and construction activities were launched and stopped through remote monitoring system. During the test, the roller was able to perform a series of construction operations in cooperation with other construction equipment groups.

We will continue to utilize the knowledge gained by participating in these demonstration experiments to enhance our products and services, and further promote the development of technologies and services that can improve convenience, productivity and contribute significantly to the ICT construction field.

What is 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System)?

5G is a next-generation mobile communication system with features such as ultra-high speed/volume, ultra-low latency, and multiple simultaneous connections. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications promotes research and development for the implementation of 5G, strengthens international cooperation and international standardization, and establishes frequency allocation and technical standards for 5G. The MIC has been conducting comprehensive tests of 5G since 2017 with the participation of stakeholders in various utilization fields, in order to develop and grow a new market.

* What is the ASCS project?

As described below, this project is an autonomous and cooperative project on compaction machines used in the i-Construction field, which significantly affect the quality (rigidity, density, etc.) required of civil engineering structures such as embankments. The aim is to develop an industry-standard machine that practically incorporates these functions, such as autopilot, into the equipment.

A research machine for full-scale commercialization was completed in 2019 and has been released to the industry. Autonomous driving, safety management, compaction management, and cooperative control are the central pillars of the project.

Sakai Heavy Industries and JIG-SAW have been jointly conducting research, development, and testing of an autonomous driving and steering system for road rollers since 2015. This joint operation is the product of Sakai Heavy Industries construction machines (road rollers) and autonomous driving/steering software developed by JIG-SAW. Following testing and R&D, actual operation began in 2019 and R&D for the development of coordination control functions with other construction machinery, such as compaction machines, has begun.

Based on this research and testing, we have clarified our position of developing an industry standard machine and our aim to cooperate with all companies in related industries at a wider range. In June 2019, as a part of Sakai Heavy Industries and JIG-SAW’s joint automation project: “Drive Synchronized Control System (ASCS)”, a memorandum of understanding has been made and executed to create the formal joint development project “Auto-Drive Synchronized Control System (ASCS) for Compaction Equipment.” In addition, we have started development of cooperative control functions with other compaction machines and construction machinery, and are nearing practical implementation. This project is expected to continue expanding as a community development.

About JIG-SAW:

• IoT Data Control Service
• Unique algorithm-driven fully automated IoT – Cloud data control – Sensor-connecting services
• Development of state-of-the-art chips and modules, various communication controls, research and development of next-generation real-time OS
  * Expanding A&A services (automation, diversification, and sharing) for all industries based on optimal automated control and ‘operation technology (OT)’.
  * Equipped with software technology centered on OS technology, hardware technology centered on ultra-high-speed communication and signal control, and application of foundational technology to the regenerative medicine field, etc.