Tokyo, September 11, 2019 – Rakuten Symphony today announced that it will begin full-scale commercial deployment of Rakuten NEO, an advanced AI-based IoT (artificial intelligence + Internet of Things) solution that automates space management, in Japan.
Rakuten NEO is an AI-based IoT solution equipped with advanced machine learning algorithms and sensor technology, with the aim of improving the operational efficiency of unmanned businesses in markets seeking to alleviate labor shortages. It supports the rapid growth of fully unmanned businesses and the automation of existing manned businesses. It realizes more efficient space management and reduced operational costs, thereby maximizing business profits.
Rakuten NEO provides remote support for operational system management, such as access control, HVAC and humidity control, as well as inventory inspections. It can quickly detect and respond to emergencies such as unauthorized access and water leaks, and can simultaneously manage multiple spaces in real time with a minimum number of personnel. Provided as a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, customers can select the functions they need for their business, resulting in cost reduction and efficient operations.
Rakuten NEO will automatically turn off the lights when it detects that the last person has left.
Rakuten NEO is offered in partnership between Rakuten Symphony and Korean startup Alicorn. Based on Alicorn Space AI (ASA) service launched by Alicorn in 2020, Rakuten NEO represents a major breakthrough in unmanned office management. By integrating ASA into its coworking office service, Alicorn has enabled a single operator to manage 12 offices located more than 600 kilometers apart. Currently, more than 10 leading Korean companies, including GS Holdings Co., Ltd. and Shinhan Securities Co., Ltd., have adopted the solution to take advantage of unmanned automation capabilities, with GS Holdings reducing labor costs by up to 80% and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building on this success, Rakuten Symphony will roll out “Rakuten NEO” to initially target the Japanese market before expanding globally. This strategic launch aims to capture the AI-based IoT market for fully unmanned business operations by providing cutting-edge automation and improved operational efficiency.
In Japan, unmanned storage solutions provider Marine Box has already implemented Rakuten NEO to significantly improve operational efficiency. The company seamlessly manages access control, remotely controls the temperature and humidity of stored items, and receives real-time alerts for water leaks and fires via Rakuten NEO. This approach allows Marine Box to reduce labor costs while simultaneously improving the quality of its storage services.
Rakuten NEO is not only designed for unmanned storage services, but also extends its innovative capabilities to a variety of other areas, including offices, showrooms, accommodations, golf driving ranges, gyms, laundromats, etc. This multi-purpose solution provides cost-effective and efficient management across a wide range of unmanned business operations.
Ryan Song, General Manager of Internet Services at Rakuten Symphony, commented, “Japan’s retail industry is currently facing a serious labor shortage. Through Rakuten NEO, we aim to mitigate the losses suffered by companies due to this labor shortage and provide a socially beneficial service that is in line with Rakuten’s corporate philosophy. We hope that Rakuten NEO will reduce the burden of hiring, staff management, and cost management for business owners.”
Rakuten is committed to creating value and contributing to society through innovation and entrepreneurship. By leveraging Rakuten NEO’s innovative AI-based IoT technology, Rakuten Symphony aims to alleviate the issue of labor shortages and make corporate operations more efficient.
CT Station
