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Representative Hirano appeared live on NHK General's NHK special "Reiwa Mirai Kaigi: How to overcome the crisis? Work Theory in the Corona Era" on June 6th. We had discussions with experts from various fields about how to work in the coronavirus era. I would like to introduce the contents, focusing on Hirano's remarks.

How should we approach technology in connection with work style reform during the coronavirus pandemic, which is an urgent social issue? Since I spoke from that perspective, the content is easy to understand even for those who find it difficult to understand the specifics of AI utilization and DX promotion.

Regarding the program overviewhere

Topic 1: How to overcome the crisis of mass unemployment?

In response to the decrease in the number of employed people due to the impact of the new coronavirus (down 800,000 people in April 2020 compared to the same month last year (according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)), experts from various fields However, various discussions were held from the perspective of how serious the coronavirus pandemic is and how to support businesses, governments, and individuals.

During the discussion, Hirano said, ``Even when it comes to corporate support, from the perspective of startups, it is inevitable that the business will be in the red due to upfront investment, but if things continue like this, about 40% of startups will run out of funds within six months. Taking the past Lehman Shock era as an example, the number of startups decreased dramatically over five years.In order to create mega-ventures that will drive innovation in Japan, we must not eliminate startups. Although the number of startup companies has increased over the years, it can be said that they are facing a crisis.''

Even if the state of emergency is lifted across the country and there is light for the future, such as the resumption of work, there is even a feeling of anxiety that things will not be the same as before the coronavirus and that subsidies will no longer be available. I wonder if it will be a long term. There were also stories like this. What we need now are the following three points. There were many opinions.

■ Speed up complicated administrative procedures with IT
■Continued support for companies and individuals whose sales have significantly decreased
■Introduction of basic income

Agenda 2: “How should we change the way we work in the coronavirus era?”

With no end in sight to the novel coronavirus, we are being forced to fundamentally rethink the way we work. Among the recommendations for a new lifestyle presented by the expert meeting:

■Staggered commuting
■Rotation work
■Telework

Three things are said to be important. There was a particularly heated discussion regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the telework environment.

In it, Hirano said, ``In the traditional way of working, it was taken for granted that hundreds of people worked together in the same place.By combining AI and telecommuting, you can work in a way that avoids the Three Cs.We believe that, taking the manufacturing industry as an example, telework will be possible in the future by using technologies such as FA and VR. Given this timing, I think we should also consider making huge investments in hardware. ” We have introduced this based on case studies.

While there are opinions that making good use of technology can reduce travel time and improve work efficiency, the disadvantages of telework include that it can be difficult to communicate when starting a new project, and that it can be difficult to communicate when starting a new project, and it can be difficult to communicate in a white-collar manner in the first place. Opinions were raised about the limitations of telework, such as that it is a limited way of working.

Regarding changes in lifestyle/employment practices

Regarding the transformation of society after the coronavirus, it is expected that the structure of society will change significantly in the following points.

■Review of essential/unnecessary tasks
■More flexible time management
■ Popularization of telework
■Migration from the city to the countryside

The panelists offered suggestions from their respective perspectives on how to change customs that have been unchangeable up until now.

Finally, Hirano summarized the discussion by saying, ``Using technology and AI to streamline repetitive tasks and shorten working hours, people can do what they love or are good at at work.'' I think we will shift to a way of working that allows us to enjoy leisure by devoting the remaining time to spending time with family and friends and hobbies.Currently, people are saying, ``My job is being taken over by AI.'' Although there is a strong argument thatI think we have reached a stage where society as a whole needs to reconsider whether the current way of working is really ideal.. Until now, people worked according to opportunities and systems, but now machines and systems will work according to people. I would like to realize this kind of work style and create an era where people's individuality can flourish,'' he said.

summary

There was a very heated discussion throughout. Although the situation continues to be difficult, in order to view this crisis as an opportunity and change the world after the coronavirus to a better one, experts from various fields can transcend their fields and share their opinions, as in this discussion. I thought it was important to communicate.

You can view missed broadcasts of the programs introduced in this article until June 13, 2020 by clicking on this link.
URL:https://plus.nhk.jp/watch/st/g1_2020060619022
(Separate membership registration required)

If you are interested in the FA (factory automation) that Hirano mentioned, please contact Cinnamon AI.Materials related to manufacturing industry casesPlease refer to the

We also hold seminars regularly. If you are interested in work style reform using AI,
herePlease apply from here.

(Written by: Morita)