Watanabe Pipe Co., Ltd., a specialized trading company for construction materials, has launched an e-commerce site for construction professionals called "Shizaimon" on April 1, 2024. "Shizaimon" is an e-commerce site for materials, tools, hardware, and workwear, leveraging the company's expertise in dealing with 3,000 manufacturers both domestically and internationally, and handling 300,000 items. *For more information, please refer to the related product information below.*

Takamiya and Azuma Shokai jointly developed the reinforced parent-child band "T-Band" for the installation of privacy screens in temporary protective fences for road construction. ◆ Registered with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "NETIS" On April 2, 2024, Takamiya Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Takamiya) announced that the reinforced parent-child band "T-Band," developed in collaboration with Azuma Shokai Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Azuma Shokai) for privacy screen applications, has been registered in the new technology information provision system (NETIS) by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. With the registration in NETIS, contractors can benefit from additional points in the comprehensive evaluation bidding method and construction performance evaluations by utilizing this technology. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Dramatic improvement in labor productivity and increased customer satisfaction through the digital transformation of on-site operations ◆Streamlining on-site operations Mitsumore Inc. announced on March 28 that it has decided to provide its business support software "ProOne" to Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. "ProOne" is Japan's first all-in-one software specialized for on-site work such as short-term construction, facility work, and renovations, aimed at streamlining operations. It automates and centrally manages tasks from the field to the back office, excelling in versatility and customization. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

The use of an electric unicycle utilizing the unicycle electrification kit has confirmed a significant increase in efficiency for heavy material transportation tasks. ◆Tests conducted at two locations On March 26, CuboRex Co., Ltd. announced that it had confirmed an improvement in work efficiency through user tests of its electric unicycle using the "Unicycle Electrification Kit E-cat kit2." The tests compared the usability of an electric unicycle equipped with the company's kit against a standard unicycle for transportation tasks at construction sites. The test users were from Shimizu Corporation, and the construction sites included Shimizu Corporation's tunnel construction and the Kan-Etsu Expressway widening project. In the tunnel construction, three employees aged between their 20s and 70s transported approximately 60 kg of construction materials on flat steel plates. Meanwhile, at the Kan-Etsu Expressway site, three individuals aged between their 30s and 50s, including a woman, transported a 27 kg generator on sloped plates and muddy side roads with a 10% incline. *For more information, please refer to the related product information below.

Mizuno launches the work shoes "All Mighty HWII 11L" for heavy-duty workers, featuring Mizuno's unique high-rebound material in the midsole. ◆ Shoes for heavy-duty workers featuring high-rebound sole material Mizuno Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Mizuno) will release the work shoes "All Mighty HWII 11L" on March 20, aimed at heavy-duty workers. The midsole using the high-rebound sole material "MIZUNO ENERZY" is a first for Mizuno's work shoes. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

The length of curved surfaces, such as difficult tunnels, can now be easily measured on a touch panel. ◆ Measure the length of curved surfaces in millimeters On March 15, nat Co., Ltd. announced that it has implemented the world's first curved surface measurement feature in its AI surveying app "Scanat" (v1.9.0). There is no additional charge for using the curved surface measurement feature. "Scanat" is an AI surveying app that uses the smartphone's LiDAR sensor and camera to instantly create high-precision 3D models, allowing users to measure any part of the 3D model in millimeters within the app. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

Streamlining the rough estimate of interior materials in renovation work for existing buildings, in compliance with overtime work regulations. ◆ Streamlining construction management tasks with digital twins Nohara Group Co., Ltd. announced on March 14 that it has added an "area analysis function" to its digital twin construction management support service "Stages" from BuildApp. BuildApp is a cloud service that connects all players in the construction process with BIM data, aiming to improve productivity across the entire construction process. Additionally, "Stages" utilizes digital twins created from VR capture data, allowing for site condition verification and information sharing at each construction stage. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

"Scaffolding Column" from a long-established temporary equipment manufacturer with over 70 years of experience At Chuo Built Industry, we provide accurate knowledge and information about scaffolding to contribute to safety and efficiency at construction sites. Please use this for knowledge reinforcement, self-improvement, and in-house training. <What is scaffolding wire? Explanation of how to tighten it and key points> Scaffolding wire is often used for securing scaffolding materials at construction sites, and some may want to know the correct way to tighten it and key points. The securing of scaffolding boards and other materials with wire plays a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of those working at heights on scaffolding. This article will provide a detailed explanation of how to properly tighten scaffolding wire. By understanding the appropriate tightening method, we can establish safe scaffolding and prevent accidents at construction sites. For more, please see below.

Disaster-resistant exterior insulation precast concrete panels make it possible for construction companies without experience in RC housing to build concrete homes. ◆ Supplying wall-type precast concrete panels Concretus Co., Ltd. announced on March 15 that it will supply the wall-type precast concrete structures used in its uniquely developed construction method "EcoCast" as OEM. EcoCast is a method where exterior insulation precast concrete walls and floors manufactured in a factory are assembled on-site. Due to its concrete structure, it allows for large open spaces, and by using a roof structure, it can take on a more house-like shape. As a result, construction companies without experience in RC housing can now build concrete homes, and general contractors can streamline RC construction. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone to check and manage information about the rented construction machinery. ◆ New feature added to the online rental service Nikken Rental Co., Ltd. announced on March 15 that it added a new feature, "QR Scan Function," to its "Online Rental" service on March 1. The "Online Rental" service allows users to place rental orders and request returns for construction machinery anytime, 24/7, from smartphones, tablets, or computers, and to keep track of when the machinery will arrive and what they are currently renting. However, until now, checking the information of the machinery in front of you required effort and time, such as contacting by phone or returning to the office to check on a computer. The new "QR Scan Function" eliminates such unnecessary steps. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Carefully selected important topics are included, and by organizing key points and practicing problems, your chances of passing will improve. ◆ A challenging exam with a pass rate of 19% Seibundo Shinkosha Co., Ltd. will release the "Essential Text for Building Equipment Engineers" (4,180 yen including tax) on March 25 (Monday) as a preparation guide for the Building Equipment Engineer exam. Since around 2020, the difficulty of the Building Equipment Engineer exam has increased, and the format of the questions was changed starting from the 2020 exam. The overall pass rate is around 19%, making it a challenging exam, but taking the exam allows you to acquire knowledge that can be used in practice. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

The SaaS service that digitizes inspection sheets and repair slips has surpassed 150,000 cases in just one year since its launch. ◆ Pre-acceptance for IT implementation subsidy applications has also begun. On March 7, 2024, SORABITO Inc. (hereinafter referred to as SORABITO) announced that the number of registered inspection photos for its heavy machinery and vehicle inspection efficiency service "i-Rental Inspection" has exceeded 150,000 cases within one year of its launch. At the same time, pre-acceptance for applications utilizing the "IT Implementation Subsidy 2024" has also started. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Completion of document creation for construction management in-house through the accumulation, sharing, and management of information via cloud technology. ◆ Database creation of company information and attached documents KENTEM (Kensetsu System Co., Ltd.) announced on March 7 that it will release the web application "Construction Management Cloud" on March 26, 2024 (Tuesday). The "Construction Management Cloud" is an app that allows all company information, necessary information from partner companies for document creation, and submitted attached documents to be registered in the cloud. Once registered, past construction documents can be accessed anytime and anywhere, which is also useful for selecting partner companies. This can be utilized for future projects, streamlining the document creation process and reducing the burden on partner companies. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

The new transmission tower construction cranes are high-spec, strong, tall, and convenient, achieving a reduction in work hours and enabling remote operation. ◆ Rental of "Climbing Crane" and "Jib Crane" begins Aktio Corporation, which specializes in comprehensive construction machinery rental, will introduce the new "Climbing Crane" and "Jib Crane" for transmission tower construction and will start rentals from April 1st. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

"Scaffolding Column" from a long-established temporary equipment manufacturer with over 70 years of history At Chuo Built Industry, we provide accurate knowledge and information about scaffolding to contribute to safety and efficiency at construction sites. Please use this for knowledge reinforcement, self-improvement, and in-house training. <What is "galvanization" used in temporary equipment? An explanation of the differences and characteristics between hot-dip galvanizing and pre-galvanizing> One of the surface treatment methods for steel materials is galvanization. Some may wonder what this treatment method is and what effects it has. By understanding the effects of galvanization, you can consider the material of construction supplies and reduce costs. In this article, we will explain the differences between hot-dip galvanizing and pre-galvanizing, as well as their respective characteristics. By learning about galvanization in this article, you will be able to select construction materials considering corrosion resistance and cost. Please see below for more.

Development of a 4D Visualization System Achieves Improved Safety and Labor Savings in Construction ◆ Development of "TORe-4D" Toyo Construction Co., Ltd. announced on March 8 that it has developed "TORe-4D," which visualizes the construction status of its large reclamation vessel "Dai-ni Toyo" in 4D. Traditionally, in reclamation work using reclamation vessels, it has been difficult to grasp the accumulation status of soil and sand submerged underwater, requiring workers to check the water depth with weights and manage the input of soil and sand. *For more details, please refer to the related product information below.

By having AI conduct inefficient quantity inspections, it is possible to allocate human resources to where they are needed. ◆ Offering "Count AI" StatHack, an AI startup originating from the University of Tokyo, has been providing a subscription-based AI tool called "Count AI" since October 2023, which streamlines the counting and recording of product quantities before shipment. In manufacturing settings, a "quantity inspection" is conducted to confirm the number of products before shipment, but the inspection is performed solely through visual checks, and the results are not recorded or stored as evidence. This leads to inefficiencies and unnecessary costs due to human error. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

By recognizing their own ability achievement levels and enabling unrestricted learning, further improvement of abilities is achieved. ◆ Introduction of "Ability Evaluation System" and "LMS" Toyo Construction Co., Ltd. announced on March 5 that it introduced an AI-based "Ability Evaluation System" and "LMS (Learning Management System)" on February 22 to enhance the abilities of its construction staff. In the future, it plans to combine ability evaluation data with personnel data to utilize it for training programs and job rotations tailored to individual abilities. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Evaluate the performance of AI person detection and promote its use for accident prevention and safety assurance at construction sites. ◆ Improve productivity and safety on site Zact Inc. announced on March 5 that its AI person detection camera-equipped "DoboReco(R)JK" has been evaluated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as effective for improving safety at construction sites. In 2022, the Ministry called for technologies related to safety devices for bulldozers and wheel loaders from the private sector. Based on the results of practical evaluations of the selected technologies, a comparison table of each technology will be published in February 2024, encouraging the use of new technologies. In this comparison table, bulldozers and wheel loaders equipped with "DoboReco(R)JK" were evaluated as being able to detect the intrusion of individuals that other technologies cannot detect, and the area of detection was rated as approximately 3.5 to 15 times larger than that of other technologies. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Introducing and interviewing people working in the construction industry from a high school student's perspective as potential future career options ◆PR video and special website launched Fukuoka Prefecture has launched a project called "Dododogagaga: Delving into the Construction Site" to convey the appeal of the construction industry to young people, including middle and high school students, and has released a PR video and special website starting March 1. The terms "Dododo" and "Gagaga" in the project name are intended not as noise from construction sites, but as signals that "new things are being created." *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Utilizing survey data of underground buried objects to smoothly promote the development of underground infrastructure ◆ Hitachi, NTT Infrastructure Network, Airec Giken, and Applied Geology have signed an agreement On February 21, 2024, Hitachi, Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Hitachi), NTT Infrastructure Network, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as NTT Infrastructure Network), Airec Giken Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Airec Giken), and Applied Geology, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as Applied Geology) announced that they have signed a memorandum to explore the expanded use of survey data for underground buried objects. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

With easy-to-install roofing materials that are durable and a solar anchor that can be easily set up, we aim to reduce the burden on construction sites and address the labor shortage. ◆ Installing solar panels more easily and with high durability On February 19, Sumitomo Sheet Waterproofing Co., Ltd. announced the completion of its first project using a sheet waterproofing integrated fastening method that combines the roofing unit "Sumiruf DN(R)" and the solar anchor "DN Solar-SlimFIT(TM)" for the installation of solar panels at the cafeteria building of Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd.'s Amagasaki factory. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Convey important and rewarding civil engineering jobs to elementary, middle, and high school students through drawing movies, leading to new recruitment. ◆ Movie for elementary, middle, and high school students wins an award On February 21, Creators Academy announced that the drawing movie introduced by Isobe Group, aimed at promoting new recruitment, won the Excellence Award in the 'Education and Teaching Materials' category at the Civil Engineering Public Relations Awards 2023. The movies that received the Excellence Award are "Would You Like to Work with Us?", "Civil Engineering is Cool!", and "What Kind of Work is Civil Engineering?" *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Collaboration between CONOC, which promotes DX in the construction industry, and Paradigm Lab, which operates a support site for introducing foreign workers with specified skills, to solve the labor shortage. ◆Initiatives to address the labor shortage in the construction industry On February 22, 2024, CONOC Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as CONOC), which promotes DX in the construction industry, announced its collaboration with Paradigm Lab Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Paradigm Lab). Through this collaboration, both companies will implement initiatives aimed at solving the labor shortage in the construction industry. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

A system that makes it easy for sole proprietors to join and marketing support has led to one in five joining. ◆ A system that allows for online enrollment Port Co., Ltd. announced on February 21 that the number of members in its partner organization, the General Incorporated Association for Sole Proprietor Workers' Compensation Insurance, has reached 100,000. The company develops recruitment and promotional support services. After entering the renovation sector in July 2020, it formed a business partnership with the organization that has the highest number of sole proprietor members in the construction industry, providing a system that allows sole proprietors nationwide to join the organization quickly and affordably via the internet. Additionally, the company has been working on increasing the number of organization members through marketing support, resulting in surpassing 100,000 members. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, there are approximately 510,000 sole proprietors nationwide, meaning that one in five sole proprietors has joined this organization, achieving a significant market share. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

Expanding end-users' payment methods with the addition of online payments, enhancing convenience and customer satisfaction. ◆ A more convenient system for the construction industry The construction core business integration cloud system "BALENA," developed and operated by Office Concierge Co., Ltd., has made online payment services available starting February 19. BALENA is a cloud system tailored for the construction industry. It efficiently integrates and manages industry-specific tasks such as managing processes and budget vs. actuals for each site, and creating documents like estimates, purchase orders, and invoices. The total number of companies that have adopted it has exceeded 400. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

Improving the safety of work sites with a work management system using skeletal data of on-site workers ◆ Joint research aimed at enhancing safety at work sites Aideikei Fuji System Co., Ltd. announced on February 15 that it is conducting joint research with Akita University, a national university corporation, to develop a "work management system" that allows construction and manufacturing on-site workers to work safely and securely. In recent years, the aging of the domestic workforce has increased the demand for safety management of on-site workers, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and transportation. The "work management system" aims to improve work efficiency and productivity, as well as to create a safe and secure working environment by collecting and analyzing data on workers' behaviors and physical conditions. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

The rebar captured by a 360-degree camera is overlaid with BIM, allowing for measurements and visual inspections on a PC screen. ◆Utilizing 360-Degree Cameras Pixie Dust Technologies Inc. announced on February 19 that it has developed and constructed a rebar inspection system using 360-degree cameras in collaboration with Maeda Corporation and Accenture. The system is being developed with the aim of nationwide deployment within Maeda Corporation by April 2024. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

After changing to the "Training Employment System," we will expand our scale and consider overseas expansion. ◆ In-house training of craftsmen Building Design Co., Ltd., which handles interior and equipment construction for buildings, announced on February 13 that it will accept Thai technical interns at its domestic locations for training. The company is working on in-house training and strengthening the development of craftsmen, aiming for sustainable development and technological improvement in Japan. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Utilizing calcium carbonate produced from CO2 recovered from exhaust gases and calcium components from waste as raw materials for concrete. ◆ Joint proposal by Aisin and two other companies On February 9, Aisin Corporation announced that its joint proposal with Taisei Corporation and Toho Gas Co., Ltd., titled "Regional Carbon Recycling Project Using CO2 Concrete Fixation Technology," has been selected as a target for the Aichi Prefecture's business support initiative, the "Aichi Carbon Neutral Strategy Council." *For more details, please check the related product information below.