※This is a machine-translated text of the original article.
JR East startup Co Ltd and Niigata City announced that they would start two demonstration experiments in cooperation with venture companies.
In this demonstration experiment, based on a collaborative plan utilizing the special zones and areas of Niigata City in anticipation of the development of Niigata Station, the following two proposals in the “AI×Tourism” field will be tested with the cooperation of Niigata City.
Details of the experiment are as follows.
Demonstration experiment #1: realization of “Tourism MaaS” by providing a matching service for ride-sharing tourist taxis
Using AI-based technology to match tourism needs and optimize transport routes, a new mobile service the Niigata Travel Shuttle is launched to operate as a ride-sharing tourism taxi.
On-demand reservation system will enhance convenience, and ride-sharing will reduce the cost per capita.
The company aims to improve tourist experience and revitalize local communities by building a system that makes it easier to discover local tourism resources.
Testing time: January 18 2020 (Saturday) to the end of March
Testing place: South exit of Niigata Station, accommodation facilities in Niigata City, etc.
Demonstration experiment #2: Japanese sake recommendation service utilizing AI taste judgment
Tourism center “Nihonshu Tourism Guide Bar (SAKE TOURIST INFORMATION BAR)” offers recommendations on sake products, restaurants, and liquor retailers that suit each person through taste assessment by AI, which compares 10 types of sake.
There is also a “sake tour” around shops and restaurants near Niigata station, which offers AI-powered recommendations on 12 sake flavors.
The project is hoped to boost local tourism and reinvigorate the region which regards sake as its specialty.
Testing time: February 14 (Friday) to March 15 (Sunday) 2020
Location: CoCoLo Niigata Nishi N+ TABI BAR & CAFE/km-0 niigata lab, JR Niigata Station
Original Text: https://ampmedia.jp/2020/01/09/jr-east-startup/