Fujitsu and Asahi Shuzo Launch Trial to Brew Sake Using Predictive AI

Fujitsu and Asahi Shuzo Launch Trial to Brew Sake Using Predictive AI

Figure 1: Asahi Shuzo's sake brewing facility
Figure 2: Diagram of this field trial
AI to be used to brew DASSAI sake in trial intended to make AI practical in sake brewing

TOKYO, Apr 19, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Asahi Shuzo Co., Ltd., Fujitsu Limited, and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. today announced that they will conduct a joint field trial to brew DASSAI sake, a rice wine brewed and marketed by Asahi Shuzo, using a Fujitsu Laboratories-developed predictive artificial intelligence model that supports the brewing of sake.

By combining a mathematical model defining the process of sake brewing with machine learning that uses data obtained in the brewing of DASSAI, this predictive AI model technology will provide data to support an optimized sake brewing process. In this field trial, by using such technology in actual DASSAI brewing operations, Fujitsu and Asahi Shuzo seek to improve both the validity and the accuracy of the predictive AI model, while evaluating how practical AI can be in sake brewing.

Through this field trial, Asahi Shuzo, Fujitsu, and Fujitsu Laboratories will use AI to support brewing operations, and will endeavor to consistently produce a stable supply of high quality DASSAI sake.

Background

Asahi Shuzo promotes a vision of "brewing sake for sipping and enjoying, not sake for drinking or for the sole purpose of sales," in its ongoing drive to brew sake with the utmost attention to quality. As Japan's society is aging, however, labor shortages are expected in sake brewing facilities, and there are concerns in maintaining a stable supply and the high quality of DASSAI. To address this issue, the company has been working for many years to record and systematize its experience in sake brewing.

With the goal of ensuring stable procurement of Yamada Nishiki, a variety of rice ideally suited to brewing sake, from April 2014 Asahi Shuzo deployed Fujitsu's food and agriculture cloud, "Akisai," to farms where it had contracted to grow rice in an initiative to systematize and share agricultural techniques for optimal sake rice cultivation.

Fujitsu and Asahi Shuzo have now launched a joint field trial to systematize the experience and knowhow of each employee with regard to brewing high-quality sake by applying Fujitsu's artificial intelligence technology, Fujitsu Human Centric AI Zinrai, to sake brewing.

https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuAsahiFig1.jpg
Figure 1: Asahi Shuzo's sake brewing facility

Details of the Field Trial

1. Time period

April-June 2018 (planned)

2. Trial objective

This trial will review and evaluate the applicability of the predictive AI model, which is developed with data accumulated by Asahi Shuzo, such as temperature and the proportion by weight of different ingredients, by calculating predicted values throughout the brewing process. In addition, the companies aim to improve the accuracy of the predictive AI model by incorporating actual data obtained on site during brewing, and the activities of employees based on their experience and intuition.

3. Field trial details

This field trial will be conducted as part of Asahi Shuzo's DASSAI sake brewing process. The elements that make up sake and other data will be measured by Asahi Shuzo, and based on this data, the predictive AI model developed by Fujitsu Laboratories will be used to provide information supporting an optimal sake brewing process.

Asahi Shuzo will undertake its sake brewing process with the goal of creating optimal sake, based on supporting information provided by Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories.

By conducting this field trial for two cycles, the companies will improve both the accuracy of the predictive AI model, and evaluate its effectiveness, as well as the practicality of AI in sake brewing.

4. About the predictive AI model

The predictive AI model developed by Fujitsu Laboratories is a technology capable of computing information to support optimized processes in sake brewing, by combining a mathematical model defining the procedure of sake brewing with machine learning using measured values for the components found in sake, based Asahi Shuzo's past brewing data and knowledge including the biological process of fermentation. Using the supporting information computed by the predictive AI model, Asahi Shuzo can optimally control the devices used in the sake brewing process. By incorporating the data gained from this field trial and the feedback from Asahi Shuzo, the companies will improve prediction accuracy and the sophistication of the supporting information, enabling the system to assist with even more optimized sake brewing.

https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuAsahiFig2.jpg
Figure 2: Diagram of this field trial

Future Plans

Asahi Shuzo, Fujitsu, and Fujitsu Laboratories plan to use the results of this field trial to further the practical usage of AI in the sake brewing process, with the goal of creating consistent, high quality sake.

About Fujitsu Laboratories

Founded in 1968 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. is one of the premier research centers in the world. With a global network of laboratories in Japan, China, the United States and Europe, the organization conducts a wide range of basic and applied research in the areas of Next-generation Services, Computer Servers, Networks, Electronic Devices and Advanced Materials. For more information, please see: https://www.fujitsu.com/jp/group/labs/en/.

About Fujitsu Ltd

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 155,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.5 trillion yen (US$40 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. For more information, please see https://www.fujitsu.com.

* Please see this press release, with images, at:
https://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/

Contact:
Fujitsu Limited Public and Investor Relations Tel: +81-3-6252-2176 URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

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