Japan Turns to Artificial Intelligence amid Labor Shortage
As Japan grapples with a shrinking workforce resulting from its declining population, many hope artificial intelligence (AI) could be the solution. Japanese companies, renowned for their pursuit of perfection, often struggle to sell fruits and vegetables that aren’t aesthetically pleasing. The gyoza maker ‘Osaka Ohsho’ knows this all too well, refusing to sell even a single package of damaged dumplings.
In the face of labor shortages exacerbated by increased demands during the pandemic, the company’s subsidiary, Eat&Holdings, has invested in a high-tech solution. As of January 2023, a new AI-equipped factory was launched, which discerns defected dumplings in real-time, managing to produce at a staggering rate of two dumplings per second—double the speed of other facilities.
AI Enhancements Elevate Production Efficiency
A spokesperson from the company expressed that AI implementation on the production line has led to a nearly 30% reduction in human labor. The company has also debuted an AI cooking robot, I-Robo, in a Tokyo restaurant to combat labor shortages in the culinary field, where training skilled chefs can be time-consuming.
The labor force problem in Japan may worsen due to the continuous population decline. The country has seen a decrease in population for 13 consecutive years, sitting currently at approximately 124.35 million. By 2040, an estimated shortfall of 11 million workers is projected, potentially exacerbating the current state of Japan’s workforce.
Despite being the second-largest economy in Asia, Japan has the largest proportion of older people in the world, with those aged 65 and above constituting nearly 29% of the population. Coupled with a low birthrate, Japan saw the lowest number of births recorded since the 19th century last year.
The government’s efforts to increase birthrates have not reaped significant results, leading Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to indicate that Japan is on the brink of being unable to maintain its societal functions.
AI is perceived as a threat to human jobs globally, but in Japan, it is eagerly embraced, particularly in the rapidly aging agricultural sector. Nichino AI, an app developed by pesticide manufacturer Nihon Noyaku, assists farmers by diagnosing plant issues and suggesting appropriate pesticides with an accuracy of 70-80%. Veteran farmer Kensuke Takahashi notes that although some older farmers are skeptical of emerging technologies like AI, the overall agricultural output in Japan continues to rise.
Even in education, AI tools are being utilized to address shortages of language teachers. A startup named Ecumenopolis developed an AI-based tool for English conversation practice, which has been introduced in 50 schools nationwide. Students receive feedback on various aspects of language mastery, though some note that the absence of human interaction is noticeable.
In government, AI experiments are underway to support administrative tasks. Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture has started using an AI chatbot, ChatGPT, to help with creating meeting minutes and document summaries, potentially saving thousands of hours annually.
While Japan may adopt AI technology more rapidly than other nations due to its unique challenges of aging and population decline, the consensus is that AI is poised to enhance labor efficiency but not fully replace human workers yet.
Important Questions and Answers
1. How is AI helping to address labor shortages in Japan?
AI is being utilized to enhance production efficiency and reduce the need for human labor. For instance, AI-equipped factories such as the one operated by Osaka Ohsho can inspect and process food at a faster rate while a cooking robot, I-Robo, is used in the culinary industry to perform tasks traditionally done by cooks.
2. What are the statistics related to Japan’s population decline?
Japan has seen 13 consecutive years of population decrease, and the number of births has hit the lowest point since the 19th century. The population is currently around 124.35 million, and there is an estimated looming shortfall of 11 million workers by 2040.
3. Are there any sectors where AI is not well-received in Japan?
While many industries embrace AI, skepticism exists, particularly among older farmers who may be wary of technological disruption to traditional practices.
4. Can AI completely replace human workers in the Japanese workforce?
Although AI increases efficiency and supplements the workforce, there is a consensus that it is not able to fully replace human workers yet, particularly in roles requiring complex human interaction and decision-making.
Key Challenges or Controversies
– Technology Acceptance: There is resistance among certain demographics in Japan over adopting AI technologies, which may slow progress and acceptance in those sectors.
– Job Displacement: Even though there is a workforce shortage in Japan, there is a global concern that AI could displace human jobs. This could lead to socio-economic challenges if not managed carefully.
– Ethical and Social Implications: The use of AI raises ethical concerns, such as privacy issues, algorithmic bias, and the loss of certain cultural aspects associated with traditional practices.
– Human Interaction: AI’s inability to replicate human interaction is notable, especially in sectors like education, where the teacher-student relationship is essential.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
– AI can help overcome labor shortages by taking on repetitive and labor-intensive tasks.
– It can improve overall productivity and efficiency, allowing companies to maintain high standards despite a reduced workforce.
– AI technology can assist in sectors such as agriculture by analyzing data which humans may not easily interpret.
Disadvantages:
– Over-reliance on AI could result in a loss of skills and job opportunities for humans.
– There may be a decrease in the quality of certain services that require human empathy and understanding, such as education.
– The technological gap between regions and generations may widen as AI becomes more prevalent in certain sectors of the workforce.
For additional information on the broader context of AI and its impact on society, visit the link to the main AI portal: AI.org
Please note that the URL provided is for illustrative purposes only, using the general format requested. If seeking factual resources, it is important to search for legitimate organizations and educational institutions that offer insights and updates about the current state of AI and its applications in the workforce.
The source of the article is from the blog lisboatv.pt