iPresence Inc. (Headquarters: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture; CEO: Christopher Chrisfrancis; hereinafter "iPresence") will begin selling a remote experience and remote control solution compatible with local 5G environments. This solution is based on the remote experience and remote support solution that iPresence has been considering and developing for some time. Following progress in improving added value and confirming practicality through a local 5G demonstration conducted with the support of TIS Inc. (hereinafter "TIS"), the development promoter, as part of the "Tokyo NEXT 5G Boosters Project," a startup support project utilizing next-generation communications technology implemented by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, iPresence is now moving towards full-scale commercialization.

iPresence has been collaborating with Canon Marketing Japan Inc. (Canon MJ) to continuously commercialize and verify remote video and remote confirmation solutions using Canon remote cameras. This local 5G demonstration confirmed that high-definition, highly immersive experiences, such as stable transmission of 4K video, which were difficult to achieve in conventional environments, can now be achieved at a practical level, making it clear that the value of the entire solution can be improved.

In response to this, iPresence, with the cooperation of Canon MJ, will proceed with expansion development and operational verification based on a configuration that includes Canon remote cameras, and will also begin full-scale sales expansion of the target solution. With continued technical and operational cooperation from Canon MJ, the company plans to consider function expansion and delivery formats that meet customer needs.

This initiative has also established a system to receive support in both business and technology from TIS, the development promoter of the Tokyo NEXT 5G Boosters Project, a Tokyo Metropolitan Government initiative, and will work to establish a new business utilization model that utilizes local 5G and promote commercialization with a view to horizontal expansion into multiple industries.

Going forward, iPresence will begin full-scale proposals for the introduction of this solution, focusing on sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, public facilities, education and tourism, and will promote the social implementation of practical remote experiences and remote support using local 5G.

[Specific application examples]

This solution is based on the premise that an autonomous mobile robot can move stably on a flat floor, and is characterized by its ability to simultaneously "get close to an object (using a zoom camera) to check the details" and "converse and communicate with people in the same place in a manner similar to face-to-face conversations (by incorporating a videophone function)."It is not just a mobile camera, but has the value of telepresence, allowing involvement, dialogue, and judgment from a distance.

In the manufacturing and factory sectors, it is anticipated that the device will be used to remotely check the status of equipment and displays in a magnified format, while communicating with local workers and discussing the situation on the spot.Even if an expert or person in charge is not on-site, confirmation, instructions and consultation can be made with a feeling almost like face-to-face contact, functioning as a substitute for or complement to on-site attendance or business trips.

In research laboratories and development facilities, one possible application is to remotely check the status of experimental equipment and samples while discussing and confirming with on-site researchers in real time. In collaborative research and review situations, the ability to "see" and "talk" simultaneously without separating them is valuable.

In the construction and equipment fields, it is expected that the installation status and wiring status of equipment will be remotely checked, allowing on-site personnel to communicate and give instructions for corrections or confirmations on the spot. By conducting pre-inspections and expert attendance remotely, the burden of travel and scheduling can be reduced.

In the office/showroom field, it can be used to remotely show the details of products and equipment while interacting with customers and visitors to explain and make proposals. Rather than simply streaming video, it can remotely recreate the feeling of being "presently guiding customers around."

In the public facilities and infrastructure sector, it is anticipated that the system will be used to remotely check equipment displays and control panels, communicate with local staff, and share on-the-spot decisions and response policies. This will allow for remote supplementation of patrols and attendance while maintaining human involvement.

In the field of education and training, it is possible to show experimental equipment and teaching materials up close from a distance, allowing the instructor to give explanations and answer questions as if they were there. This makes it possible to provide instruction and explanations that are more like being in the field than simply a video lecture.

The value of all of these is that they simultaneously enable "seeing," "talking," "confirming," and "engaging." This solution is positioned as a foundation for incorporating the unique experience of telepresence into work, allowing you to get up close and personal with local people in a manner that feels almost face-to-face, while also using the camera zoom to check details.