Improving operations through ICT, mechanization, automation and big-data utilization

「運輸部企画課では、エンジニア経験のない担当者が業務改善アプリケーションを2本内製した。」

「Specifically, in December 2025 we fully introduced GoA2.0 automatic operation on sections of the Kagoshima Main Line and Nippo Main Line, expanding the area covered by automatic operation. We also advanced initiatives to further improve railway safety, sustainability and profitability, including the development of a wireless train control system using public communications networks.」

「Based on the JR Kyushu Group DX Strategy updated in March this year, we are advancing various initiatives under the banner “Energizing communities, customers and employees through the power of digital.” We are also developing systems and infrastructure, providing education at all levels, developing talent and fostering a corporate culture that drives transformation through DX.」

「As part of reforms to railway operations and maintenance, we began GoA2.5 automatic operation across the Kashii Line in March this year. GoA2.5 automatic operation is conducted by staff who do not hold a railway driver's license but have received the required training. In the same month, we began demonstration tests of trains using an “automatic train operation support system” that assists drivers on the Orio–Futsukaichi section of the Kagoshima Main Line.」

「In the area of DX promotion, based on the “JR Kyushu Group DX Strategy 2022-2024,” we will advance various initiatives using digital technologies in three areas: enhancing customer experience value, reforming operations and maintenance, and reforming work styles and improving productivity. We will also focus on developing the “foundation” and “talent development and promotion structure” supporting DX.」

「We established a Digital CoE (Center of Excellence) as the command center for digital transformation across our group. In addition to formulating the group's DX strategy, conducting advanced development, supporting digital education and developing infrastructure, it will promote the development of digital talent.」

「As part of efforts to improve operational efficiency while ensuring safety, we began demonstration operations of the automatic train operation system on the Kashii Line in December last year.」

「Beginning in April this year, we equipped some in-service trains with a train patrol support system and an electric railway track monitoring device, and began initiatives to improve the efficiency of inspection work, the quality of facilities, and employee safety.」

「Regarding development of the automatic train operation system, we began running tests after the last train on the Saitozaki–Kashii section of the Kashii Line in December last year.」

「As a future response to labor shortages, we will promote labor-saving and labor-reducing measures in each business.」

「We will promote technical studies leading to fundamental operational improvements through greater use of ICT and the mechanization and automation of work, establish an efficient operating structure to improve productivity and services, and develop technologies for practical implementation in collaboration with manufacturers and others.」

「We will promote technical studies that lead to fundamental operational improvements through the use of ICT, mechanization and automation to enhance railway safety and respond to increasingly diverse and sophisticated customer needs. In particular, we will examine new inspection methods, including condition-monitoring systems for rolling stock and electrical equipment, as well as big data analytics technologies.」