Obayashi Corporation and Tohoku University have established a co-creation research institute for next-generation construction technologies and will advance research and development into tough physical AI by combining physical simulations with field demonstrations. The institute was established on 1 November and will operate for 5 years, through the end of October 2031.
Obayashi Corporation and Tohoku University have established the Obayashi × Tohoku University Co-Creation Research Institute for Next-Generation Construction Technologies to conduct research and development in next-generation construction technologies. The institute uses Tohoku University’s co-creation research institute framework and is based within the university’s Tough Cyber-Physical AI Research Center. It is scheduled to operate for 5 years.
Experts from a broad range of fields, including civil engineering and architecture, physical AI, energy, human-robot collaboration, 3D concrete printers, urban development and disaster science, will work together at the institute. They will combine physical simulations that recreate field conditions with robot control and AI research to advance demonstrations and practical implementation.
The aim is to accelerate the deployment of tough physical AI technologies capable of stable autonomous operation at construction sites. The initiative will also focus on developing highly skilled personnel, cross-disciplinary joint research and the creation of new technologies. It is planned to address challenges including the shortage of construction workers, improvements in safety and productivity, and responses to natural disasters.
The initiative seeks to combine Obayashi Corporation’s construction expertise with Tohoku University’s academic knowledge, thereby advancing both field applications and personnel development. Progress on the initiative and specific projects will be closely watched.