Introduction
The “NEC Innovation Day 2024,” hosted by NEC, showcased new directions in technology and business, with a focus on generative AI and biometric authentication. The event featured several significant announcements, including the latest generative AI model, “cotomi v2,” autonomous operational processes enabled by “AI agents,” and advancements in multimodal technology. These innovations hold the potential to address a wide range of challenges, such as improving operational efficiency, enhancing societal convenience, and reducing environmental impact. This blog analyzes NEC’s announcements, their significance, and the anticipated impact.
Generative AI “cotomi v2”: Evolution of Next-Generation LLMs
The “cotomi v2” model not only surpasses other large language models (LLMs) in inference accuracy and speed but also achieves a notable milestone by doubling GPU efficiency, thereby reducing environmental impact. This evolution broadens the scope of generative AI applications.
Contributions to Automation
In fields requiring high precision, such as healthcare and finance, “cotomi v2” enhances operational efficiency while ensuring reliability. As a Japanese-language-specialized LLM, it strengthens its competitiveness in the domestic market.
Significance in Environmental Adaptation
Efforts to address power consumption issues arising from the proliferation of AI technology contribute to the creation of a sustainable society.
AI Agents: Advancing Operational Autonomy
NEC’s proposed “AI Agents” are designed to autonomously design and execute processes by breaking down tasks and utilizing appropriate resources upon receiving instructions. This approach goes beyond traditional standardized automation, creating new value.
Applications in Business Planning and Workforce Management
This technology, capable of efficiently and flexibly handling complex tasks, is expected to be particularly useful in corporate management and strategy formulation.
Evolution of Autonomy
Unlike mere automation, its dynamic system adapts to changing circumstances, serving as a differentiator from other AI technologies.
Advancements in Multimodal Technology
NEC also unveiled advancements in multimodal technology that automate the reading and digitization of complex charts, significantly boosting information processing efficiency. This widens the range of data available for use in generative AI and further streamlines business processes.
Contextual Understanding of Charts
By mimicking human implicit comprehension, AI improves the accuracy of information extraction, offering substantial value in processing corporate documents that heavily rely on charts.
Applications in Disaster Response
Combining satellite image analysis with LLMs, NEC’s disaster response solutions enable swift understanding of affected areas, contributing to more advanced disaster prevention planning.
NEC’s Technology Strategy: A Vision for the Future
NEC promotes research, development, and business expansion with a vision of integrating AI technology into all societal systems. Generative AI and biometric authentication technologies form the core of this strategy.
Advancements in Biometric Authentication
Already internationally recognized, NEC’s biometric authentication technologies are expected to be utilized in more diverse scenarios thanks to miniaturization and improved accuracy.
Monetizing Intellectual Property
Strategies such as licensing patented technologies across industries highlight NEC’s efforts to monetize intangible assets. These initiatives extend beyond simple technology provision, supporting new industries such as AI-driven drug discovery and startup ventures.
Future Expectations and Challenges
Speed of Social Implementation
The ability to rapidly bring advanced technologies to market will determine future success.
Building Trust with Users
Enhancements in the explainability of generative AI and features like automatic prompt generation to reduce user burden are key to encouraging adoption.
Global Expansion
While maintaining competitiveness in the domestic market, strategies for expanding overseas will also play a crucial role.
Conclusion
The technologies and strategies unveiled at “NEC Innovation Day 2024” are deeply meaningful, directly linking AI evolution to solutions for societal challenges. Expectations are high for how these initiatives will impact businesses and society. We must continue to observe how these technological advancements shape the future.
