Sci-fi no more: Creations to address societal dilemmas

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), 5G wireless networks and other technologies are making our lives more exciting and convenient, but a young entrepreneur, professor and media artist is also keen to harness them for other ambitions: addressing social challenges unique to Japanese society. The fifth-generation, or 5G, high-speed mobile network set to enter commercial service in the country next spring will "have an enormous impact on our communication media," Yoichi Ochiai said in a mid-September interview with The Japan Times. It will become a means for us to resolve challenges." Ochiai, 32, who specializes in human-computer interaction and computer graphics, serves as an associate professor at the University of Tsukuba and is CEO of Pixie Dust Technologies Inc. Also a commentator on technology, Ochiai will give a speech at the digital trade fair CEATEC 2019, which runs from Oct. 15 to 18 at Makuhari Messe. The Japan Times is a prime media partner for the event.