材料開発分野におけるDX

抄録

Digital transformation (DX) is permeating materials design through advanced digital technologies such as databases, theoretical simulation, and artificial intelligence (AI). Materials Informatics (MI) has emerged as a pivotal approach in materials development, utilizing data to predict the properties of unknown material structures and optimize structures to achieve desired functions and properties. At Asahi Kasei, Digital Value Co-Creation integrates digital technologies across R&D, manufacturing, and business. The Informatics Initiative focuses on driving R&D DX and strengthening informatics capabilities. Its efforts include training experimental researchers in the use of MI and providing an in-house cloud-based environment (IFX-Hub) to facilitate MI implementation. Successful MI applications in polymer development demonstrate the potential of this approach, although challenges remain in handling complex data structures and ensuring data quality. Future directions include implementation of high-level MI techniques and expansion of the “smart lab” concept for autonomous experimentation and data-driven optimization. Furthermore, generative AI is a promising technology for R&D. Guidelines have been released for general users to ensure safe and secure use. System platforms are also being developed for advanced use and secure use of internal documents.