Realizing Society5.0 requires overcoming problems in promoting social implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. To effectively model phenomena, it is necessary to continually collect data, construct computational models, create value, and improvement while embedding AI technology in real-world applications. AI technology that realizes mutual understanding with humans is needed to create value and improve mutual understanding with stakeholders. Implementation and verification of the AIST Artificial Intelligence Technology Consortium (AITeC) is described to realize this scenario.

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Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ) has carried out groundwater studies responding to social demands. Groundwater studies had been conducted for the development of resources and the protection of the environment in the past. These days, in addition, they are contributing to thermal energy use and practical use of the deep groundwater environment for high-level radioactive waste (HLW) and carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) projects. In this paper, we present the history of groundwater research at GSJ, current issues, and our approach to groundwater use.

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The indentation fracture (IF) method is necessary for evaluation of fracture toughness of ceramics due to its simple test procedure and low sample size limitations. However, the conventional method is inferior in measurement accuracy, has many calculation formulas, and there is no unified view as to which formula should be used, which hinders international transactions. We developed a technique to improve the reliability of the measured values by increasing the magnification of the microscope to reduce the crack length reading error. Using this technique, we were able to select the optimal calculation formula. The round robin tests were conducted with the cooperation of 18 domestic and overseas testing institutions, and the reproducibility of the developed method was verified. Backed by these back data, we were able to publish the international standard.

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This paper shows an overview of the role of the national research institutes, which later belonged to the old AIST (Agency of Industrial Science and Technology), MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry) during the rising period of industry in Japan in Meiji and Taisho eras, and demonstrates the results of systematic introduction and realization of technology, research and development (R&D) of original technology, and its industrial application. We introduce (1) wireless communication in Electrotechnical Laboratory and (2) new catalyst for the ammonia synthesis in Governmental Chemical Industrial Research Institute, Tokyo. The industrial revolution that took place in the late 18th century in UK was mainly due to innovations in manufacturing technology such as spinning machines and sulfuric acid. In the middle of the 19th and early 20th centuries, technological innovation was achieved in telegraph and telephones and in ammonia synthesis, mainly in Germany and the United States. In contrast, in the period of industrial revolution in Japan, which has occurred from the end of the 19th century (middle Meiji era) to the beginning of 20th century (early Taisho era), Japan has already created its own original technologies. The inventions of the TYK-type wireless telephone in Electrotechnical Laboratory and of a new catalyst in the ammonia synthesis by the “Tokoshi-method” are good examples. For the industrial application and realization, the results of R&D of the initial wireless research were transferred to the Navy and then R&D was carried out by a private company. The ammonia synthesis technology by the “Tokoshi-method” has led the first domestically produced ammonium sulfate in a private company. It is noteworthy that in Japan, in addition to the introduction of technology, effective original technology development and its industrial application were carried out in very early period. The role of national institute for industrial application is also discussed in this paper.

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