Four stations to begin AI and cleaning robot demonstration on October 27

JR East, JR East Commerce, and SoftBank announced they will start a demonstration experiment utilizing AI, IoT sensors, and cleaning robots in four stations, centered around Akabane Station, beginning October 27, 2026.

The demonstration aims to implement demand-responsive and predictive cleaning based on station usage and dirt occurrence, verifying the potential for centralized cleaning information management and operational efficiency.

Specifically, IoT sensors will be installed in toilets and trash bins within the station to monitor usage and equipment conditions. Additionally, users will be able to request toilet cleaning using QR codes, allowing analysis of the relationship between usage frequency, time, and cleaning demand.

At Akabane Station, the images from a temporary camera installed in the concourse will be analyzed by AI to test the detection of waste. After the last train, trial runs of a physical AI cleaning robot for toilet cleaning will also be conducted.

Data from these initiatives will be integrated and visualized on a cleaning management platform to assess its usefulness for planning and decision-making. The experiment will take place across Akabane Station, Oji Station, Jujo Station, and Higashi-Jujo Station, with Oji, Jujo, and Higashi-Jujo focusing only on monitoring toilet usage and trash bin usage via IoT sensors.

It is noted that while QR code requests and AI waste detection will provide reference information for cleaning decisions, immediate responses by cleaning staff cannot be guaranteed. Based on the data obtained from this demonstration, the efficiency of cleaning operations will be evaluated in relation to station usage, with potential future expansion to other stations planned.

Reported by AMP.