3D Urban Model × Urban DX

■3D Urban Model × Urban DX

We presented at the "3D Urban Model × Urban DX" event. 

The CiP Council, responsible for new urban developments at the intersection between the real and virtual world, initiated a plan in 2013 to create a digital agglomeration special zone spanning 20 hectares in Tokyo's Takeshiba area, which was officially opened in 2020. 

The plan involved fully implementing cutting-edge technologies. 

Numerous robots are put to work here, and telexistence jobs can also be done. 

Over 1000 sensors embedded about to collect and utilize data, and this information is displayed on digital signage boards. 

There is no other example of a smart building operating on such an integrated scale worldwide.

However, the advent of COVID-19 changed everything. 

As we were pushing for aggregation, COVID-19 demanded decentralization.

We need to create a new balance between centralization and decentralization, a "New Normal" that is more appealing than the pre-COVID environment. 

Just as the Renaissance emerged after the 14th century plague, we must consider what will be revived after COVID-19. 

This is the pending issue that has been posed upon CiP. 

The plan is to connect the areas from Takeshiba to Toyosu, Harumi, Odaiba, and around Haneda in a comprehensive manner via rail, cars, bicycles, boats, drones, and digital means. 

As tech and pop hubs are being planned in various locations, we aim to advance the creation of a connected “PopTech archipelago,” and we are progressing collaborative measures with Nagoya, Kyoto, and other cities, as well as international partnerships with Seoul, Barcelona, and Shanghai. 

Simultaneously, the challenge is to shift from horizontal to vertical expansions, with implementation of the metaverse and digital twin models.

Subsequent questions:

What’s possible with digital twin models?

There have been reports about the creation of a government-in-exile for Ukraine, while Estonia has developed an e-government that ensures the nation persists digitally even if physically invaded.

Japan could also consider creating a digital twin in anticipation of potential submersion from natural disaster.

Moreover, it would be great to see warfare restricted to the metaverse.

What is necessary for Urban DX?

Data is embedded into a physical space to help in understanding congestion in toilets and stores, and aids in disaster prevention—this is useful. 

On the other hand, in the virtual space, we have Pokémon GO—this is interesting. 

Urban DX in both real and virtual spaces should combine these aspects: being both useful and interesting.