For the first time since 2019, SoftBank World, SoftBank Corp.’s (TOKYO: 9434) largest event for enterprise customers, returned as an in-person event in Tokyo in October 2023. From October 4 to 6, SoftBank World 2023 featured keynotes, panel discussions and workshops. Another main attraction was a large-scale exhibition with over 80 booths showcasing the latest in AI, 5G and IoT technologies and solutions. Below are some highlights.
“SoftBank AI Solution” exhibit a hit with visitors
The booths of SoftBank World 2023 event sponsors attracted a large turnout of visitors from a wide range of industries.
The centerpiece "SoftBank AI Solution" exhibit was divided into eight business categories, including smart infrastructure, smart work, and security. Compared to the previous in-person event held in 2019, the number of solutions on display was significantly higher, with a total of 29 services showcased.
The AI-related service booth was particularly popular among visitors.
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AI video analysis platform "STAION"
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"Tasuki Annotation" to support AI development
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"Private 5G" solution for enterprises
"WOTA BOX" shower solution that does not require plumbing, making it optimal for use during disasters
"GeoPita" for managing the location and status of people and objects
World’s first exhibit of advanced superchip
SoftBank, in collaboration with NVIDIA, displayed a server equipped with the "NVIDIA Grace Hopper Superchip,” which is capable of handling massive AI computational tasks. In the world’s first exhibit of the superchip, visitors could see that it integrates a CPU and GPU to enable complex generative AI processing. The superchip’s widespread application, including for large language models (LLMs), is highly anticipated.
Demonstrations enable visitors to experience high-impact services
Demo of cloud PBX service "ConnecTalk" that links landlines and mobile phones
Experiencing AR solutions on a tablet
Some booths featured live demonstrations to offer immersive experiences to visitors. Some noted that the demonstrations made it easier for them to understand the technologies and benefits of the services, which might have been hard to grasp just from verbal explanations.
SoftBank’s R&D makes SoftBank World debut
A separate room at the SoftBank World 2023 venue displayed SoftBank’s latest R&D activities. While special promotional events have been held in the past, this was the first time for SoftBank R&D to be showcased at SoftBank World.
In addition to holding seminars and conducting demonstrations, SoftBank’s Research Institute of Advanced Technology exhibited technologies on the 14 themes they are currently working on, including next-generation networks, autonomous driving and next-generation batteries.
More information on the initiatives of the SoftBank’s Research Institute of Advanced Technology can be found here.
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(Posted on November 15, 2023)
by SoftBank News Editors
