MOL Readies for ICT-based Trends in Advanced Digitalization

Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has signed a technology consulting agreement with  Yokohama National University Professor Tomoharu Naga, a creator of the next-generation AI advanced machine learning and the percolative learning method.

A press release from the maritime company said that MOL aims to become a "corporate group of competitive No.1 businesses," under the "Vision for the MOL Group 10 years from now" set out in the "Rolling Plan 2018" management plan by enhancing its services through the use and application of ICT.

The MOL Group has worked with Professor Nagao since 2016 to forecast the dry bulk market by analyzing data related to economic issues and maritime affairs. It will continue to promote the use and application of ICT-based trends in advanced digitalization by concluding this technology consulting agreement and holding regular advisory meetings and internal review meetings.

Tomoharu Nagao is a leading authority on advanced machine leaning, and has pioneered many unique advanced calculation models by applying advanced calculation methods to image processing and recognition, nerve circuit networks, time-series forecast, and so on.

He is current position since 2001 after serving as an assistant professor in the Graduate school of Tokyo Institute of Technology. His work focuses on industry-academia cooperation, drawing upon his strong track record of joint studies with many companies. He also serves as CTO of a venture of the university.

The percolative learning method is a model that "percolates" future information available only during learning into information, which can be used even during practical use. It is expected to allow much higher accuracy in forecasting future changes.