Featured Nishimatsu Construction use case

Since its founding in 1872, Nishimatsu Construction has built a long history of more than 140 years, and with its strengths in advanced technology cultivated through its traditions, it provides safe and secure construction of public facilities, such as roads and dams, as well as urban redevelopment. They are widely contributing to the development of social infrastructure and the creation of a safe & comfortable environment.

Natsuki Kito, Fuwabara Tunnel Branch Office, Shikoku Branch
Natsuki Kito, Fuwabara Tunnel Branch Office, Shikoku Branch

On this occasion, we were able to participate in a site tour using RICOH Remote Field at the construction site of the Fuwabara Tunnel, and heard about Nishimatsu Construction's efforts and future plans.

What kind of construction is currently being done here?

Natsuki Kito:

The Fuwabara Tunnel construction, ordered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is a long-distance tunnel construction with a total length of 1831m. The construction period will be approximately three years. We are currently progressing to about 900m, which is about half way through the whole process (at the time of interview, March 2023).
Fubaru Tunnel Excavation site. Nishimatsu Construction provides an opportunity for the general public to see construction sites like this, which are rarely seen by the pubic, in the form of site tours.
Fubaru Tunnel Excavation site. Nishimatsu Construction provides an opportunity for the general public to see construction sites like this, which are rarely seen by the pubic, in the form of site tours.
The on-site unmanned bulldozer control room
The on-site unmanned bulldozer control room

Can you tell us about the site tours held at the Fubaru Tunnel construction site?

Natsuki Kito:

We are trying to get a wide range of people, such as people from the community and students, to better understand construction and our industry.

Last September, under the name of Virtual Tour Event, we connected all four regional offices of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism online. Participants were able to peer inside this tunnel using VR goggles, and we held a virtual tour that made them feel as if they were actually there. The feedback we received was highly positive, with attendees expressing that it provided a remarkably realistic experience as if they were physically present at the site.

In a real-life setting, there are limitations on the number of people who can participate at once. However, with an online setup, a larger number of individuals can view the event. Moreover, using VR goggles enables them to experience the tour with a sense of realism, making it a meaningful and valuable experience. We believe that if such on-site tours continue to expand in this manner, it would be beneficial for everyone involved, and we, as organizers, are eager to continue adapting to this trend.

Streaming on site with the RICOH Remote Field
Streaming on site with the RICOH Remote Field
Streaming on site with the RICOH Remote Field
System configuration of virtual site tour

What were the reasons for deciding to introduce RICOH Remote Field?

Natsuki Kito:

Real-time performance and good image quality were the decisive factors for the selection. Also, I wanted to use a VR headset to give a more realistic feel, instead of a flat image, so that is also an important point.
Streaming on site with the RICOH Remote Field
The scene of an on-site tour utilizing VR goggles at the office. By wearing the VR goggles, the displayed visuals change according to the viewer's direction, providing a sense of presence and immersion, as if they were physically present at the actual location.

How do you plan to use RICOH Remote Field in the future?

Natsuki Kito:

We consider RICOH Remote Field to be the perfect tool for helping people understand construction projects. The construction industry is facing a shortage of skilled workers, and we would like to show as many people as possible the construction process and the merits of being on-site. Additionally, we aim to provide insights into various construction scenarios, including those that elderly individuals or young children, who may not be able to visit the actual site in person, can observe through RICOH Remote Field.