Addressing labor shortages and productivity issues at workplaces through AR solutions
TOKYO, April 22, 2025 -- Cellid Inc., a developer of displays and spatial recognition engines for next-generation AR glasses, has been selected for the "King Salmon Project," which seeks to address global social issues through advanced technology from Tokyo. As part of the project, Cellid collaborated with Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, to conduct a demonstration experiment showcasing remote work support using AR glasses at a construction site.
Cellid develops and manufactures Waveguide—a cutting-edge optical see-through AR display and launched "Reference Design" (verification model) – ergonomically designed and lightweight eyeglass-type AR glasses last November. The company is building an ecosystem that will drive the global adoption of AR glasses. In addition to hardware, Cellid is developing industry-specific solutions that leverage spatial recognition software. For example, last year, Cellid conducted a demonstration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Bureau of Port and Harbor to streamline facility management operations through 3D modeling of port facilities and the automated organization of inspection images.
In recent years, all industries have been facing challenges related to labor shortages and work efficiency. In particular, labor shortages and skills transfer at construction sites have become serious issues.
To address this, Cellid conducted a demonstration of remote work support using "Reference Design" at construction sites, including public facilities managed by Shibuya Ward.
Issue and Verification Overview
As part of efforts to address key workplace challenges, Cellid conducted a verification study on the effectiveness of remote support using AR glasses. The focus was on improving productivity in response to labor shortages, promoting work style reform, enhancing workforce efficiency, and facilitating skills transfer between on-site and office teams.
Location
The demonstration was carried out at construction sites, including public facilities under the jurisdiction of Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. A total of five sessions were held across four different sites.
Implementation Summary
Eyeglass-style AR glasses were used on-site to support remote supervision of repair work, interior finish checks, instruction delivery, and real-time sharing of site conditions. Additionally, material inspections were conducted by displaying order details on the AR glasses and comparing them with the nameplates on delivered items to identify any discrepancies.
(1) Remote Construction Supervision Services
- Monitoring and instruction on construction progress
- Reporting and consulting on construction methods
- Inspection of delivered materials and products
(2) Enhancing On-Site Work Efficiency
- Real-time communication between on-site staff and remote managers or experienced personnel
- Verification of delivered materials by displaying order part numbers, specifications, and quantities on AR glasses for comparison with actual items
Major Results of the Demonstration Experiment
In this verification experiment, experienced staff were able to remotely monitor construction progress, provide instructions, and supervise in real time without needing to visit the site. This was made possible through AR glasses worn by on-site workers, which allowed text-based instructions and information to be displayed directly in their field of view. While some issues remain to be addressed, the experiment successfully demonstrated effective information sharing without disrupting overall work operations.
- AR glasses enable hands-free operation, improving both safety and work efficiency. Previously, workers needed to carry devices such as tablets, PCs, or cameras.
- Equipped with a camera at eye level, the AR glasses allow on-site workers and remote staff — whether in offices or at home — to view the same objects from the same perspective, enhancing communication and on-site confirmation.
- AR displays show relevant information, such as model numbers, specifications, and quantities of ordered products, directly over the items being checked, streamlining the visual verification process.
- As a result, the demonstration showed time savings of approximately 1.4 hours per task (including travel time), with an estimated annual reduction of 425 to 638 hours.
These results demonstrate that the use of AR glasses can significantly reduce travel time and enhance work efficiency. Cellid believes that this remote support initiative holds strong potential for application across various industries and job sites in the future.
The eyeglass-type AR glasses, "Reference Design" used in this demonstration experiment are equipped with Cellid's proprietary Waveguide display lens. As thin and light as ordinary spectacle lenses, the Waveguide enables vivid full-color display.
Comments from Satoshi Shiraga, CEO, Cellid
"The demonstration experiment revealed that Cellid's lightweight and thin AR glasses can contribute to communication with construction, engineering, infrastructure management, and other on-site workers and improve the efficiency of their work. By addressing hardware and software issues, identifying areas for improvement, and incorporating field expectations and the potential benefits for AR glasses applications, we will continue developing solutions that better support field workers. We recognize that the remote work support initiatives from this project are of great interest to companies and partners in various industries, both in Japan and overseas. We will leverage the knowledge gained here to promote AR glasses solutions and address social issues, with an eye toward expanding internationally."
About the King Salmon Project
The "King Salmon Project," which is being carried out by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, is designed to match advanced businesses with metropolitan government issues, conduct demonstration experiments that utilize the front lines of metropolitan government, and support strategic planning for expanding sales channels.
About Cellid
Cellid specializes in the development of advanced AR glass display modules, focusing on waveguides and spatial recognition engines for next-generation devices. Leveraging unique optical simulation and proprietary production technologies, Cellid has developed display modules as thin and lightweight as standard eyeglass lenses, delivering clear images and one of the world's largest fields of view for waveguides. Additionally, Cellid offers industry-specific solutions powered by spatial recognition technologies such as Cellid SLAM. By integrating cutting-edge AR display hardware with real-world spatial recognition software, Cellid is driving the "Blending of Physical and Digital World," making exceptional information tools more accessible, practical, and convenient for users worldwide.
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