NEC launches unmanned department run only by AI | NHK WORLD

NEC launches unmanned department run only by AI

Japanese electronics maker NEC has launched an unmanned department run entirely by artificial intelligence to study how it can be used to support management.

Thirty-nine AI agents fill all posts in the department, from department head to staff members. They have been given names based on the roles that each is supposed to play.

The AI workers prepare reports and support final decision makers by gathering information. This includes looking at monthly sales to analyze finances. They also probe clients' needs by predicting the timing of system updates based on past business transactions. The AI workers also check news on rival companies every morning.

The department holds an executive meeting once a week to check on the progress of tasks and summarize future challenges.

NEC officials say an AI superior interviewed an AI staff member to discuss measures to prevent a recurrence when the staff made a mistake inputting a number.

Company officials say they want to expand the roles of AI staff and have hundreds of AI agents in the department this year.

NEC Executive Officer Kodama Hiroshi believes that there is a great need for companies to integrate autonomous AI organizations into their management. He said he wants to develop businesses based on the knowledge and experiences gained from the project.