Taito Ohe

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Printing cities: AECOM’s challenge to disrupt the stagnant industry
Taito Ohe
Posted on November 12, 2018 at 10:18 pm
While 3D-printing technology has not yet prevailed in large-scale applications, AECOM is making a strategic move to disrupt the construction industry.

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On November 14, 2018, Taito Ohe commented on From Toys to Your Butt, What’s IKEA going to Print Next? :

I enjoyed reading your article and insights about applying additive manufacturing to furniture. I agree that the application of 3D printing has potential to disrupt the existing supply chain and create a new ecosystem of distribution. The critical advantage the technology has over traditional manufacturing is the ability of mass customization. Like the example of the gaming chair, IKEA could attract more customers by making customized products, such as sofas and tables, which best fit their body and the interior. I believe IKEA could price its products higher by providing more value not only from sustainability benefits, but also from customization service that only 3D printers can achieve.

On November 14, 2018, Taito Ohe commented on Alexa, What’s in my Wallet? Open Innovation at Capital One :

Thank you for sharing your insights. Despite all the regulations, I was amazed to find out that Capital One has already took a step forward to integrate open innovation in the banking industry. I agree with your concern that currently there is no single integrated platform for customers to find products, so that attracting a large customer base is a primary challenge in the short term. I believe one of the key advantages for open innovation is to create network effect and connect customers with a variety of applications on the system. I am curious how they will make such an expansion by breaking barriers in the industry.

On November 14, 2018, Taito Ohe commented on Caterpillar – Embracing Open Innovation and Co-creation :

I agree that Caterpillar should be selective about external collaborators to build an ecosystem of new construction. There are various stakeholders involved to construct a building, such as manufacturer, general contractors and sub contractors. In order to accelerate the innovation, it is better to include those stakeholders in the open innovation process. However, most of them are also connected to Caterpillar’s competitors. As you suggested, having exclusive and long-term contracts is one of the solutions. Moreover, a large advantage Caterpillar has is that it manufactures construction equipments, so that it has better insight on what is required to streamline construction process on site. I am curious about how they take advantage of their unique position, being most close to physical products, to develop new IoT system.

On November 14, 2018, Taito Ohe commented on TAL – Closing the education resource gap with the support of machine learning in China :

Overwhelming pressure on students has been a common issue across several countries in Asia, such as Japan and South Korea. The online learning has been limited in teaching the hard skills. However, as you mentioned, I see the potential of machine learning in providing better education related to soft skills. Learning foreign language is a good example. Combining Magic Mirror System with Language Assessment could create a disruptive service, which provides extensive language education focusing on communication. I also look forward to seeing how they integrate their business with the existing education system in China, and possibly other countries in Asia.

On November 14, 2018, Taito Ohe commented on Print-a-Part: How 3D Printing is transforming Medical Device Manufacturing :

The technology of 3D printing will bring medical device manufacturers huge advantages, allowing them to customize devices in a short time. I think Stryker is embracing the unique challenge, in that they manufacture Just-In-Time implants by responding hospitals’ demands flexibly. Also, as you pointed out, I am more interested in what are unique strengths that will lead the company to the competitive position in the future. Overall, I enjoyed your essay and am curious about where this story goes.

On November 14, 2018, Taito Ohe commented on Houzz Leverage Deep Learning to Level Up its Game in Online Marketplace :

I found this article interesting, in that it asks us a question about how much control AI should have in order to make any decisions related to aesthetics. Utilizing huge database, machine learning could recognize patterns of interior design and make suggestions about a better space. However, as you pointed out, how much control users are willing to give up depends on how precisely the AI could address their preferences. I also agree with the point that the service casts doubt on how corporative designers will be while they know their ideas are being consumed to generate revenues for Houzz. I believe that creating the ecosystem that delivers benefits for both customers and designers is a key issue here to integrate the visual service with the company’s core business.