Hiroshima City to collaborate with Hiroshima City University, creating database and search system to convey A-bomb experience via digital technologies
Sep. 7, 2024
by Keiichi Nobira, Staff Writer
On September 6, the City of Hiroshima announced it would begin joint research with Hiroshima City University, located in Asaminami Ward, to create a database (DB) of atomic bombing experience materials and develop a search system using digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). As A-bomb survivors age, the city aims to start operating the system in fiscal 2029 as a new method of conveying the memories of “that day.”
The DB will sum up A-bomb memoirs, testimonial videos, and photos and drawings of the A-bombing collected by the city and national government. The search system allows users to ask questions by voice, and AI selects materials from the DB to answer them. It is intended to be used by students on school trips visiting the Peace Memorial Museum and the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.
The city has designated this as a project to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the A-bombing and has allocated 1 million yen for related expenses in its initial general account budget for fiscal 2024. On the same day, it signed a research contract with Hiroshima City University, which includes the Hiroshima Peace Institute and the Faculty of Information Sciences researching information and communication technology (ICT). The city will also receive advice and guidance from fiscal 2025 through fiscal 2028.
An official at the city’s Peace Promotion Division said, “Looking ahead to a time when there are no A-bomb survivors, we’d like to use this as a peace education tool that allows people to learn about the thoughts and experiences of A-bomb survivors.” Separately, the city is also developing a device that uses AI to enable simulated conversations with A-bomb survivors on a screen.
(Originally published on September 7, 2024)
On September 6, the City of Hiroshima announced it would begin joint research with Hiroshima City University, located in Asaminami Ward, to create a database (DB) of atomic bombing experience materials and develop a search system using digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). As A-bomb survivors age, the city aims to start operating the system in fiscal 2029 as a new method of conveying the memories of “that day.”
The DB will sum up A-bomb memoirs, testimonial videos, and photos and drawings of the A-bombing collected by the city and national government. The search system allows users to ask questions by voice, and AI selects materials from the DB to answer them. It is intended to be used by students on school trips visiting the Peace Memorial Museum and the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.
The city has designated this as a project to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the A-bombing and has allocated 1 million yen for related expenses in its initial general account budget for fiscal 2024. On the same day, it signed a research contract with Hiroshima City University, which includes the Hiroshima Peace Institute and the Faculty of Information Sciences researching information and communication technology (ICT). The city will also receive advice and guidance from fiscal 2025 through fiscal 2028.
An official at the city’s Peace Promotion Division said, “Looking ahead to a time when there are no A-bomb survivors, we’d like to use this as a peace education tool that allows people to learn about the thoughts and experiences of A-bomb survivors.” Separately, the city is also developing a device that uses AI to enable simulated conversations with A-bomb survivors on a screen.
(Originally published on September 7, 2024)
