A proposal for a UoA professor to be the representative proposer has been selected as a proposal adopted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, MEXT.

A proposal led by Professor Makiko Ohtake(※1) has been selected for the "AI/Digitization x Space" Human Resource Development Program for Technological Innovation, funded by the FY2022 Aerospace Science and Technology Promotion Commission. The framework of the program aims to establish a foundation for human resource development that can utilize the latest ICT technology and advanced knowledge in the field of information technology in the space field.

The "Construction of Infrastructure for Human Resource Development in Space Information Systems through the Moon-Mars Hakoniwa Education Program," which is being undertaken by Professor Makiko Otake and her colleagues at the University of Aizu, aims to develop human resources in information systems to realize efficient and reliable spacecraft development and operation processes by introducing digitalization technology (cyber-physical system: CPS) that makes the best use of computer simulations.

While the Fukushima Robot Test Field will be used for verification in real space, virtual space will be used for items that are difficult to simulate in real space, such as low gravity, providing an opportunity to learn how to combine the two to verify a "rover for space exploration".

The content is unique to the University of Aizu, which is strong in the fields of space, robotics, and information.

the University of Aizu, East Japan Accounting Center Co., Ltd. (※2)(Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture), and TOYOTA TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.(※3)(Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture) will collaborate to create an educational program consisting of basic classroom lectures on spacecraft development, driving practice/CPS practice using a simulated rover for exploration in both real and simulated (virtual) space, automatic mapping using AI technology, and VR data creation assuming manned rover operation on the moon.

This project is not limited to educational use, but is also expected to contribute to the development of rovers and other spacecraft by space companies that will develop lunar exploration in the future by utilizing the CPS method, as well as to the industrial revitalization and reconstruction of Fukushima Prefecture through the entry of new Fukushima companies into the space industry.

This is the second time that the University of Aizu has been selected for the Aerospace science and technology promotion commission expenses.
https://u-aizu.ac.jp/public/project/post-24.html

※1 Makiko Otake, Professor, the University of Aizu

※2 East Japan Accounting Center Co., Ltd.

※3 TOYOTA TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

reference
Aerospace Science and Technology Promotion Fund
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/kaihatu/space/jigyou/detail/1422548_00007.htm

For the purpose of making efforts to open up new possibilities of aerospace development and utilization and further expanding the base, public invitation was conducted for the following five programs.
(1) Aerospace Human Resource Development Program
(2) Aerospace Decarbonization Technology Creation Program
(3) Program for Advanced Basic Technology for Space Exploration
(4) "Humanities x Space" Cross-boundary Human Resources Development Program
(5) "AI and Digitalization x Space" Human Resources Development Program for Technological Innovation