【Interview #13】"Translating technology into value for society"The mindset of a project manager tackling real challenges in manufacturing

At NABLAS, we have members who deeply understand clients' concerns and work together to find optimal AI technology solutions, all while addressing real-world challenges on site.

This time, we interviewed Mr. Yoshida, who previously worked in semiconductor design and project management (PM) in the manufacturing industry. He joined NABLAS in 2024 and is now involved in AI projects for the manufacturing sector, engaging with real on-site voices to propose "usable AI."

We asked Mr. Yoshida about his daily work, what he finds rewarding, and what he wants to challenge in the future!

▼Yoshida san's Profile

Majored in Electrical and Electronic Information Engineering at Nagaoka University of Technology Graduate School. Afterwards, he worked in semiconductor design at Socionext Inc., gaining experience in technology and project management in the manufacturing industry through PM duties and as a test engineer. Witnessing the rapid evolution of AI technologies like ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion, he joined NABLAS in 2024 with the desire to correctly utilize and promote these new technologies. Currently, in the R&D division, he is responsible for AI development projects for the manufacturing industry, working as a PM and consultant who deeply understands clients' business challenges and proposes technical solutions.

Please tell us what prompted you to join NABLAS.

While I was working at my previous company, ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion began appearing, and when I actually used them, I was incredibly surprised by their technological evolution. At the same time, I felt great potential in AI technology, believing that it could significantly change the way we work in the future and create a society where people can spend time on what they truly want to do. On the other hand, looking at my company and the people around me, I felt that AI technology was still not widely adopted, and its use was not progressing due to a lack of understanding regarding how to use it and the regulations surrounding it. In the future, I wanted to correctly utilize and promote this new and powerful technology, including for myself. With my ideals and vision aligning, I decided to join NABLAS.

Could you tell us about your main duties and the tasks you are currently working on?

Currently, as a PM and consultant in the R&D division, I am primarily responsible for AI model development projects for manufacturing clients. From the PoC (Proof of Concept) phase to full-scale operation, I play a role in deeply understanding clients' business challenges and proposing and implementing technical solutions for the introduction of "usable AI" that the現場 (on-site) demands. Recently, in multiple manufacturing projects, beyond just technical verification for PoCs, I'm especially focusing on "how to develop models that solve real problems in the client's domain." Leveraging my previous experience in the manufacturing industry, I closely engage with clients' on-site voices and repeatedly verify hypotheses to build AI solutions that truly function in the field. Furthermore, in addition to manufacturing, I am participating in a fake detection project, where I expand my technical breadth by performing model verification myself.

What do you find rewarding in your work?

The most significant reward I feel is when model development proceeds as hypothesized in a project and leads to improvements in the client's operations or the resolution of their challenges. In the manufacturing industry, each site often has complex requirements, and the environments and data handled are frequently specialized, making AI adoption a high-hurdle area. In such a manufacturing domain, I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I can provide concrete value with AI technology to complex issues faced on-site.

Additionally, securing continued projects brings great joy. I believe this is not just about sales but proof that clients recognize the value we provide. By building continuous partnerships rather than one-off technical provisions, we can achieve deeper problem-solving and long-term growth support.

What do you keep in mind during your work?

What I keep in mind most is appropriately connecting the technical capabilities of engineers with client expectations. There is often a gap in understanding between highly skilled engineers and clients facing actual business challenges regarding the problems and the solutions that can be provided. Value that functions on-site can only be delivered when both parties' understandings align perfectly. Therefore, I emphasize my role as a bridge between the two, "translating" how technical possibilities can lead to solving on-site problems.

I also strive to break down abstract tasks into concrete action plans. AI projects often have high uncertainty and ambiguous goals, but I try to maintain the overall direction of the project by setting clear milestones and success indicators.

What do you find attractive about working at NABLAS?

The biggest attraction is, I believe, the high-level environment where engineers with expert-level skills in their respective fields gather. We have a system in place to earnestly consider approaches as a team for clients' real-world problems and propose high-level technical solutions. While each member has unique strengths, they also possess the autonomy to be confidently entrusted with tasks, fostering a relationship of mutual trust.

Furthermore, a significant appeal is the environment that actively allows for the absorption of cutting-edge AI industry technologies and knowledge, provided one has the desire to grow. There are abundant opportunities to practically learn through actual projects while keeping up with daily evolving technology trends.

Moreover, it's attractive to feel that we are contributing value to society not just through technical provision, but also through solving client challenges and developing our own products.

What do you want to challenge or work on in the future?

In the short term, my top priority is to achieve solid results in the projects I am currently handling. Specifically, I want to focus on a smooth transition from the PoC phase to full-scale operation and delivering value that exceeds client expectations.

In the mid to long term, I want to consolidate the knowledge accumulated from individual projects so far and challenge myself to develop our own products from a broader perspective. For example, I aim to create value on a larger scale, such as standardizing AI solutions for the manufacturing industry or developing AI tools that can be utilized across various industries. Additionally, I want to further improve my skills in PM, PdM (Product Manager), and direction tasks, growing into a role that can connect technology with business strategy.

What kind of people would you like to work with in the future?

In an environment with engineers of diverse nationalities and members from various backgrounds, I believe that working with people who respect each other's opinions and can engage in constructive communication will greatly increase the value provided by projects. Also, to deliver maximum value within limited resources, I think that working with people who can independently handle abstract tasks with their own ideas and who have a continuous desire for growth will allow us to positively influence each other and grow as a company.

NABLAS is currently recruiting new members as we expand our business!