The Japanese operations of NTT Data will deploy datacenter-monitoring robots in 15 of its own facilities, and then offer them as-a-service to customers. The firm tested the bots in a single datacenter, in which they appear to have passed muster because the machines will be rolled out to other bit barns in 2023.
The company deployed a torso-on-wheels robot equipped with arms & basic claws as well as various sensors for remote monitoring and inspection duties. The company said it held test operations at its Shinagawa Data Center in Tokyo from August to November 2022, enabling the shortening of work hours and remote work execution. NTT Data will now gradually expand this initiative to its 15 data centers nationwide.
NTT Data claims the machines save one or two hours from the daily chores of human datacenter staff, and have the potential to reduce inspection work by 80% once AI can be applied to focus the bots on the things that matter most.
The company used a customized robot from the Japanese company Ugo Co., Ltd, led by Ken Matsui. The machined featured a 4K camera, an ‘odor’ sensor to detect humidity, temperature, and ‘substances in the air’, as well as a microphone and thermal camera.
As a result of the test, NTT aims to commercialize the offering as a remote/automation service for equipment inspection work in 2023. For commercial provision, Ugo will utilize its new ugo mini machine, which was developed in partnership with NTT Data as a result of the data center trials.
