SoftBank Corp., the Japan-based telecom and IT operator, has announced the launch of its own artificial intelligence (AI) Chat service for internal use. Available to all SoftBank employees as of May 29, 2023, the generative AI service aims to increase work efficiencies and drive productivity, according to a statement by SoftBank.
Having adopted generative AI for work purposes earlier this year, SoftBank has been actively promoting its use among employees. The SoftBank-version AI Chat service is specifically designed for internal use, creating a secure environment where employees can proactively leverage generative AI for their tasks.
With the AI Chat service, SoftBank employees will have the opportunity to enhance their existing work processes and improve efficiency and productivity. The service can assist in document creation, translation tasks, and various other work-related activities.
SoftBank’s vision is to extend the AI Chat service to support all internal work processes, including proposal planning, idea generation, sales and marketing activities, service development programming, and call center tasks. By integrating AI into these areas, SoftBank aims to foster a more innovative and efficient work culture.
In conjunction with the launch of the SoftBank-version AI Chat service, the company plans to establish its own “AI Governance Basic Rules” in July 2023, focusing on AI ethics and governance. These rules will build upon the existing “SoftBank AI Ethics Policy” formulated in 2022.
Through these rules, SoftBank will establish operational policies to ensure the responsible development and provision of AI-based services, prioritizing safety and security. The company also plans to provide educational programs on AI ethics to all employees in June 2023, enabling them to have the necessary knowledge for utilizing generative AI in their work.
SoftBank has been actively embracing AI to drive its corporate philosophy of “Information Revolution — Happiness for everyone.” By empowering its employees to harness generative AI, SoftBank aims to develop and deliver even more convenient and impactful services to address various social challenges.
