Showcasing Tomorrow’s Tech! Innovation and Sustainability at the World Expo [Part 4: Technology and Sustainability]

The Osaka-Kansai World Expo is far more than just an exhibition. It is a showcase where cutting-edge “Innovation” (technological advancement) that will shape future societies converges, and simultaneously, it is a grand laboratory pursuing “Sustainability” (coexistence with Earth). In this fourth installment, we provide a detailed look at the amazing future technologies visitors can experience at the Expo venue, as well as the commitment to sustainability woven throughout the entire event.

Advanced Technologies Encountered at the Expo! Coloring the Future

As indicated by the concept of “People’s Living Lab,” the Osaka-Kansai World Expo will feature various advanced technologies in practical application, allowing visitors to experience them firsthand. Here, let’s look at several key technological fields that are drawing particular attention.

1. Next-Generation Mobility: Changing the Concept of Movement

Future mobility technologies will play a crucial role in accessing the Expo site and moving around the venue itself.

• eVTOL (Flying Cars): One of the major highlights anticipated at the Expo is the practical use of “flying cars.” eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft), which can take off and land vertically using electric power, may be utilized as air taxis connecting the venue to Kansai International Airport, or for scenic flights within the site. This technology is expected to alleviate urban congestion and provide entirely new movement experiences.
• Autonomous Buses and Personal Mobility: Within the venue, AI-driven autonomous buses will circulate to support visitors’ movements. Additionally, small autonomous personal mobility devices may be introduced, offering a more free and comfortable travel experience. These technologies pave the way for future transportation systems and improved mobility assistance for the elderly and disabled.
• Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV): To reduce environmental impact, fuel cell buses and cars powered by hydrogen energy are expected to be used for accessing or operating within the venue. Visitors will have a close look at efforts toward realizing a hydrogen energy society.

2. AI and Robots: Active in Every Aspect of Society

AI (Artificial Intelligence) and robotic technologies will be utilized everywhere, from operating the Expo venue to exhibiting displays and providing services.

• Multilingual AI Guides and Concierges: AI avatars and robots capable of handling multiple languages will assist with site navigation, exhibit explanations, and Q&A sessions, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors, including international guests.
• Security and Cleaning Robots: Autonomous security and cleaning robots will be introduced to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the vast venue. These contribute to solving labor shortages and achieving efficient site management.
• Utilization in Exhibits and Entertainment: Pavilions may offer interactive and immersive experiences, such as AI changing exhibit content based on visitor reactions or robots performing elaborate shows. Signature pavilions, like that designed by Producer Hiroshi Ishiguro, are also expected to feature highly realistic androids.
• Optimization through Data Analysis: AI will analyze real-time data on visitor behavior and crowd density, contributing to the maintenance of a comfortable viewing environment through efficient guidance and resource allocation.

3. VR/AR/MR: Merging Reality and Virtual

XR (Cross-Reality) technologies—including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—will create unprecedented new experiences.

• Immersive Exhibit Experiences: Exhibits will appear that allow visitors to explore places normally inaccessible (such as deep seas, outer space, or inside the human body) while wearing VR goggles, or experience historical and futuristic worlds in vivid detail.
• AR Navigation and Information Display: Services may be offered where looking through a smartphone or smart glasses displays AR navigation directions or overlays information about exhibits directly onto the real-world view.
• Metaverse Linkage: A “Virtual Expo” recreating the physical venue will be built in digital space, allowing people from remote locations to experience parts of the Expo online and interact with other visitors through avatars. This realizes a new form of event participation that crosses the boundary between real and virtual.

4. Advanced Medicine and Healthcare: For a Healthy and Rich Life

As the Expo centers on the theme of “life,” technologies aimed at extending healthy life years and achieving high-quality medical care are also crucial elements.

• Remote Medicine and Online Consultation: Demonstrations may take place in booths within the venue, allowing visitors to receive consultations from doctors located remotely. This technology connects to improving medical access in sparsely populated areas.
• Wearable Devices and Health Management: Services will showcase wearable devices linked with AI that monitor individual health status (such as heart rate and activity levels) and provide personalized health advice.
• Regenerative Medicine and Genome Editing: The latest research results in regenerative medicine using iPS cells, or genome editing technology, may be presented in an easily understandable format. Applications for treating intractable diseases and anti-aging are anticipated.

5. Other Noteworthy Technologies

In addition to the above, various advanced technologies are expected to be displayed and utilized, including:

• Next-Generation Communication (IOWN/6G): NTT’s IOWN concept and even further 6G communication technology will create a high-capacity, low-latency environment, forming the foundation for various services.
• Biotechnology and New Materials: Environmentally friendly bioplastics and high-performance new materials are expected to be utilized in buildings and products.
• Future Food (Food Tech): Food tech supporting future dining tables will be introduced, such as cultivated meat grown through cell culture, plant-based alternative meats, insect protein, or systems that use AI to suggest optimal menus based on individual nutritional needs.

It is important that these technologies are presented not merely as novelties, but in the context of how they contribute to the Expo’s theme: “Design of a Bright Future Society.” Alongside the potential of technology, it will also be an opportunity to consider ethical challenges and societal impacts.

Aiming for Coexistence with Earth: The Expo and Sustainability

The Osaka-Kansai World Expo is clearly committed to contributing to the achievement of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and prioritizing sustainability. From the design and construction of the venue to its operation and eventual legacy, efforts are made toward minimizing environmental impact and contributing to a sustainable society.

1. Towards Carbon Neutrality

The goal is “carbon neutrality,” aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions associated with operating the Expo venue.

• Maximizing Renewable Energy Use: The power used within the venue is planned to be sourced primarily from renewable energy, such as solar power, hydrogen energy, and biomass generation.
• Energy-Saving Design: Thorough energy conservation measures are implemented in the design of pavilions and facilities, including improved insulation performance, utilization of natural light, and high-efficiency HVAC/lighting systems.
• Utilizing Green Hydrogen: The use of “green hydrogen,” which does not emit CO2 during its manufacturing process, is being considered. This can be supplied to fuel cell vehicles or used for power generation.
• Emission Offset: For emissions that cannot be fully reduced, a mechanism called “carbon offset” will be utilized, compensating for them through reduction or absorption activities elsewhere (such as afforestation).

2. Promoting Resource Circulation (3R + Renewable)

Based on the concept of “3R + Renewable,” which adds replacement with renewable resources to the traditional 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), efforts are made toward effective resource utilization and waste reduction.

• Reuse and Recycling of Construction Materials: The construction of the venue actively adopts recycled materials and building components that can be reused after the event period. The use of wood is also promoted.
• Reducing Food Loss: Restaurants and stores within the venue implement thorough ingredient management based on demand forecasting, minimize leftovers, and utilize composting to reduce food waste.
• Plastic Measures: Efforts are made to reduce single-use plastics, transition to easily recyclable materials, and encourage the use of personal bottles and containers.
• Visitor Awareness: Visitors are also encouraged to thoroughly sort waste and adopt environmentally conscious behaviors.

3. Conservation of Biodiversity and Harmony with Nature

Although the venue, Yumeshima, is an artificial island, efforts are being made to create an environment mindful of biodiversity through greening and the creation of waterfront spaces.

• Lush Green Venue Planning: Many trees and flowers will be planted throughout the venue, creating lush green spaces. The introduction of native species that consider local ecosystems is also being considered.
• Utilization of Waterfront Environment: Leveraging its location facing the sea, waterfront promenades and public spaces are developed, providing a place of rest for people while also considering the habitat of aquatic life.
• Environmental Education Programs: Programs and exhibits will be planned within the venue to teach visitors about the importance of biodiversity and coexisting with nature.

4. Sustainable Procurement

When procuring goods and services used at the venue (such as ingredients, building materials, uniforms, and merchandise), a “Sustainable Procurement Code” is established to consider environmental impact, human rights, and labor conditions, requiring cooperation from all suppliers.

Through these initiatives, the Osaka-Kansai World Expo aims to present a model case for a sustainable society to the world. Visitors will not only encounter future technologies but also witness sustainable practices, providing an opportunity to reflect on their own lifestyles.

Conclusion: The Future Woven by Technology and Sustainability

In this fourth installment, we explained the array of advanced technologies expected to color the Osaka-Kansai World Expo, as well as the strong commitment to sustainability that runs through the entire event. While future technologies like flying cars and AI robots hold the potential to drastically change our lives, they can truly become a force that illuminates “life” only when utilized within the larger goals of harmony with the global environment and the realization of a sustainable society. The Expo will be a place where two critical currents of modern society—technological innovation and sustainability—intersect.

Next time is the final installment. In Part 5, we will delve into practical information such as how to access the Expo site, event details, and the “Legacy” that will remain after the World Expo closes. Please stay with us until the end for information on maximizing your Expo experience and what the Expo will bring to our future.

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