Macnica (hereinafter referred to as Macnica, head office location: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, President: Kazumasa Hara), a total service/solution provider in semiconductors, networks, cybersecurity, and AI/IoT, and Yokohama Fulie Sports Club Co., Ltd. Yokohama FC (located in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, President: Kazuhiro Ageo) has signed an official technology partner agreement.

Through this official technology partner agreement, Macnica and Yokohama FC aim to transform the sports business by applying cutting-edge global technology.

■ Specific initiatives

Yokohama FC has already implemented body surface temperature detection using AI provided by IEI Integration, provided by Macnica, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the 2020 season, in preparation for the conversion of their home stadium, NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Stadium, into a smart stadium. We have implemented a solution. It is a solution that measures body surface temperature after recognizing a human face, and its features include: (1) a low possibility of false positive detection, (2) the ability to measure the body surface temperature of 30 people at the same time, and (3) detection in less than 1 second. This reduces the time it takes for supporters and spectators to enter the venue by one-third of the previous time, contributing to improved visitor satisfaction and smoother operations.

In the future, we plan to jointly promote the development of a platform that applies not only AI and IoT technologies at the stadium, but also various technologies, and plan to develop marketing activities and various services for visitors. For clubhouses and other training facilities, we are considering creating a comfortable training environment for players by installing Macnica 's next-generation radiant heating and cooling system, which has world-class energy-saving performance.

In addition, we will use AI algorithms developed and provided by Macnica 's AI research organization "AI Research & Innovation Hub (ARIH)" to analyze and visualize player play and practice to strengthen team strength and further improve digital healthcare. We will also consider applying this method to health management for athletes.

Through the efforts of both companies, we will revitalize the sports business, pay attention to creating an environment based on measures against the COVID-19 infection, jointly actively support the hometown activities promoted by Yokohama FC, and contribute to the local community. I want to

Starting with this official technology partner agreement, Macnica will accelerate digital transformation in the sports business with the theme of sports x technology. From professional teams to amateur athletes, by discovering and applying the world's most advanced technology, which is Macnica 's strength, we aim to make technology accessible to everyone who enjoys sports.

About the body surface temperature detection solution

https://www.macnica.co.jp/business/semiconductor/manufacturers/iei_integration/products/135101/