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We took a look at Osaka Station (Umekita area) just before its opening. New platforms, the world’s first platform doors, AI ticket vending machines, face recognition ticket gates, and all the latest technology!

Posted on 2023-03-282023-03-28 by Editor in Chief

Redevelopment is underway in the northern area of JR Osaka Station, the so-called “Umekita” area. The new platform of Osaka Station (Umekita area) and the new ticket gates “Osaka Station West Exit” and “Osaka Station Umekita Underground Exit,” which JR West Japan has been developing in conjunction with the redevelopment, will open on March 18. On March 16, just prior to the opening, the new Osaka Station (Umekita area) platform and the new ticket gates were shown to the press.

The public was shown the “Osaka Station West Exit” ticket gates to be newly built in the west area of Osaka Station, the west exit concourse connecting the Osaka Station conventional train platforms to the Osaka Station west exit, the connecting walkway in the ticket gates connecting the Osaka Station west exit concourse to the new Osaka Station (Umekita area) platform, and the “Osaka Station Umekita Underground Exit” to be newly built in the Umekita area. The new ticket gates, concourse, and new platform.

The new platform will have four lines, lines 21 through 24. The new platform will be connected to the existing Osaka Station conventional line platforms by a connecting passageway in the ticket gates via the new concourse at the west exit of Osaka Station, which will be built in the west area of Osaka Station. Access to the Osaka Station West Exit concourse from each existing conventional line platform will be from the end of the platform closer to Kobe.

The new platform will accommodate the “Haruka” limited express train bound for Kansai International Airport and the “Kuroshio” limited express train bound for Wakayama, both of which had not previously served Osaka Station. Trains on the Osakahigashi Line will also board the new platform. The number of trains served by the new platform is 60 for the Haruka, 36 for the Kuroshio, and 142 for the Osakahigashi Line (all on weekdays for both the upper and lower lines combined). The new platform is expected to accommodate approximately 12,000 passengers per day.

The world’s first “Full Screen Home Door,” a platform door equipped with a door that moves like a bran to open and close freely according to the door positions of different trains, will be installed on the 21st track of the new platform. In addition, a number of new digital and AI-based mechanisms will be introduced at the Umekita underground exit ticket gates and concourse.

For example, information boards in the concourse have been digitized and can display not only variable information signs, but also information directed to specific individuals in conjunction with JR West’s “WESTER” smartphone application. The ticket gate is equipped with a ticket gate that can be passed through by facial recognition; “Midorino Ticket Vending Machine Plus + AI,” a ticket vending machine that can purchase tickets automatically using AI voice recognition and voice synthesis; “AyumI,” an AI guidance robot; “Restroom DX,” which allows users to check restroom usage status via signage and an app; “shikAI,” a navigation system for visually impaired users; and more. The navigation system “shikAI” for the visually impaired will also be installed.

This is because JR West has positioned the new platforms in the Umekita area and the Umekita underground entrance as the center of the “JR WEST LABO,” a testing ground for innovation, and plans to accelerate open innovation through joint creation with various partners in the future.

Commenting on the opening of Osaka Station (Umekita area) and the new ticket gates, Mr. Hiroyuki Watanabe, Osaka Station Manager, said, “The long-cherished and long-desired connection of Haruka and Kuroshio trains to Osaka will greatly enhance the potential of Osaka Station. I also believe and hope that the direct connection between Kansai International Airport and Osaka Station will play a major role in terms of access to overseas destinations. The extension of the Osakahigashi Line to Osaka will also increase convenience, and I believe that many people will be able to use the line,” he said, expressing his hope.

Regarding the Umekita area’s position as a place for experimenting with new technologies, he said, “We have prepared various mechanisms using the latest digital technologies, and we would like visitors to try using them for themselves. We also hope that visitors will enjoy the various aspects of the Umekita area as development progresses toward the 2025 Kansai Expo, and that they will also enjoy the changes in the Osaka Station area as it undergoes major transformation toward 2025.

He continued, “First of all, I want to ensure the safety of our customers. To that end, we want to properly operate the newly installed full-screen platform doors to provide safety to our customers. In addition, I would like to utilize AI and digital technology to make the station safe and comfortable,” he said enthusiastically.

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