November 20, 2024

JustSystems Launches Distance Learning Service Using Artificial Intelligence

Justsystems, a software development firm, is set to introduce a distance learning service utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for elementary and junior high students. During interactions with the AI, it provides hints tailored to each student’s comprehension level. By refraining from giving direct answers, the AI discourages students from simply copying responses verbatim. Additionally, generative AI can assist in grading essay questions. It will also develop educational materials that enable children to study independently, addressing the needs of dual-income families.

In April 2025, the company plans to introduce an AI-driven dialogue feature in its distance learning service, Smile Seminar. By clicking a specific button on the screen, the system poses questions like "What is the equation related to distance?" to assess the student's comprehension and assist them in solving the problem.

It includes four subjects for elementary students and five subjects for junior high students. Additionally, for junior high courses, it features a function that leverages generative AI to evaluate descriptive questions, like those in Japanese reading comprehension, which lack a standard answer format.

The market for the company's primary word processing software for personal computers—like "Ichitaro" and "ATOK"—is not expected to grow, and competition from other firms is increasing. Following its acquisition by Keyence in 2009 due to disappointing business results, the company commenced diversifying its operations. For the fiscal year that ended in March 2024, consolidated sales are roughly three times greater than those for the fiscal year ending in March 2013, when Smile ZEMI was introduced.