Who Builds AI Infrastructure?

The dialogue between Masanori Hashimoto, CEO of Hashimoto Gumi, and Taku Tokuchi, CEO of AI inside, explored the concept of AI as social infrastructure. Hashimoto Gumi, known for its advanced DX utilization in local general contracting, emphasized that infrastructure extends beyond physical structures to include operational systems. Tokuchi highlighted the rapid obsolescence of AI technology (GPUs and models becoming outdated in years or months) but acknowledged AI's reliance on power, semiconductors, and data centers. A key case study presented was Hashimoto Gumi's use of generative AI at the Osaka-Kansai Expo site to translate and organize foreign-language construction blueprints, drastically cutting processing time from one week to approximately 15 minutes. This initiative aimed to free human workers for more critical tasks. The "Yaizu Model" was also discussed, outlining Hashimoto Gumi's vision to extend its AI implementation knowledge to other local businesses, thereby establishing AI as a regional foundational technology. The CEOs concurred that AI infrastructure is not something passively received but actively constructed by those involved.