Ricoh expands AI services with voice platform and sustainability AI investment

Ricoh Japan and Science Arts announced the launch of "Buddycom for RICOH," an AI‑enabled service that converts on‑site voice communication into operational data. Built on the Buddycom live‑communication platform and linked with the Dify generative‑AI platform, it enables real‑time voice calls, chat, video sharing, knowledge‑search via voice, and automatic report generation, aiming to alleviate labor shortages and knowledge silos in retail, logistics, manufacturing and care settings.

In a parallel move, Ricoh increased its stake in Asuene Co. through the Ricoh Innovation Fund. Asuene provides a sustainability‑AI platform that visualises, reduces and discloses corporate CO₂ emissions. The partnership includes joint GX projects in Japan and participation in the Taiwan‑Japan Carbon Alliance, intended to accelerate green transformation for a wide range of customers, from midsize firms to small enterprises.