“Community Compass,” an innovative AI-driven system, at the Healthcare Pavilion during Expo 2025 in Osaka
“AmPlatea”: Innovative project Tackles Social Isolation
The Urban Technology Alliance (UTA) introduces a pioneering initiative led by its members, Nagoya University and Keio University, aimed at addressing the critical societal challenges of social isolation and loneliness. This ambitious endeavor, named the AmPlatea project, seeks to build a robust social framework that prevents isolation by leveraging urban mobility and advanced information technologies. Supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency’s (JST) RISTEX program, “Co-Creation for SDG Solutions,” AmPlatea explores a “Preventive Model for Social Isolation and Loneliness through Service Mobility and Multi-Form Community Connections.”
The project’s name itself, derived from the Latin “Am” (expand or love) and “Platea” (place or community space), reflects its core mission: to expand opportunities for meaningful social connection and foster a sense of belonging within our communities. By developing new ways to encourage spontaneous encounters and attachments, the AmPlatea project, with Nagoya University at the helm of investigating the role of digital technologies, aims to revitalize communities and contribute to a society where everyone feels connected.
Previous work was reported on the project click here for access to the past article
Showcasing the Future of Community Health at Expo 2025 Osaka
As a significant step in this initiative, the AmPlatea team recently demonstrated “Community Compass,” an innovative AI-driven system, at the Healthcare Pavilion during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. This demonstration offered a glimpse into how technology can serve as a bridge between personal health awareness and community engagement.
Community Compass integrates body composition analysis with the power of generative AI to provide visitors with a unique and personalized experience. The system delivered tailored recommendations, including suggestions for Expo foods that aligned with each individual’s body type and guidance on suitable local communities to explore. In a playful twist, it even offered comparisons with historical figures who shared similar physiques.
Over the two-day event, more than 50 participants—ranging from students and professionals to families—experienced the system. Visitors were often surprised and delighted by the unexpected combinations of health insights, culinary suggestions, and historical connections. These engaging outputs not only provided lighthearted moments but also sparked meaningful conversations about lifestyle, social belonging, and the role of digital technologies in promoting holistic wellbeing.
From Demonstration to Real-World Impact
The successful showcase at Expo 2025 provided an international stage to present these efforts and exchange valuable ideas with experts, policymakers, and the public. Beyond simply offering health tips, the demonstration underscored the core purpose of Community Compass: to combat social isolation by encouraging individuals to reflect on their own wellbeing and discover new avenues for social connection.
Looking ahead, the AmPlatea team plans to extend the Community Compass system into regional pilot projects across Japan, in close collaboration with local governments and community organizations. By testing how AI-driven insights from daily health data can foster stronger social networks, the project aims to develop sustainable models for building healthier lifestyles and more resilient communities that can be shared and adapted globally.
