AWLBOX Edge AI Video Analytics

AWL, Inc. is a Japanese edge-AI video analytics company with head offices in Tokyo and Sapporo. It began in June 2016 as AI TOKYO LAB, a Hokkaido University-affiliated startup, and took the AWL name in February 2019. It helps stores, factories and public sites turn existing security cameras into sources of operational data without sending video to the cloud.

AWLBOX attaches to existing IP cameras and runs AI analysis on site for customer flow, theft deterrence, safety and fire detection. FaceWatch provides face recognition for security, entry and exit control and attendance, and AWL Engine is an edge-AI engine licensed for embedding in partners' systems and devices. The platform is built on NVIDIA Metropolis. Since its 2020 service launch it has been deployed at more than 12,000 sites with over 16,000 cameras for retailers, restaurant chains, manufacturers and local governments.

• AWLBOX: edge device that adds AI analysis to existing IP security cameras.
• FaceWatch: face recognition for security, entry and exit control and attendance management.
• AWL Engine: licensable edge-AI engine for embedding in partner systems and devices.
• Retail analytics: customer flow analysis and theft deterrence, including AI signage.
• Factory safety: real-time monitoring and fire detection on production sites.
• Crowd analysis: foot traffic measurement for events and tourism management.

Convenience store and supermarket chains in Vietnam can analyze customer flow and deter theft using cameras already installed. Restaurant chains can manage staff entry and attendance with face recognition. Factories in industrial parks can add real-time safety and fire detection to existing CCTV.

Reuses existing security cameras, keeping initial investment low. Video is analyzed on site, which limits personal data leaving the premises and reduces cloud costs. The company reports more than 80% reduction in unexplained inventory loss for retail users and face-based entry management for about 700 stores and 60,000 people.

Retailers and manufacturers are moving video analytics from the cloud to edge devices to control bandwidth costs and keep personal data on site. Labor shortages and shrinkage are pushing Asian store chains to automate loss prevention and customer analysis, and Japanese AI vendors are expanding into Southeast Asia alongside their retail and manufacturing clients.

Founded in June 2016 as AI TOKYO LAB and renamed AWL in February 2019; capital JPY 100 million; CEO Muneharu Kitade. Wholly owned subsidiaries AWL VIETNAM CO., LTD in Hanoi and AWL AI INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED in Bengaluru. Recognitions include EY Innovative Startup 2021, J-Startup Hokkaido and selection for METI's Go-Tech program (2026). Customers include Rakuten Group, Denso Hokkaido and Sushiro.