News

Rikei Corporation (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Satoru Isaka; hereinafter “Rikei”) is pleased to announce that it has deployed the Akerun access control system (hereinafter “Akerun”) at unmanned convenience stores on the campuses of Yokkaichi University (President: Wataru Kioka) and Yokkaichi Nursing and Medical Care University (President: Eiji Shibata), both in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture.

This project was conducted in collaboration with Photosynth Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kodai Kawase; hereinafter “Photosynth”).

Yokkaichi University and Yokkaichi Nursing and Medical Care University have introduced the Akerun Access Control System at their newly opened unmanned campus convenience stores. The system enables strict access control and enhanced security, allowing students and faculty to enter using their existing smartphones or IC cards. By going cashier-less, the stores can now operate beyond the hours of the previous staffed shop and eliminate the need for on-site personnel, reducing labor costs.
This introduction was made possible through a partnership between Photosynth, the developer of Akerun, and Rikei, its authorized distributor.

Background and Details of the Implementation

Previously, a staffed shop operated on the campuses of Yokkaichi University and Yokkaichi Nursing and Medical Care University. However, its limited business hours—10:00 AM to 3:00 PM—often failed to meet the needs of students and faculty.

To address this issue and enhance campus welfare services, the universities planned to open a new on-campus convenience store. During the planning phase, the concept of an unmanned store emerged as a solution to improve both operational efficiency and user convenience. As a result, the system was subsequently introduced on campus.

Ensuring the secure operation of an unmanned store requires more than just physical access control—it also necessitates the ability to log, manage, and securely store entry records. Based on these requirements, the universities selected the Akerun Access Control System, which utilizes smart lock technology*¹.

Authorized users*²—including students, faculty, vendors, and partner company representatives—can unlock the store using the Akerun smartphone app, a mobile IC card app, or an IC card. One of Akerun’s key advantages is that it can be installed without construction work, significantly reducing implementation costs and enabling seamless unmanned operation.

As a result, the system has not only reduced labor-related costs but also extended the store’s business hours from the previous 10:00 AM–3:00 PM to 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, offering greater accessibility and convenience for campus users.

(*1) Smart lock technology : A system that enables doors or gates to be locked and unlocked without the use of a physical key—typically via a smartphone, IC card, or other digital method.
(*2) Authorized users : The unmanned convenience stores are intended for use by students, faculty, and staff, as well as suppliers and partner company personnel.

Future Outlook

Going forward, Photosynth and Rikei plan to actively promote the further adoption of Akerun among educational institutions, including universities and academic corporations, by leveraging this implementation as a reference case.

Overview of the Akerun Access Control System

The Akerun Access Control System is a cloud-based IoT solution that uses smart lock technology to digitize all types of keys, combining both convenience and robust security. By connecting doors to the internet, the system enables flexible access control across a variety of settings, including offices and university facilities.
A key advantage of Akerun is that it can be retrofitted to existing doors without requiring any construction work*³, allowing users to begin using the system immediately upon delivery. Access can be granted via smartphones or IC cards, and users can easily manage permissions and monitor entry/exit logs through a cloud-based management platform.
In addition, student and staff ID cards can also be registered as smart keys, offering even greater flexibility in access management.
Official website of Akerun: https://akerun.com/

(*3) without requiring any construction work : Akerun is designed to fit a wide range of door types, as long as the door is equipped with a thumb-turn lock. To confirm compatibility with your specific lock type, please use the free Akerun Installation Check service.

About Yokkaichi University

Founded in 1988 in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture, Yokkaichi University is guided by its founding philosophy, “Be Human.” Under the motto “Think globally, act locally,” the university cultivates individuals who are capable of leading regional communities in the 21st century with a global outlook. Emphasizing hands-on, practical learning, Yokkaichi University serves as a community-rooted institution committed to making meaningful contributions to the local area.
Official website: https://www.yokkaichi-u.ac.jp/

About Yokkaichi Nursing and Medical Care University

Established in April 2007 through a public-private partnership involving Akatsuki Gakuen, Yokkaichi City, and Yokkaichi Municipal Hospital, Yokkaichi Nursing and Medical Care University is guided by the founding philosophy, “Be Human.” The university is committed to nurturing public health nurses, midwives, and registered nurses who possess not only advanced clinical expertise but also a deep, compassionate sense of humanity.
Official website: https://www.y-nm.ac.jp/

About Photosynth Inc.

Photosynth Inc. pursues the mission “Embedding inspiring experiences into the future through connected manufacturing.” To combat labor shortages and an ageing workforce, the company delivers cloud-based IoT solutions under the Akerun brand. Its flagship Akerun Access Control System turns existing doors into smart, cloud-managed entry points simply by adding a retrofit lock. Through its subsidiaries, Photosynth also offers Migakun, a BPaaS solution that streamlines the operation of diverse facilities. Together, these services enable unmanned or labour-saving operations for offices, commercial complexes, and other physical spaces of any size or industry.
Official website: https://photosynth.co.jp/

About Rikei Corporation

*Product and company names mentioned herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.