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Reporting on Today and Tomorrow’s Energy, Environmental and Industrial Technologies
Special Conversation Dr. YOSHINO Akira Nobel Laureate in Chemistry / Honorary Fellow, Asahi Kasei Corporation / President, LIBTEC
ISHIZUKA Hiroaki NEDO Chairman
Domestic Of ces
● Head Of ce ● Kansai Branch Of ce MUZA Kawasaki Central Tower, 16F-20F 9th Floor, Knowledge Capital Tower C Grand Front Osaka, 1310 Omiya-cho, Saiwai-ku 3-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0011 Japan Kawasaki City, Kanagawa 212-8554 Japan Tel: +81-6-4965-2130 Tel: +81-44-520-5100 Fax: +81-6-4965-2131 Fax: +81-44-520-5103
Overseas Of ces
● Washington, D.C ● Europe ● Beijing 1717 H Street, NW, Suite 815 10, rue de la Paix 75002 2001 Chang Fu Gong Of ce Building Washington, D.C. 20006, U.S.A. Paris, France Jia-26, Jian Guo Men Wai Street Tel: +1-202-822-9298 Tel: +33-1-4450-1828 Beijing 100022, P.R. China Fax: +1-202-733-3533 Fax: +33-1-4450-1829 Tel: +86-10-6526-3510 Fax: +86-10-6526-3513 ● Silicon Valley ● New Delhi 3945 Freedom Circle, Suite 790 15th Floor, Hindustan Times House, ● Bangkok st Santa Clara, CA 95054 U.S.A. 18-20 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, 8th Floor, Sindhorn Building Tower 2 [1 Featured Article] Tel: +1-408-567-8033 Connaught Place, 130-132 Wittayu Road, Lumphini Fax: +1-408-567-9831 New Delhi 110 001, India Pathumwan Tel: +91-11-4351-0101 Bangkok 10330, Thailand Safety in Our Future Skies Fax: +91-11-4351-0102 Tel: +66-2-256-6725 Fax: +66-2-256-6727 Drones for Industrial Uses [2nd Featured Article] Stay Ahead of the Future! New Era for Space Business
MUZA Kawasaki Central Tower, 1310 Omiya-cho, Saiwai-ku Kawasaki City, Kanagawa 212-8554 Japan Tel: +81-44-520-5100 Fax: +81-44-520-5103 URL: https://www.nedo.go.jp/english/index.html March 2020（1st Edition） Special Conversation A Future Created by Storage Batteries -Breakthroughs Leading to Technology Development-
In October 2019, recipients of this year’s Nobel Prizes were announced, and individuals involved with the invention of lithium-ion batteries were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. One of the recipients, Dr. YOSHINO Akira, Honorary Fellow of Asahi Kasei Corporation and President of the Lithium Ion Battery Technology and Evaluation Center (LIBTEC), is currently supporting the implementation of a NEDO project related to technology development for storage batteries. On this occasion, Dr. Yoshino and Chairman Ishizuka engaged in a wide-ranging discussion regarding the history of the development of storage batteries and future prospects.
On the role of lithium-ion batteries in Ishizuka: That was when Windows 95 was released, right? accelerating the evolution of mobile devices Yoshino: Yes, that’s correct. Indeed, at that time the world moved all at once toward today’s mobile IT-oriented society with the appearance of the first cell phones and the birth of laptop computers. Ishizuka: Let me begin by offering you my heartfelt congratulations I believe the commercial application of lithium-ion batteries is due to for receiving the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. such market forces. For the invention of the award-winning lithium-ion battery, I understand you discovered a plastic capable of conducting electricity called polyacetylene, which was used for the battery’s anode, and built a prototype of a new rechargeable battery by combining On the potential for all-solid-state lithium-ion the polyacetylene anode with a cathode using lithium cobalt batteries being developed under the NEDO
oxide (LiCoO2), a material discovered in 1979 by Professor John project Goodenough of the University of Texas, who was also awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and Dr. MIZUSHIMA Koichi of Ishizuka: I think the commercial application of small, lightweight, Toshiba Research Consulting Corporation. Thanks to the commercial and long-life batteries used in mobile phones and other devices has application of lithium-ion batteries, the evolution of mobile devices had a large impact on changes in social lifestyles. In the future, the such as the mobile phone, a necessity for everyday living, has need for storage batteries used in vehicles such as next-generation accelerated. At the time you invented the battery, what vision did you electric cars and plug-in hybrids is expected to increase further. have for its market potential? Against this backdrop, the LIBTEC organization under your Yoshino: My research in this area began in 1981, or about forty management is carrying out NEDO's development project on all- years ago. There was momentum at the time to make various devices solid-state lithium-ion batteries, so I would greatly appreciate your portable and, of course, a small, lightweight, and rechargeable thoughts regarding prospects for their commercial application. battery is needed for portable uses. On the other hand, I don’t think Yoshino: I think it’s important to consider not only how these anyone at the time could have imagined the current mobile IT- batteries can be used to power cars, but also, in fusion with IT, oriented society. how they can give shape to the IoT concept through 5G and other Ishizuka: In those days, Sony's 8-millimeter video camera was technologies. In addition, cars are probably moving toward the age the first product to address the need for lightweight rechargeable of autonomous driving, and since ridesharing services have been batteries. initiated, the way cars are used in the future is likely to change Yoshino: At that time, there were only nickel-cadmium storage greatly. The amount of time when no one is using a car will be batteries, which weren’t suitable reduced and cars will be running for running devices using small at full capacity. When you amounts of power for a long think about it, durability will period of time, so even though be the key feature for cars in the future. Therefore, in terms Nobel Laureate in Chemistry a videotape had a two hour of degradation, all-solid-state Honorary Fellow, Asahi Kasei Corporation storage capacity, it seems that President, LIBTEC NEDO Chairman the all-important camera battery lithium-ion batteries demonstrate would only allow filming for great potential since they exhibit Special 30 minutes. Given the small less physical degradation Dr. YOSHINO Akira Conversation ISHIZUKA Hiroaki size, light weight, and long than conventional lithium-ion life of lithium-ion batteries, batteries. the movement to apply them commercially in their early years of development was a major A Future Created by Storage Batteries impetus for further research and development. Then, in 1995, -Breakthroughs Leading to Technology Development- a full-fledged market for them began to emerge in a big way. Dr. Yoshino explaining production process used in LIBTEC project on conventional lithium-ion batteries YOSHINO Akira ISHIZUKA Hiroaki
Special Conversation A Future Created by Storage Batteries -Breakthroughs Leading to Technology Development-
and development side by using materials informatics, namely by today, but what kind of research environment do you think Japan analyzing big data using AI and other means. With competition for should pursue in this day and age? technology development intensifying, what do you think is necessary Yoshino: In the past, new ideas for technology came out of academia to succeed? and, after seeing these new ideas, companies started their own Yoshino: Not only with regard to storage batteries, I believe that two research and of course company researchers also published their Dr. Yoshino explaining latest results regarding development of laminated all-solid-state breakthroughs are necessary to realize commercial technologies. results in the form of research papers. At present, however, potential lithium-ion batteries The first is a breakthrough related to basic research. In the case work areas for companies have expanded and, at a time when it has of the all-solid-state lithium-ion battery, the discovery in 2011 of become necessary to focus more on applied research, there seem to Dr. YOSHINO In 1970, Dr. Yoshino graduated from the Department of Petrochemistry in an outstanding solid-state electrolyte by Dr. KANNO Ryoji of the be various opinions about basic research. the Faculty of Engineering at Kyoto University. In 1972, he completed his Tokyo Institute of Technology was definitely a major breakthrough Ishizuka: NEDO's mission is to bring industry, academia, and Akira master’s degree at the Kyoto University Graduate School of Engineering Honorary Fellow, Asahi and then began work the same year at Asahi Kasei Corporation. Since in basic research. The next breakthrough is the mass production government entities together to promote innovation, so there are Kasei Corporation 2001, he has served at various positions at Asahi Kasei, including the President, LIBTEC Manager of the Battery Materials Business Development Department, stage. Including its cost aspect, if the materials suitable for mass many things we need to do. the General Manager of the Yoshino Laboratory, and as an Advisor. In production and the production technology are not properly matched, Yoshino: By all means, I hope NEDO can both establish research 2010, he was appointed President of LIBTEC. In 2004, he was awarded the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon by the Japanese Government. Dr. the technology will not be commercially viable. In that sense, I areas that stimulate the curiosity of academia and also serve as a Yoshino has been the recipient of numerous other awards, including the Exchanging views next to prototype all-solid-state lithium-ion battery being Charles Stark Draper Prize for Engineering (2014), the Japan Prize (2018), developed by LIBTEC under NEDO project believe that all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries are now at a decisive conduit for connecting industry with the great discoveries born out the European Inventor Award (2019), and the Nobel Prize for Chemistry. moment for the second breakthrough. of such curiosity. ISHIZUKA In 1972, Mr. Ishizuka graduated from the Department of Chemistry in Ishizuka: In 1981, when you were working on the study of lithium- Ishizuka: Thank you very much. Under your forceful guidance, the Faculty of Science at the University of Tokyo. Later the same year, Hiroaki he joined Mitsubishi Chemical Industries (currently Mitsubishi Chemical ion batteries, Japan still occupied a high level in the world in terms NEDO will promote the development of all-solid-state lithium-ion NEDO Chairman Corporation). After serving as President and Adviser at Mitsubishi of the number of its academic papers and basic research activities. batteries and continue to contribute to the realization of a sustainable Chemical Corporation, he became Chairman of NEDO in April 2018. Ishizuka: It can certainly be said that all-solid-state lithium-ion At that time, Japan was competitive internationally and the value of society. Once again, please allow me to congratulate you for batteries may make possible a revolution only seen once every 100 its companies was growing rapidly. I think the situation has changed receiving the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. years in the automobile industry. greatly when comparing the research environment of that time with Dr. Yoshino’s role in NEDO project on Yoshino: In terms of science, the emergence of all-solid-state storage battery technology development lithium-ion batteries has helped us understand the characteristics of various types of batteries. Quite a few aspects have emerged that NEDO is carrying out an R&D project called can't be explained by textbooks. I am hopeful that a completely new Development of Material Evaluation Techniques for battery technology will be created regardless of whether it employs Advanced and Innovative Batteries, or “SOLiD-EV,” which is aiming for the world’s conventional or solid-state technology. first commercial application of all-solid-state lithium-ion Winning the development competition batteries capable of safely storing large amounts of What kinds of breakthroughs lead to the energy. As the President of development of commercial technologies? LIBTEC, the entrusted entity for this project, Dr. Yoshino Ishizuka: With regard to all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, Japan is vigorously promoting its All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries implementation. being developed under NEDO has until now maintained an overwhelming number of patents, Discussing status of development for all-solid-state lithium-ion battery with Discussing current development status of all-solid-state lithium-ion battery while project but I think that some countries are catching up on the research LIBTEC researcher working at prototype production apparatus using electron microscope to view battery cross-section
06 1st Featured Article 14 2nd Featured Article 18 Startup Support and Beyond Safety in Our Future Skies Stay Ahead of the Future! The Future for NEDO Startups Please let us Drones for Industrial Uses New Era for Space Business Xenoma Inc. hear your views! A Few Words from the Editor tiem factory Inc. Reader Questionnaire With the rapidly increasing deployment of drones in society, their use 08 NEDO PROJECT 15 Support for space technology development in a variety of industries requires technologies to ensure a safe DRESS project Support for development of space-related NEDO Information airspace. In the first featured article, we therefore introduce NEDO Contents 20 We welcome your feedback and technology development and demonstration projects conducted in Drones and Robots for Ecologically components Useful information from NEDO opinions on the content and Fukushima that aim to develop traffic management and collision A Future Created by Storage Batteries Sustainable Societies project technologies introduced in this avoidance technologies which transcend industry boundaries. In the 02 16 Connecting companies interested in space magazine. Your feedback will be second featured article, we continue this issue’s focus on the exciting -Breakthroughs Leading to Technology used for reference purposes in our front lines of NEDO projects related to the sky and outer space by 01.Traffic Management System business opportunities future public relations activities introducing NEDO activities on technology development and Development- Reporting on Today and Tomorrow's Energy, and magazine publications. We 02.Collision Avoidance System S-Matching business matching for companies in the space business. In our Dr. YOSHINO Akira Environmental and Industrial Technologies look forward to hearing from you opening conversation between Dr. Yoshino, President of LIBTEC 03.Standardization and Future Activities and recent recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and NEDO 17 "Focus NEDO" is the public relations magazine of the New Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Supporting startups pursuing opportunities Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization Chairman Ishizuka, they discuss various topics such as breakthrough Honorary Fellow, Asahi Kasei Corporation in space business (NEDO), introducing the public to NEDO's various projects points for the development of lithium-ion batteries. Congratulations and technology development activities related to energy, to Dr. Yoshino President, LIBTEC S-Booster environmental and industrial technologies. NEDO Chairman ISHIZUKA Hiroaki 1st Featured Article Security Disaster services assessments
DRESS project Traffic management NEDO Robot and AI Safety in Our Future Skies system Technology Department staff Drones for Industrial Uses Collision avoidance system
Expectations are growing for the use of drones in various areas such as logistics, postal services, agriculture, construction and civil engineering, infrastructure and facilities inspection, disaster Postal prevention, and security. services Logistics In this context, NEDO is taking a lead role in promoting projects aimed at the social services implementation of drones, a development said to represent an industrial revolution in the skies.
Increasing expectations for drone services business, for example, it is assumed that multiple operators will until just two years ago, no autonomous drone test flights had been collisions between them. In addition, collision avoidance technology fly drones in the same area at the same time. In order to realize a conducted in Japan. There is no doubt that having access to the RTF, that prevents collisions with manned aircraft flying in the same Slowly but steadily drones are becoming more and more common society in which drones can be operated safely in the same airspace a facility that allows us to carry out demonstration testing in a secure airspace as drones, such as medical helicopters, is also essential. in our daily lives. The Japanese government has also positioned for a variety of purposes, a total of 42 participants, including environment, is supporting progress in this project." Development in these two areas is a major goal of this project. the commercial use of drones as an area for economic growth company representatives, researchers, and drone developers active Of course, these activities need to be made available to all and is aiming to realize drone operations beyond visual line of in each field, are working in this project to establish an ‘all-Japan’ Challenges for future drone services drone operators and not just a limited group. NEDO will therefore sight over populated areas by 2022. In particular, for sectors such framework for drone technology research and development." sequentially release the application programming interface (API) as infrastructure inspection, agriculture, and logistics, which are To conduct full-scale demonstration testing under this project, Various developments with regard to utilizing drones are expected of the traffic management system so that drone operators in Japan suffering from labor shortages and lighter load ratios due to increases NEDO has concluded memoranda of understanding with Fukushima in the near future, such as the realization of flight routes connecting and overseas can participate in drone flight testing. Also, in concert in small-lot transportation, utilizing drones is expected to achieve Prefecture and Minamisoma City, respectively, to utilize the bases for logistics operations (known as "drone highways”) and with the development of drones in Japan and overseas, NEDO labor savings, energy savings and cost reductions. Fukushima Robot Test Field (RTF), a facility created to serve as a the appearance of large drones carrying various kinds of goods. is constantly reviewing its plans and is pursuing paths toward In addition, as drones are also being deployed in a wide variety major research and development base for robotics. In addition to In addition, other drone services are anticipated such as deliveries standardization. As Miyamoto says, "In order for people all over of other fields, including postal services, security services, and successfully completing a 12km long-distance drone flight test, a by small drones in urban residential areas, inspections of decaying the world to realize the use of safe and secure drones, we believe disaster assessments, NEDO launched a project known as Drones successful test has also been carried out involving 29 drone operators infrastructure, and security patrols in urban areas with aging it is important to connect the results of this project to international and Robots for Ecologically Sustainable Societies, or DRESS, in who conducted more than 100 flights per hour in an area measuring populations. Logistics and other services conducted between standardization." fiscal year 2017. DRESS Project Manager MIYAMOTO Kazuhiko, one square kilometer. remote islands should also be realized much more efficiently In the following pages, we will introduce the traffic management who works in the NEDO Robot and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Drones used in business need to fly autonomously in areas and conveniently by using long-distance drones. In a variety system and collision avoidance technology being developed for Technology Department, says, "When using drones in the logistics beyond people’s line of sight, but, according to Miyamoto, "In fact, of industries, drones are a key technology for addressing labor drones under this project, as well as activities taking place to achieve shortages and taking on tasks that cannot be provided by people, but interconnectivity and standardization. there are also challenges. In the future, drones with different operators will automatically fly their routes, work at their destinations, and then return to their home bases. To realize such a scenario, a common platform is needed that allows drone operators to coordinate their actions with each other. In addition, the interconnectivity of flight and other information in drone systems will be an important element for creating drone markets and a vital aspect for developing popular trust in the Flight testing at Fukushima RTF operation of drone services. MIYAMOTO Kazuhiko Consequently, for widespread utilization of drones, a traffic Fukushima RTF website Project Manager for DRESS management system must be developed that integrates and centrally https://www.fipo.or.jp/robot/ Chief Officer, NEDO Robot and AI Research building at Fukushima RTF manages the flight plans of multiple drones to prevent any contact or Technology Department 1st Featured Article Safety in Our Future Skies Drones for Industrial Uses
Flight path map for traffic management system (left side: Fukushima RTF, right side: coastal area)
Yume Support East Japan Accounting Center/ NEDO PROJECT Minamisoma e-Robotics Fukushima Meteorological observations Winding Fukushima DRESS project Aerial photography Pesticide applications Rakuten Drones and Robots for Ecologically Sustainable Societies project Logistics Subaru consortium Hitachi Industry & Control Solutions Research on collision avoidance systems Aerial photography NTT Docomo Nagoya Railroad/Nakanihon Subaru consortium Disaster assessments Air Service Topographic surveys Research on collision avoidance systems
Hitachi/NICT Logistics
Approx. 300m on one side one on 300m Approx.
Japan Weather Association Airspace information management display Meteorological observations
01.Traffic Management System Enroute Sky Perfect/JSAT Prodrone Prodrone Disaster assessments Satellite communications Distribution Aerial photography
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Futaba Electronics KDDI/Terra Drone Long-distance surveillance Aerosense Aerial surveys Security services 4K aerial photography Eams Robotics Using drones for all kinds of services ALSOK Fukushima Logistics Security services 3km10km（C）ZENRIN（C）ZENRIN 3D spatial information display In October 2019, NEDO successfully conducted demonstration testing for four hypothetical usage scenarios: disaster assessments, security services, logistics, and postal services.
Preventing drone accidents by function to the integrated traffic the flight plan management, airspace more than 100 flights conducted per square regarding ground topography, obstacles, building a common platform management function, which manages the information management, and flight status kilometer per hour. The testing confirmed and no-fly zones, and dynamic data that flights of all the drones in a centralized management functions included in the the utility of the traffic management system. changes over time, such as weather-related With the drones of many different way, and the drones receive geospatial and integrated traffic management function. According to HATORI Tomoyuki of information and information regarding areas operators flying in the skies and performing meteorological information via the system’s The flight plan management function being NTT Data, "The only way to increase social where flights are temporarily restricted a variety of tasks, a system is necessary to information provision function. By linking developed by NEC centrally manages flight acceptance of drones flying over houses is due to special events. We have developed a prevent accidents, such as collisions, before these three functions, the system enables plans for multiple operators, automatically to repeat the number of demonstrations. By map exclusively for drones that integrates they occur. To do this, it is necessary to safe drone operations. checks whether flight plans overlap, and doing this, I hope greater social acceptance this data and indicates optimal areas for provide drone operators with 3D geospatial The three companies entrusted by requests that flight plans be revised if they can be gained.” With regard to future drone flights.” MORI Yasuaki of the Demonstration testing in October 2019 with 29 operators to confirm utility of traffic management system and meteorological information in a timely NEDO to develop the traffic management are considered to be dangerous. The airspace challenges, MABUCHI Mutsumi of Hitachi Japan Weather Association says that, "We manner. system are NEC, Hitachi, and NTT Data. information management function being indicates that "We need to further consider have created a special forecast for drones With this in mind, NEDO is driving the NISHIZAWA Toshihiro of NEC Corporation developed by NTT Data integrates airspace security-related issues as well as how best to because, until now, we have not provided on building new roads in the skies. It's development of a drone traffic management notes that "the traffic management system is information, information on manned prevent drone spoofing and other problems." the kinds of weather-related information something that doesn't exist yet, so we're system which, by aggregating the flight an important infrastructure for managing the aircraft, and other data necessary for drone required for drone flights, such as minute- motivated by a desire to make history." operational conditions of multiple drones. flights, and provides an application program by-minute information and predictions of plans and actual flight conditions of all Supporting safe drone flights drone operators, ensures the safe and After this system is developed, we will interface (API) that shares this information wind conditions at heights above ground of Paving way for future efficient operation of drones. NEDO is also be able to connect the traffic management with other drone operators. The flight status around 50-100 meters." conducting demonstration testing with a function of the drone operators with the management function being developed by development of drones In order to link this traffic management view toward social implementation of the integrated traffic management function Hitachi obtains information in real time system to national and international Under this project, ZENRIN and the system. of the system administrator and share regarding the drone’s location, speed, standardization efforts, establishing it first Japan Weather Association are responsible In the past, demonstrations have taken information regarding flight plans indicating path, and other flight-related information, at Fukushima RTF is an important step. for the development of the "information place where a large number of drones were where and how drones will operate, airspace determines the drone’s proximity to other Nishizawa of NEC says, "We’re working provision function" that transmits operated simultaneously, but the technology information regarding the best flight path drones and obstacles on the ground, detailed information to drones developed under the DRESS project is of for the drones, and real-time information determines any variations between the NISHIZAWA Toshihiro (left) regarding weather in the flight zone great value for drones with various operators regarding the drone’s flight status." drone’s flight plan and its actual route, and Manager and obstacles on the ground. PS Network Business Promotion Division that are carrying out a diverse range of Representatives of these three companies issues alerts as necessary. At the Fukushima RTF, 3D NEC Corporation tasks. work together to determine the structure In demonstration testing conducted in spatial maps have been developed MABUCHI Mutsumi (center) In the traffic management system, drone of the overall system, with each company October 2019, 29 operators participated which provide accurate height Senior Engineer operators connect their traffic management being separately responsible for developing in a flight test of drones which included data needed for the creation of Intelligence Department Intelligence and Information System Division Diagram of traffic management system Display of flight status management for traffic management system flight paths. This data is also Hitachi,Ltd. Defense Systems Business Unit useful for detecting when a drone HATORI Tomoyuki (right) approaches transmission towers, Acting Section Chief Traffic management functions group buildings, and other objects in the First Public Sector NTT Data Corporation Traffic Traffic Traffic Traffic flight path. In addition, by using Information management management management management provision function functions functions functions functions data from weather monitoring equipment FUKADA Masayuki (left) Disaster Security Postal assessments services Logistics services Manager, Drone Business Section 3D spatial Information情報提供 installed at Fukushima RTF, the system information IoT Promotion Flight plan approval application Flight plan approval and sharing aims to provide drones with frequently and flight conditions report of flight plan and conditions IoT Business ,Business Operation Meteorological updated and high resolution information ZENRIN Co.,Ltd information Information情報提供 Integrated traffic management function on wind and rain conditions. According Flight plan Airspace Flight status MORI Yasuaki (right) management information management to FUKADA Masayuki of ZENRIN, "The management Deputy General Manager data model for 3D spatial information Environment and Energy Department consists of static data, such as information Japan Weather Association 1st Featured Article Safety in Our Future Skies Drones for Industrial Uses
NEDO PROJECT DRESS project Drones and Robots for Ecologically Sustainable Societies project
02.Collision Avoidance System Be prepared for emergencies
Conceptual image of collision avoidance Drone as seen from manned helicopter
Avoiding collisions and near- Therefore, in the DRESS project, instead device manufactured by Subaru. identifying it as a manned helicopter, and a helicopter and obtain data. It was very misses with manned aircraft of asking manned helicopters to avoid The steps in the avoidance process first enabling the drone to take autonomous fruitful for us to collect valuable data flying in same airspace collisions with drones, NEDO decided involve detection of an object by radar at avoidance actions, valuable knowledge and confirm the usefulness of the system to make drones capable of autonomously a distance of about five kilometers. The was obtained regarding the prevention of through the collision avoidance testing The airspaces in which manned aircraft avoiding collisions. object is then detected at a distance of near-miss incidents, collisions, and crash undertaken for this project." and drones operate are fundamentally For drones to avoid collisions, they need 500 to 600 meters and its visual image is landings involving fellow drones or drones Further testing is needed to verify how different, but helicopters, such as those to be able to reliably recognize manned identified in line with anticipated scenarios, and manned aircraft. the traffic management system alerts other carrying out disaster rescue operations aircraft so, to realize a non-collaborative such as whether the image is that of an drones flying nearby if a drone needs to and medical evacuations, may fly at sense-and-avoid-type approach* that does aircraft or a bird. At this point, the system Integration of technologies deviate from its original flight path to avoid exceptionally low altitudes in proximity to not rely on ground support or require determines whether it would be better for from multiple companies a collision. In addition, the miniaturization coordination with collision targets, a the drone to avoid the object by moving of sensors installed on the drones is an drones. In fact, there have been reports of produces great results Drone manufactured by Yamaha Motors equipped near misses involving medical evacuation collision avoidance system has been left, right, or downward, and the drone then issue that needs to be addressed prior with various kinds of sensors and devices to determine avoidance maneuvers helicopters and drones, so NEDO has been developed which integrates radar and takes safe and appropriate evasive actions. to the practical phase. Through future HIRAKI Naoya of JRC, which is working on the development of drone optical wave sensors. The five companies In addition, after taking evasive actions, demonstration testing planned for real-life responsible for the radar sensors, recalls collision avoidance technologies. At the first responsible for research and development of the system quickly returns the drone to its scenarios, such as drone transportation/ that "Unlike typical ground-based radar, stage of testing during development, NEDO the collision avoidance system are: Subaru, original flight path. logistics services between remote islands, the ability to detect a helicopter while checked if drones could be visualized by Japan Radio Company (JRC), Nippon In July 2019, collision avoidance testing precision is expected to improve. However, the radar sensor is in motion is a singular manned helicopters. However, visualizing Avionics, Autonomous Control Systems was conducted in a wide area of airspace preventing near-misses and collisions is the collision avoidance system is used to achievement. It was a valuable experience drones, which are small and difficult to Laboratory, and Mitsubishi Electric. For at a 7-kilometer stretch of coastline in basically the role of the traffic management ensure double and triple the level of safety. to be able to demonstrate this during this distinguish from the background, can be system testing, a single rotor drone was Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture. system and the collision avoidance system For the commercial use of drones, the project." In addition, USAMI Takeshi of very stressful for pilots travelling at high deployed that is used for pesticide spraying For the first time in the world, the single- is only considered to be a final means collision avoidance system is an important Nippon Avionics, which is responsible speeds while looking into the sky. As a and other tasks. The drone was equipped rotor drone used for the testing successfully for preventing such incidents. The traffic technology addressing an issue faced not for the video image processing used for result, there are concerns that such stress with radar manufactured by JRC, an image avoided a manned helicopter at a relative management system detects the proximity only by Japan but by all countries. NEDO determining potential collision threats, says can have a negative impact on manned processing device manufactured by Nippon velocity of 100 kilometers per hour. By of drones and manned aircraft and provides believes that the great significance of this that, "In order to improve the accuracy of aircraft operations. Avionics, and an autonomous management detecting an object in this speed range, instructions for collision avoidance, project lies in its realization of a collision drone decision-making, we need to capture emergency landings, and other measures to avoidance system where the technologies *Sense and avoid refers to carrying out collision avoidance only by using data from sensors mounted on drones. more image data. Sky conditions vary ensure safety. In emergency situations that and know-how of many companies have each day, and, depending on the season, cannot otherwise be prevented, however, been brought together and integrated. light at ground-level is completely different. Our Collision avoidance system Drones detect and identify manned helicopters using challenge for the future SASAMOTO Takahiro (left) radar and optical wave sensors, and, at the discretion is to collect as much data Lead Engineer of the autonomous management device, engage as possible related to this Autonomous System Design Section in evasive maneuvers to maintain minimum safe Autonomous System Design Department separation distance of 150 meters. issue.” Engineering & Development Center SASAMOTO Takahiro Aerospace Company Collision avoidance system of Subaru, which is Subaru Corporation responsible for the HIRAKI Naoya (center) algorithm used by the General Manager eters Business Planning Department e of 150 m drone for making collision istanc Japan Radio Co., Ltd. ation d Separ Manned helicopter avoidance determinations based on data provided USAMI Takeshi (right) Assistant Manager Mid-sized drone by various sensors, says Third Engineering Department that "It's rare to get the Government Systems Division chance to actually fly Nippon Avionics Co., Ltd. 1st Featured Article Safety in Our Future Skies Drones for Industrial Uses Accelerate efforts toward standardization to ensure the competitiveness of NEDO PROJECT DRESS project Japanese companies Five steps for actions aimed at international standardization Drones and Robots for Ecologically Sustainable Societies project The market for drone-related services 1. Understanding international is not limited to Japan. Naturally, drones trends are starting to be employed overseas for a variety of purposes. Especially in Europe, the United States, and China, many patent 5. Attending ISO meetings to assess 2. Formulating action plans for 03.Standardization and Future Activities applications have been filed in this area and current situation international standardization it is evident that efforts are being focused in relevant industrial fields.
Employing drones to address social 4. Discussing and obtaining 3. Creating environment to Building a global foundation for the future! issues also offers opportunities to create agreement of national move implementers toward standardization organization standardization new businesses. For Japanese companies to increase their competitiveness in domestic and global drone markets expected to Interconnection: a key for grow rapidly in the future, it is essential standardization. Now NEDO can join the testing at Fukushima RTF to the world, discussion on international standardization. NEDO intends to encourage overseas drone drone-based services in society to undertake activities with a view toward international standardization. To this end, operators to connect to the API and so NEDO will proactively participate in the they may experience first-hand the level of In order to reliably avoid collisions and review of international rules and guidelines Building a foundation for safety offered by the traffic management other hazards when operating drones in to ensure that the technologies developed operators around the world to system. As a result, utilization of the traffic high-density environments, operational under this project are incorporated into management system in different countries information for each drone must be shared utilize drones in safety international standards. Furthermore, to gain could have a significant ripple effect in to provide interconnectivity on the traffic an understanding of current trends in this Given the importance of social consensus support of standardization efforts. management system. Therefore, at the area and provide an opportunity for Japanese in this area, NEDO will, to the greatest NEDO believes that the results of this Fukushima RTF, NEDO is carrying out the companies to demonstrate their strengths, extent possible, release the results of project, starting with the traffic management development of a traffic management system NEDO is making best efforts to present research conducted under this project. system, are valuable for encouraging the use that provides interconnectivity for both the results of the project in appropriate Public outreach regarding project results is of drones not only in Japan but around the Japanese and foreign drone operators, and is Successful testing in October 2019 of scenario where drones provide wide range of services discussion forums. an essential element for increasing social world. NEDO’s ultimate objective, however, also promoting international standardization As part of this effort, the topic of a acceptance of using drones for commercial is not standardization itself. Rather, it is of the development results. observations were conducted by multiple utilized, a wider range of drone uses would data model for spatial data, based on the purposes and is also meaningful for to contribute to the creation of a solid Creating an environment where all drones drones and a line of drones was also flown be accelerated. information provision function developed encouraging more businesses to participate foundation for the safe use of drones by are interconnective will form the basis for in formation to test a hypothetical logistics- YAMADA Takefumi from NTT by ZENRIN and the Japan Weather in the demonstration testing taking place at operators around the world. standardization efforts, but as one step in this related operational scenario. Overall, the DOCOMO says, "We were able to verify Association, was approved as a new Fukushima RTF. NEDO is therefore working Technological advances in the world of direction, NEDO published specifications testing verified the effectiveness of the the existing network in terms of whether it work item at the January 2019 meeting more vigorously than ever to launch news drones have taken place quickly and the in June 2019 for the traffic management system’s interconnectivity. could be used in the skies, and in this testing of the International Organization for releases regarding this project, actively time is just around the corner when drones system’s application programming interface NTT DOCOMO employed long- we supported API connections to the traffic Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee participate in relevant symposia, hold can be seen flying in the skies around us to (API). This has made it possible for drone term evolution (LTE) to support system management system for seven teams. For (TC) 20, Subcommittee (SC) 16. TC20 is public meetings to announce project results, provide various kinds of services, such as operators not involved in the DRESS project interconnectivity for the demonstration the API connection, we employed light- the ISO committee responsible for aircraft gather information on relevant international logistics (e.g. delivery of mail and various to participate in interconnection testing testing. Using LTE lines, KDDI also weight communication devices which weigh and space vehicles, and SC16 is the TC20 technology trends, and build networks in products) and security (e.g. protection from with the traffic management system at the demonstrated high-quality video about 60 grams, so they can be installed subcommittee responsible for unmanned this field with influential companies and disasters and criminal activity). In this Fukushima RTF. transmissions from a security services on various drones, from small commercial aircraft systems. The approval of the new organizations. context, NEDO looks forward to seeing the During interconnection testing of the drone. Drones must be flown with a constant to heavy industrial sizes." Looking to the work item indicates this topic is worthy of In order to publicize the various extent to which drones are flying in the skies traffic management system conducted at the communications stream in order to control future, KDDI's SUGITA Hiroshi says, "Our further consideration with a view toward ISO technological achievements realized from of Japan in 2022. Fukushima RTF in October 2019, general- the drone’s airframe and transmit video goals are first to visualize the location of purpose drone operators connected to the images but it is difficult to cover large radio waves in the sky and then create an traffic management system through the areas with low-power Wi-Fi networks. environment where future operators can use DRESS project website network. As security measures, a firewall In that respect, if Japan’s entire mobile drones to conduct their business operations." https://nedo-dress.jp/en/ and intrusion detection system were installed communications infrastructure can be so that only operators with an authentication NEDO news release on API key could connect to the system. On the SUGITA Hiroshi (left) https://www.nedo.go.jp/ day of testing, participants included 17 Assistant Manager news/press/AA5_101147.html drone operators previously involved with Strategy Development Office Corporate Strategy Planning Division Website for traffic management the project and 12 drone operators not KDDI system API previously involved. The test included https://drone-trafficmanagement.jp/en/ YAMADA Takefumi (right) operators of drones used for various services Assistant Manager such as pesticide applications, topographic Video introducing DRESS project Drone Business Development Group https://www.youtube.com/ surveys, aerial photography, security, and Corporate Marketing Strategy playlist?list=PLZH3AKTCrVsVKOH8 infrastructure inspection. Meteorological Department _iCoZcTuGu2u1YYuC NTT DOCOMO Working toward social implementation of drone services by using “all-Japan” approach nd 2 Featured Article
Activity 1
Support for space technology development Stay Ahead of the Future! Support for development of space-related components https://www.nedo.go.jp/activities/ZZJP_100139.html
Supporting development of previously worked on the development of with a view toward tapping into the rapidly promising components for space-related devices as well as university- growing space industry market. satellites based startups. All the companies are In particular, in the field of passionate about the space industry." microsatellites, ideas for new services New Era for Space Business In its project called the Program to Program focus areas include: devices for utilizing observational data collected from Support Ventures for Developing Space controlling the attitude of microsatellites, space have appeared in rapid succession. Components, NEDO is supporting R&D materials for withstanding harsh thermal Businesses that consolidate various kinds In recent years, the space business has become an increasingly popular topic in the for components used on satellites, with environments in outer space, and devices of data, such as data related to weather news. In this section, we will introduce NEDO's efforts to support startups as well as a focus on support for startups and small for high-precision collection of image-based observations, positioning, logistics tracking, small and medium-sized enterprises for the purpose of stimulating the space industry, and medium-sized companies possessing data. All the focus areas are considered disaster response, and utilization in the considered a frontier for the manufacturing sector. superior technologies. The objective of to be promising with great commercial areas of agriculture and fisheries, are the project is to broaden the scope of the prospects. certain to be created in the future, and the space device industry and, at the same time, It is rare to find a country like Japan market for all kinds of components used for Aiming to strengthen and expand space device area are two-fold: promote research and development by small and promote the development of highly reliable which possesses an industrial base capable microsatellites is expected to experience and utilization industries medium-sized enterprises and startups, and support expansion of the and competitive space-related components. of completely handling in-country both the large growth. space utilization business. The project, started in fiscal year 2018, manufacturing of satellites and rockets, and Funaki expresses his hope for new ideas Developments in the space industry, such as the launch of rockets adopted six focus areas for startups and the provision of launch services. and innovative technologies by saying, by startup companies, the development of low-cost microsatellites Support for high-risk commercialization efforts small and medium-sized companies seeking In addition, among startups and small "When it comes to satellite components, known as CubeSats, and the rise of new businesses utilizing satellite to enter the space business. FUNAKI Teruo, and medium-sized companies, there are all technologies are the focus of public data, are attracting considerable attention in the media. In May 2017, With regard to the current situation for support efforts, IBUKI a staff member in the NEDO Innovation many offering innovative technologies and solicitations. By further promoting this the Japanese government announced its Space Industry Vision 2030, Shinichiro, a Chief Officer in the NEDO Innovation Promotion Promotion Department, observes that, "The unique business models looking to succeed activity, NEDO would like to increase which advocates expansion of the markets for the space device and Department, says, "New business ideas are emerging one after program includes a variety of companies, in the space business. opportunities for creative proposals from utilization industries. another from startups engaged in the space business. Small and some of whom have entered the space NEDO will leverage this foundation to startups and small and medium-sized Against this backdrop, in line with its efforts to support the medium-sized enterprises also have high technological capabilities device sector using existing technologies, strengthen in a strategic manner its support companies and expand the space business." creation of new industries and technology seeds as well as support and many of them are manufacturing components and materials but there are also companies who have measures for space-related components R&D-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises and startups in necessary for space development. However, in a situation where the space business field, NEDO is currently carrying out a project the market is still not mature and investor funding is insufficient, called the Program to Support Ventures for Developing Space commercialization risks remain high. I believe there is great Genesia Corporation Amanogi Corporation Components. In addition, NEDO is working with the Ministry of importance in supporting the growth of such players and promoting Development of LCTF Development of attitude measurement Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Cabinet Office on the development of the space industry." hyperspectral imager device for microsatellites initiatives such as the S-Matching (see page 16) and S-Booster (see We will now introduce NEDO’s support programs for R&D and page 17) programs. By providing seamless support from the business business development in the space field together with examples of Genesia is a company developing optical devices mounted Amanogi is a startup specializing mainly in R&D and manufacturing idea stage to product commercialization, NEDO’s objectives in this small and medium-sized companies and startups active in this field. on satellites and is working on the commercialization of a of space-related devices and software for data analysis. In the NEDO hyperspectral imager for precise imaging from space of the earth's project, Amanogi has been working to develop and rollout its star tracker surface using a liquid crystal tunable filter (LCTF). This device, device known as STT, which functions by capturing images of stars and which can gather bulk images of light intensities (brightness), then estimating the satellite’s attitude from the configuration of the stars. Space utilization industry wavelengths (color), and phases (polarization), can collect useful The STT is an important satellite component in terms of its ability to data for new applications in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, ensure reliable satellite operations and facilitate the collection of precise and mining. Future applications are expected in the fields of observations from space. Amanogi is working to provide small, energy- Non-satellite meteorology and disaster prevention. efficient, and inexpensive STTs for use on CubeSat microsatellites. industries 23% Satellite services 37% LCTF device Ground equipment 34% Multi-primary color images YAMADA Kiwamu IBUKI Shinichiro FUNAKI Teruo Satellite manufacturing 5% Space device industry Image subject Chief Officer Chief Officer Staff Member Rocket launches 1% Platform Group Platform Group Platform Group Functions of LCTF device STT prototype NEDO Innovation NEDO Innovation NEDO Innovation Scale of space business market and breakdown by sector Source:NEDO chart prepared on basis of report entitled “State of the Satellite Industry Report 2018” Promotion Department Promotion Department Promotion Department nd 2 Featured Article Stay Ahead of the Future! New Era for Space Business
Activity 2 Activity 3
Connecting companies interested in space business opportunities Supporting startups pursuing opportunities in space business S-Matching S-Booster
https://s-matching.jp/ https://s-booster.jp/en/
Platform for connecting Bringing together people interested in next-generation space In third year, expanding entrepreneurs and investors business ideas recruitment area to Asia/ Your vision for future space businesses can be accelerated with support from investors Oceania In the space business, the investment costs for starting a business are very high, Under the S-Booster program, a so space startups in particular require Idea maker Facilitator Supporter competition is held to solicit new ideas funding in their early stages. Until now, for space-related business and support however, individuals and startups in the commercialization efforts through the Space business Space business initial stage of the space business have entrepreneur investor provision of mentoring and other services lacked connections with investors and by expert management advisors. This other companies interested in investing S-Matching platform for connecting entrepreneurs and investors initiative, organized by the Japan Cabinet S-Booster: competition focusing on new ideas for space businesses in the space sector. In addition, these Office and co-sponsored by NEDO, aims to investors and companies have not been Three benefits from using S-Matching discover promising space-related business able to stay current on information about Space business Space business ideas and promote the launch of new new ideas for space-related business. To entrepreneur investors businesses. address this issue, the Japanese government Wide range of The competition process consists of two has created a space business investment postings possible, preliminary rounds and a final selection. First benefit Second benefit from initial phase platform known as S-Matching which Space business ideas can be Get involved with space ideas to already During the first round, entry submission realized by connecting with businesses by supporting strives to connect individuals and startups investors and companies entrepreneurs with promising commercialized documents are reviewed. Entrants who have new business ideas in the space interested in investing in the ideas for new space businesses projects. Direct space sector contact with advancing to the second round describe At final selection event on November 25, sector with investors and companies Third benefit investors possible their ideas in presentations to judges. After soon after match is 2019, SensinGood Lab receives Grand Prize interested in investing in the space sector. Japan will be energized by creation of new space businesses the preliminary rounds and prior to the final made. for its “ashirase” assistive walking solution In May 2018, the S-Matching website selection, successful entries receive advice was launched and NEDO is responsible from expert mentors on issues such as how recruitment area was expanded to include positive competition results: "Many of this for managing its operation. Entrepreneurs investing in projects that take time to realize Yamada recalls the positive reaction to to translate their ideas into actual business the Asia/Oceania region and new ideas for year’s competitors participated in previous and other entities in the space business returns, such as those related to the space the event and says, "This was our first plans. At the final selection, individual and space businesses were thereby solicited years and have already advanced to the sector post new business ideas on the business. In particular, the focus of attention attempt at a pitch event under this initiative, startup entrants pitch their ideas to investors from both Japan and overseas. For the final commercialization stage." At the final S-Matching website which investors can on research-oriented startups has become a but the venue was full to capacity with and companies interested in investing in the selection stage of the 2019 competition, selection stage, held in Tokyo on November review to consider possible investments driving force in this field." approximately 120 participants representing space sector, thus providing opportunities twelve teams were chosen from 200 25, 2019, finalists presented their best ideas and/or business alliances. Numbers of not only investors registered with for business matching. Japanese and 100 Asia/Oceania entries. for space businesses, and many investors registrants on the website continue to S-Matching but also financial institutions The S-Booster competition was first NEDO Innovation Promotion and companies witnessed the birth of new increase but as of December 2019, 365 Successful pitch event held in and venture capital companies. The event’s held in 2017. For its third year in 2019, the Department Chief Officer Ibuki describes space business opportunities. space business entrepreneurs and 59 September 2019 question-and-answer session was lively, and space business investors were registered. we could observe first-hand the high level YAMADA Kiwamu, a Chief Officer in the In an effort to promote business of interest." COLUMN Quasi-zenith satellites and drones NEDO Innovation Promotion Department, matchmaking in this sector, a pitch event notes that "Investment in startups is on the involving six entrepreneurial companies Using world's highest level of positioning Demonstration test of drones using increase and there is a growing interest in was held in September 2019. Chief Officer technology to support a variety of “Michibiki” satellite system to enable industries and address social challenges pinpoint deliveries
Platform for connecting with space By leveraging its skills and know-how for utilizing satellite positioning In collaboration with Rakuten, NEDO conducted a demonstration test business experts technology, Magellan Systems Japan has succeeded in developing a receiver of an autonomous flight control system for drones' using high-precision Results to date module that can be mounted on drones positioning data sent by S-Expert and other devices. It is the world's first Japan’s “Michibiki” quasi- Number of registered space module compatible with the centimeter- zenith satellite system at the A platform called S-Expert has been business entrepreneurs 365 level high-precision positioning service of Sainokuni Kumagaya Dome in launched to connect space business Japan’s "Michibiki" quasi-zenith satellite Saitama Prefecture. As a result startups with experts in space business Number of registered space system. Going forward, Magellan Systems of the test, pinpoint drone operations and promote new business business investors 59 Japan will strive to further reduce the size landings were successfully collaborations. of its receiver module to contribute to the executed on a target white line Number of ideas posted development of industry around the world Receiver module developed by several centimeters in width. Successful pinpoint landing by drone https://s-expert.jp/ 162 and the elimination of labor shortages. Magellan Systems Japan Pitch event Startup Support and Beyond To revitalize the economy, it is important to foster entrepreneurs that have competitive The Future for NEDO Startups new technologies. NEDO provides start-up support from a variety of perspectives to develop research and development-based startups and entrepreneurs. Here, we examine notablea notable NEDO Startups Future start-upsstart-up company that are continuingthat continues grow to toward grow toward the future. the future.
Innovator Innovator File.3 File.4
XenomaAutonomous Inc. Control Systems Laboratory Ltd. tiemAscent factory Robotics Inc. Inc. Co-founderOHTA Hiroaki and hD CEO resi ent AMIMORI Re resentati e Ichiro Director PresidentISHIZAKI Masayuki and CEO C O YAMAJI Masahiro Development/manufacturing/sales of “e-skin” smart Startup working on commercialization of world's first transpar- apparelManufacturing and sales of commercial drones and entDevelopment insulation materialof AI softwareknown as Superfor industrial Functional robots Air or SUFAand provision of solution services for unmanned or IoT autonomous cars 2015:operations Founding using of autonomous Xenoma control technology 2012: Founding of tiem factory Inc. 2016: Selected for NEDO Seed-stage Technology-based Startup 2014:2016 : Selected Founded. for NEDO Startup Innovator (SUI) support 2013 : Founded Autonomous Control Systems Nov. Became a partner company of the (STS) support program program Laboratory Ltd. NVIDIA INCEPTION PROGRAM. 2017:2017 : “e-skin Participated DK” apparelin the NEDO product Project goes on for sale re -as result of e-skin DK 2017:2018 : RecipientMar. Raised of METI about Minister’s 1.8 billion Award yen for as university-based a NEDOalization program of the energy-saving society le- startupscompany in series A round. veraging robots and drones. 2018: Selected for NEDO Startups in Corporate 2018: Selected Selected for as NEDO a participant Strategic in Innovationthe NEDO AI 2018 : Automated video shooting and inspec- system joint development support proj- Alliancetion decisions (SCA) ofprogram, plant equipment still under using Program for Energy Conservation development Next-generation motion capture Technologiesect. (SES), still under development drones and AI in the NEDO AI system system e-skin MEVA https://ascent.ai/en/ SUFA: the world's first transparent insulation material https://xenoma.com/joint development support project. Ambient detection camera attached to the drone https://www.tiem.jp/en/ Autonomous driving experiment vehicle https://www.acsl.co.jp/en/ software and production technologies. commercially promising is a nap monitoring the commercialization of the SUFA window How do you use NEDO’s The product born out of this program is systemWe would that likewill tostart roll in out nursery this system schools to ina How do you use NEDO’s product. The mass production of SUFA, a topic scope of conventional industrial robots. Q1. supportHow do programs? you use What is Autonomous Q1. supportHow do programs? you use What future do you NEDO's support called "e-skinControl DK.” Using System’s 14 strain sensors, Octobervariety 2019. of locations In 2020, weincluding also plan factories, to release NEDO support being addressedenvision under thisfor program,Ascent is very Bearing in mind that new technologies Q1. Q2. buildings, bridges, and tunnels while Q1. Q2. increase productivity, create affluence, and program? this product canvision capture for upper the body future movements ? applications in the fields of fitness and sleep projects? costly so we Robotics?are grateful for the immeasurable Our company has developed a product in a versatile manner and also includes a monitoring.improving this technology to further expand We have been selected twice for NEDO benefits and support provided by the program. accelerate economic growth, we want to calledAutonomous “e-skin,” a next-generationControl Systems smart provides apparel softwareIn the AI development system joint developmentkit for developers. support I andXenoma develop will our continue business. to develop and provide supportAscent projects. Robotics The participatedfirst time, under in the We will create a combination of a robot solve social challenges with state-of-the-art linedrones which, made while in Japan being andnormal peripheral “clothing” systems that believeproject, that,we used thanks the visualto NEDO’s SLAM support, technology we e-skin smart apparel products and services SUINEDO program, AI system we received joint development great support sup for- system andWhat an AI learning is tiem environment factory’s that AI technology. We will lead these technolo- isas light-weight, a total solution comfortable, using various and robotwashable, system is werethat enablesable to the enter drone the to marketplace fly by estimating just 15its that enhance enjoyment and convenience in buildingport project the foundationfor research of and our development company, such in canQ2. be implementedvision for at thelow pricefuture? in small- gies to the development of self-driving cars equippedcontrol technologies with multiple as sensors. the core technologies. monthsposition after through our company image processingwas established. even in everyone’s daily lives. We also plan to develop asthe for practical the formation application of our of foundingan AI learning team, and medium-sized companies and in the that run even more autonomously. We conduct research and development to bring places where GPS signals do not reach, and environment for object recognition and food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics indus- We participated in the CES 2016 show and provide products and services related to the formulation of business plans, and the We are working with YKK AP to develop and about an industrial revolution in the air and automatic decisions by AI, to develop a total robot operation generation. A decrease in tries, where work is mainly done manually, immediately after the company's founding preventative establishment of intellectual property. Thanks begin sales of SUFA window products within realize a society where drones flying around is solution whereWhat the is droneXenoma’s and peripheral vision workforce due to demographic aging is ex- to roll it out to many factories and produc- and exhibited a prototype of our e-skin shirt, Q2. medicine that to the support provided by mentor advisors, two years after the conclusion of the support normal. We participate in NEDO support system takefor airborne the future? images of inspection pected in Japan. In this context, laborsaving tion lines. We will develop functions that which included four strain sensors and could will contribute who did not have a direct business interest and program. To realize a sustainable society, it’s not projects when our direction matches the points in the plant, manage data, identify and productivity improvement with robots have high added value based on profits and measurepurpose theof themovements NEDO ofproject the rightand arm.have corrodedWith the parts, launch and create of e-skinreports. DK, many to the realization wereare demandedexperts in invarious small- fields, and medium-sized we were able difficultname recognition to imagine thatachieved SUFA, through the world's this only ac- Whileparticipated the market in multiple response NEDO was projects. good and the companies and research institutions have of a safer, more tocompanies, incorporate food, their pharmaceutical,objective feedback and which cos- transparenttivity to further insulation advance material, collaboration will become be- Drone taking photos duringASIA plant Hardware inspection Battle event Receiving support funding from Ibaraki Prefecture conceptNeedless seemed to tosay, gain subsidiestraction, a accelerateprototype requested we develop smart apparel for various secure society. held October 2019 provedmetics veryindustries, helpful. andOur otherwork fields.under the In SESthis indispensabletween robots in and support human of the beings global and movement expand Robot arm and RGB camera thatdevelopment can only measureactivities theand movements solve challenges of the purposes. We have been working on apparel in programproject, weis stilldeveloped under anway AI and learning focuses envi on- tosales put toin placethe service stricter domain thermal beyond insulation the rightthat armhinder was specific not marketable, commercialization. so to realize We areas such as sports activities, worker safety, CommentComment from afrom NEDO NEDO Employee ronment that has an object recognition standards for buildings. Our estimates show that CommentComment from afrom NEDO NEDO Employee commercialization,have also experienced it was many necessary other benefits to not nursing care, and child care. Recently, we AutonomousXenoma’s smart Control apparel Systems utilizing is a start-up flexible that system that applies deep learning and a gen- by popularizing the use of windows equipped WeSUFA expect provides Ascent high Robotics levels of to thermal develop insulation their business and onlysuch gain as acquisition acceptance of of customers the technology as a result and itsof have been working on various projects such as spearheadedelectronics atechnology project that is could human-friendly serve as a role eration model and operation generation that with SUFA, it is possible to reduce global energy faris extremely and wide inlight-weight, fields, such so as there robots is tostrong save demandlabor and model for using the data of other enterprises to improve productivity, and then to apply this technolo- concept,the publicity but also and develop enhancement specific ofapplications. engineers' one with Hitachi on a system to monitor the and can interface with various devices, applies reinforcement learning among other consumption by five percent. To this end, we for its commercialization. At present, the company createenabling AI. Weit to have be deployedhigh hopes in for applications the develop - gyhas to established autonomous ambitious driving bytargets using for an objecthigh product recogni - skills through collaboration and information ment of this automation solution for the techniques with the aim of realizing an in- tion system that applies deep learning and other tech- With the support of NEDO's STS support condition of workers, and one with Asics on such as sports and nursing care. In the plan to first secure capital investment funding quality levels and stable supplies and is promoting problem of infrastructure management facing nologies and the AI learning environment that applies program,exchange we with were NEDO able to and develop joint a developers,new e-skin an e-skin pitching motion analysis shirt that future, Xenoma is expected to expand its expensive and easy-to-use robot system that through a stock listing, and then transition into a technology development. There are great expectations Calculation of characteristic points through image processing society. Presentation at INNOVATION JAPAN reinforcement learning as the core technologies. shirtamong that other could activities. capture movements of the evaluates a baseball pitcher’s throwing form. range of applications even further and anyone can master to meet this demand. global insulation manufacturer with production for SUFA making big strides from the R&D stage significantly grow its business. Receiving Grand Prix Award at ILS Award 2019 toward commercialization and market sales. entire upper body, and developed application Among our various projects, one that seems event bases in various countries and regions.
NEDO's Seamless Startup Support Project scale SCA Technology NEDO Services for R&D Related to Mining CRI Seed-stage Technology Collaboration with Startups in Commercialization NEP Entrepreneurs STS -based Startups CRI Research Institute SCA Corporate Alliance and Industrial Technologies Search in NEDO Venture Support TCP Program Program STS Support for Seed-stage Support for Collaboration with Support for Startups in Corporate NEP Support program for entrepre- Startup support provided by Technology-based Startups (STS) Research Institutes (CRI) Alliance (SCA) escort-type support personnel Supporting seed-stage startups in Supporting research and develop- Supporting research and develop- Search: NEDO venture support TCP neurs originating from universi- Stage ties, research institutes, and collaboration with venture capital ment-based startups to facilitate the de- ment-based startups that carry out startup companies firms velopment of commercial applications joint research with project companies https://www.nedo.go.jp/activities/ZZJP2_100063.html /time
18 Focus NEDO 2019 No.74 Focus NEDO 2019 No.74 19