"Already, some digital microscopes, or video microscopes, are relatively easy to use, and they're becoming widespread. With the Opto-Digital Microscope DSX Series, we've combined that user-friendliness with reliable image quality and more advanced measurement capabilities. This is a new microscope system which combines features from optical and digital microscopes to deliver even higher performance."

One feature of the DSX Series is Multi-Preview. This is used to photograph the sample automatically, under various conditions, allowing you to choose the observation method which best suits your needs. This feature makes it much easier to obtain an optimal image of the sample.

"With a conventional microscope, there are various methods of making observations, and you have to remember how to use each one. But with these microscopes, you don't need to remember how to do everything because it's done automatically, and the images are shown in a gallery format. So all you need to do is choose the image that suits your purpose best. Once you've chosen it, you can keep working in line with the method used for that image."

With the electric standard model DSX500 and the electric invert model DSX500i, two indices for measurement precision are guaranteed: accuracy of XY magnification, and repeatability.

"With a microscope, image quality has always been crucial. The most important thing is that colors are reproduced naturally, and there's no distortion in the image. Here, quality at such an extremely high level has been achieved through optical technology from Olympus. Regarding measurement, our calibration is linked to Japan's traceability system, so we can absolutely guarantee the accuracy of magnification."

These microscopes are currently available in Japan and throughout Asia. Olympus also plans to release them in Europe and America.

Geminoid-F has been programmed with basic emotions and behaviors. It uses them as models to create expressions and actions based on what's happening around it.

"We're always looking for places where androids could be utilized. Show windows normally use mannequins, but ideally, that wouldn't be the case. It would be better to have actual fashion models there because that would make the clothes look great. But in reality, a model can't spend all day in a show window. Mannequins though, don't really look like people. So we think androids are a great match for the purpose of show windows."

This android was developed by Professor Ishiguro. He previously created the Android Theater, where androids and human actors perform together. Now, by using androids in show windows, he's studying how people react to them, and whether using them like this is practical.

"A theater is a closed world, with androids playing roles in front of 200 to 300 people at a time. But now, tens of thousands of people are likely to see Geminoid-F on weekends. I'd like to test how far people accept the presence of androids in an open setting."

"The foundation of this android's actions are waves of emotion. On top of these waves of emotion, 65 different actions are triggered in line with its sensor data. So even if you watch it for a long time, the story you see will always be different. Here, the android doesn't speak, but it tells a story through the movements of its eyes, head, and face. So I think some people may really come to love it."

The android moves naturally, as if it's patiently waiting for someone. So it doesn't continually react to people. But sometimes, it will return your smile.

"Think of the android as an ordinary person. Treat it as if it's a person sitting there in the usual way. If you react as you normally would to a sitting person, the android will react. But if you pester it too much, it'll ignore you. I think it would be fun to imagine what the android might be feeling while you're watching it."

"This is the F-08D, and like the P-05D, it features the magical world of Disney, but this model has lots of extra features. It supports mobile wallet and TV services, the infrared data connection, and it's also waterproof. So, for a brand collaboration model, it really gives you everything you need."

"The design features Mickey and Minnie silhouettes on the back. This phone comes with a tabletop holder, which also has a Mickey design. A big feature of this model is, Mickey Mouse appears in all kinds of places, like the menu screen, but without being too conspicuous."

"Take a look at this screen. The pattern lock shows Mickey's silhouette. M for Mickey is set, so you can unlock it like this. Having Mickey in places like that is a really big feature. I think it's great fun looking to see where Mickey is hiding."

The waterproof P-05D also features a dual-core processor and comes with one of four Disney branded jackets.

"This is the P-05D. Its main feature is that it's really slim and lightweight. This model is just 7.8 mm thick, and it only weighs 103 g. It has a 4.3-inch OLED display, so you get very vivid colors, and scrolling is also very smooth. So things like the Disneyland Electrical Parade live wallpaper look great, too."

"The Home key is designed like Mickey Mouse's head. You can also download original widgets, like an alarm clock, pedometer, and Disney weather forecast. So with this model, you can enjoy the world of Disney every day."

By using a smartphone or PC, the lights can be switched on or off individually and the brightness can also be adjusted. The ability to remotely control power consumption is expected to make LED lighting even more energy efficient.

"The standard LED lights contain a dimmer module and a WiFi module. The WiFi module takes the form of an ordinary USB dongle, so the system will always be able to use the latest wireless technology."

"Right now, we're providing this kind of application, but in the future, we aim for integration with business applications. For example, in a restaurant, you could brighten up the lighting near seats that are occupied, and dim it near the empty seats, just by embedding our control program unit, which is called an API, into a restaurant POS system. In a factory with production lines, you could light up just the lines that are moving. So, we think this system could be used in lots of different ways."

To utilize the NetLED system, the customer needs the NetLED lights, a gateway system for the WiFi communication, and a PC or smartphone. There's no ongoing server fee, and the basic features in the application are free as well.

"The lights with a built-in module will be priced at 19,800 yen (US$260). There are also lights without a module, and they'll cost 14,000 yen (US$180). The lights without a module can be controlled by connecting them up to lights which contain a module."

NetLED will also provide the modules and cloud system to other lighting equipment manufacturers on an OEM basis.

"Currently, we only offer these LED Fluorescent Tubes. Of course, there are many kinds of lighting, such as down-lights, streetlights, and spotlights. NetLED can't provide all types. But for example, if a streetlight maker builds this system into its products, then that maker can offer a system for controlling its lights via the Internet, just by incorporating our system."

"Seasonal prediction data simulated by the Earth Simulator can be used not only for our understanding mechanisms of global climate variations due to global warming but also for enhancing infrastructure in developing countries for disaster prevention such as for the adjustment of water levels in dams before torrential downpours. Moreover, seasonal prediction data from the Earth Simulator can be used for preventing infectious diseases carried by vectors like mosquitoes."

In developed countries, climate variation data can also be reflected in predictions about supply and demand for energy and food, changes in cereal yields and prices, revenue from foods and beverages, and demand for consumables such as clothing and air-conditioners.

In addition, it's been recently confirmed that climate variation phenomena are also occurring in the South Indian and South Atlantic Oceans. These include subtropical dipole-mode events, which are similar to El Niño and La Niña. To find out how such long-term variations happen, researchers need detailed field data and the Earth Simulator, which uses a supercomputer to analyze and predict variations.

"Ocean current forecast data can contribute to efficient fisheries, improvement of oil consumption of merchant vessels, maritime safety and marine security."

Predictions from the Earth Simulator are expected to be useful in many fields. Professor Yamagata would also like to use this type of data to provide information services worldwide.

Although Panasonic is still in the process of prototyping the WiGig-enabled SD card, the company demonstrated how it will be possible to transmit videos, photos and other local data from a wireless controller such as a tablet, to the displays mounted in the passenger seats of a car. At gigabit speeds, it will be possible to wirelessly transfer a full DVD video in one minute.

The tablet can also connect with the car's computer, so the user can easily see relevant information such as battery capacity and tire pressure.

Panasonic's WiGig implementation uses the 60GHz spectrum to transmit data at gigabit speed, but it is limited to a range of 1-3 meters. Due to this limited range, it will not take over from the current Wifi standard, but Panasonic is coming up with a range of situations where it can be used effectively.

Panasonic also plans to design a directional antenna, which will allow radio waves to be transmitted from the SD card slot, to effectively transmit data wirelessly. It is aiming for the commercialization of WiGig SD cards for in-vehicle use in summer 2013.

This car was presented at Japan's biggest custom car show, the Tokyo Auto Salon 2012. It's based on the Nissan Infiniti Q45, but it's customized with loud features like a red body and large rear spoiler.

The interior is full of carefully selected items that reflect the owner's unique sensibilities. All these items, which are reminiscent of surrealist art, were made by the owner.

"This is called an audio doll. It has speakers and monitors in the chest area as well as other areas, and the doll itself acts as the speaker."

The audio doll can also be removed and used on its own, which frees up the passenger seat for another person.

"These are the instrument panels. They sho the oil level, oil pressure, water temperature, and so on."

The owner, Fumihiro Takeda, has spent over a decade customizing this car, spending over US$260,000 (20 million yen) in the process.

The high quality quantum dots NICT have created are very stable, have a high optical frequency, and by using them as the light source or amplifier in optical systems, they can be tuned to operate in optical frequency bands about 70 Thz wide, approximately seven times wider than the 10 Thz of frequency bands currently in use.

"We've been conducting R&D on quantum dots itself for quite a long time. But we've now created a new technology called "Sandwiched sub-nano separator structure", which is unique to NICT. And by using that, we've finally completed this light source technology. Usually when you fabricate quantum dots, you grow crystalline quantum dot particles, in nanometer size, on the semiconductor surface. But this time, we've formed a very thin layer, less than one nanometer thick, between the surface and the dots. By adding just this nanometer layer, we've be able to form high-quality quantum dots, without aggregation structures, at very high density."

The development and construction of this prototype was undertaken by NICT in collaboration with university students and optics companies Koshin Kogaku and Sevensix.

As well as for use in optical communication systems, this new wavelength band effectively permeates human skin, so these quantum dots are expected to be used in bioimaging and medical sensing, such as high resolution imaging and measurement of new molecules in cells.

"We're currently working with Koshin Kogaku Co., Ltd. and Sevensix Inc., which collaborated in developing the quantum dot light source, to consider market development, through samples and preliminary products. We intend to loan demonstration equipment, for experimental purposes, to universities and research institutes. Japan has extremely strong capabilities in nanotechnology and we'd like to bring those capabilities together in a way that boosts Japan's economy."

"Our aim in making this model was to offer a sporty car in the hybrid category, which is Toyota's signature strength."

"This car has an open top, so when you're running on the quiet motor, you can enjoy the sound of the wind, or the waves if you're driving along the seafront. In town, you get low fuel costs, and on the circuit, you get sporty performance. We planned, designed, and built this car with all those things in mind."

"Basically, the cockpit systems come from the MR-S, but everything else is newly designed. In particular, we've done something unusual, in that we've built an entirely new suspension for this car. The rear suspension is especially important, so we've used a new type of multi-link. We've also paid attention to braking, with new opposed brakes for both front and rear. The aluminum wheels have also been designed especially to suit this car."

"Basically, we've used the 3.5 liter hybrid system from the Lexus RX450h. In that system, there's the engine and a motor at the front, and just a motor at the rear. This car uses a 4WD system that's arranged the other way round."

"Compared with the Lexus RX450h, this car is 600 kg lighter. So it gives you plenty of speed and acceleration."

"In line with our slogan "Fun to drive, again", we hope this car will appeal to people who know the thrill of driving fast. We'd like them to enjoy that feeling again."

"You connect this device to the Internet and plug in the AC adapter. You can also connect a slave unit, so you have a wireless sensor that measures temperature, humidity, and sunshine. This sensor makes the wireless connection automatically, and sends its data each time. The connection range is about 40 m, but if you want to make measurements even further away, there's a relay unit as well. That's used by plugging it into a wall socket and it extends the range to 60 m."

If the wireless sensor is posting temperature, humidity, and sunshine data every minute, it can run for about a year on three AA batteries. The sensor can also be set to sound an alert if specific values are reached. So this product can be used to manage the temperature in locations such as wine cellars or food warehouses. It can also be connected to a radiation meter.

"This wasn't planned at first, but we've made a unit that can be connected to a commercially available radiation meter. This enables the Tweeting Sensor to post radiation data to Twitter. If lots of people post their readings, it would be possible to create a detailed radiation map."

The basic unit is priced around US$520 (40,000 yen), and UC Technology aims to sell 10,000 sets annually.

"The Toyota Engineering Society organizes group activities, and we did a project where people got together to build a car. Because the budget was much smaller than usual for developing a car, most of the work was done by hand. The idea was to develop a gullwing sports car that would excite users of the future, including today's children."

The car has a clean, white interior in line with it's futuristic exterior, and features switchless operation using touchscreens, adding a game-like element to the driving experience.

"You can use touchscreen on the steering wheel to select a meter design. When you've chosen a design, you can swipe , and jump to the big display in the middle, the design of that display changes. Our design concept here was for kids in the gaming generation to enjoy driving a car as if it was a game."

The car's motor and inverter are from the Lexus RX hybrid system, and it has a new, 15.7 kWh lithium ion battery.

"This EV has a range of over 80 km for urban driving. We actually entered it in a race, and under race conditions, it can go about 50 km. The motor output is 123 kW, and we've used a twin combination. As well as the battery, we've added a storage capacitor, to achieve regenerative turbo, like in the F1 KERS."

They have taken the CR-Z MUGEN RR Concept, first announced in the UK last July, and modified the form, materials and specs with a view to mass production.

"This car is based on that orange Honda CR-Z MUGEN RR Concept. Our aim was to get more powerful performance, so we've used a special-purpose ECU and suspension, and added a supercharger. We developed this car to compete on the Tsukuba Circuit."

"The engine itself delivers 179 ps. On the Tsukuba Circuit, we've recorded a time of 1:08.6, which is 5.6 seconds faster than normal. So I think you can see, from that alone, how well this car performs."

The aero parts utilize dry carbon and have been optimized through wind tunnel tests, minimizing weight as well as enhancing aerodynamics.

"The CR-Z has a clean, smart design in its normal version. So we've combined that design with the sharper feeling of a concept car. The body color is a special one called Spring Green Opal, and we've also made the meters green. The full bucket seats are also made of lightweight carbon material with green stitching. So another feature of this car is overall color coordination."

"As this is a pre-production model, it's entirely a concept car, so we don't plan to sell it with these specs. But we used to sell a car called the Honda Civic MUGEN RR, so our goal is to also offer the CR-Z as a complete car. We'd like you to think of this model as a step along the way."

"For cadmium taken in from sources other than food, international standards have been set. Compared with those standards, the average cadmium intake of Japanese people is known to be high. It's also been found that most of that cadmium intake comes from eating rice."

"The newly discovered gene in rice resembles one found in wheat. The similar gene found in wheat is known to carry positive ions such as cadmium and calcium. We started our research by wondering if that kind of gene was also present in rice."

In this research, it was found that when cadmium taken up through the roots made its way into the grains of rice, the transport occurred through the action of a positive ion called OsLCT1.

Once this was discovered, the researches controlled the expression of this gene in whole-grain rice through genetic modification. By doing this they succeeded in reducing the cadmium concentration by about half, without affecting the growth or yield of the rice plants.

"This technology has succeeded in reducing just the concentration of cadmium in rice plants. In other words, the important point about this technology is: it enables cadmium to be reduced without affecting other elements that are nutrients for people, such as zinc and calcium."

"Using technology for controlling the gene we've specified, we can halve the cadmium content of rice, which accounts for half of Japanese people's cadmium intake. So if this technology becomes practical, I think it may help to enhance the health of people in Japan."

"There is a solar panel on the hood and a translucent solar panel on the rear window. Solar panels still have low charging efficiency, so they need about two weeks to charge fully from zero. But we've been particular about utilizing solar panels, to power this car without using any electricity from thermal plants, or emitting any CO2."

This car was built by the Toyota Automobile Association, which includes dealers, parts suppliers, and engineers as well as Toyota itself. It incorporates both traditional Japanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.

This car was converted by members of the Crazy Car Project, which includes engineers from car dealers, parts suppliers, and car makers. It incorporates both traditional Japanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.

"We created the interior together with a company called Hayashi Telempu, which supplied parts for the original 2000GT. The idea was to revive the original features using today's technology. By using artificial leather instead of real leather, we've given the interior an even smoother finish. For the wooden finish on the instrument panel, rather than the original brown, we've used Japanese black lacquer, with gold and silver accents. This was commissioned from artisans in Kaga, to create a traditional Japanese atmosphere. Another highlight is the seven-dial meter, a characteristic feature of the original 2000GT. We've kept the original arrangement unchanged, but now it shows EV readings, like the motor rate, battery charge, and battery temperature."

This concept behind this vehicle is a solar car that can carry two people at a top speed of 200 km/h. It has a 35 kWh battery from Panasonic, and uses the motor and inverter from the Lexus LS Hybrid.

"The sound of a gasoline engine in a race is exciting, and with a quiet EV, you can add the kind of sound you like. By making the pitch and frequency vary linearly when the accelerator is pressed, we've created a sound that simulates a race car very well."

"Imagine a parking lot in summer. The parking lot here in midsummer is full of cars, and they're not doing anything useful, just getting hot in the sun. If all cars had solar panels like this, they'd make a great mega-solar plant. If that could be achieved, automobiles, which are said to be unfriendly to the environment, could become good for it. They'd be useful even when they were parked. We've built this car in the hope that, one day, the world will be like that."

"As you can see, the e-runner Mini Sport is a very sporty car that lets you feel the wind through the open canopy. We started developing it two years ago, and Tajima has done everything from die making to design and manufacture."

"This car measures 2.49 m long, 1.29 m wide, and 1.09 m high. The wheel base is 1.85 m and the tread is 1.17 m. This type of vehicle is very light, at 280 kg. Its top speed is 70 km/h. On a single charge, this car can go 30 km. Its turning circle is 4.5 m. The Mini Sport is light and fast, so it's designed to give a fun ride with the wind in your hair."

This 2011 model is supplied with a 40 Ah lithium battery, but a 120 Ah battery is also available, increasing the range to 120km.

"The price with the lithium battery, including tax, is 3,675,000 yen. That's high, but it's only a guideline; we want to bring it down as much as possible, so this car can become more accessible."

The e-runner Mini Sport is currently being tested on public roads. Once the testing phase is over, Tajima Motor plans to start selling the car, offering it overseas as well as in Japan.

"We became a company in August of 2011, and we started doing conversions from the beginning of the year. Currently there are some electric vehicles capable of a cruising range of hundreds of kilometers, but we feel that the biggest advantage offered by an electric vehicle is using it as a second car or as a commercial vehicle that is only being driven about 40 to 50 kilometers a day in city driving, because this offers great benefits in terms of costs and also increasing environmental awareness."

EV-Aichi is building electric vehicles that support 100 V or 200 V charging. The vehicle on display requires 200 V, so for use in Japan it will require an adapter, but it means that the vehicles can be charged easily from a home power outlet.

"We are receiving an extremely large number of orders. We currently have a waiting list, but starting next year we would like to be in a position to convert more of our customers' valued vehicles."

EV-Aichi has set a goal for next year of being able to do at least 50 electric vehicle conversions.

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Until now, iOS application development had to be done using a programming language called Objective-C, in a development environment called Xcode, provided by Apple. But NextScript enables iOS applications to be developed easily, even by people whose only skills are in HTML and CSS.

"We've already released Version 1 as freeware, in September. It can be downloaded from our Web site. We plan to release Version 2 by the year-end, and this will be freeware as well. So anyone can use NextScript. Writing programs in Objective-C is a very high hurdle. But creators who have something they'd like to express in the form of an application, or people who develop applications as part of their everyday work, can do development more efficiently by incorporating NextScript, without doing everything in C. So we hope NextScript will be widely used by people whose work involves application development."

Nextbook currently sells iOS illustrated story-book applications developed using NextScript. Apps developed using NextScript also support multiple languages, so they can be localized into English, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, and Portuguese as well as Japanese.

"So far, the script manual is only in Japanese and English, but of course, the script can be used in other language environments. Naturally, you can look at the English manual and use NextScript to develop Chinese applications. So in that sense, we think NextScript is a tool that can be used in any language."

Currently, nearly 80% of NextScript downloads take place in Japan, because NextScript is used mostly for development in Japanese. But from now on, Nextbook plans to provide the manual in other languages, to increase the percentage of downloads outside Japan.

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"Our research is being done copying the formation process of living organisms in the natural world. For example, the folds of the brain or colon are made of a complex structure derived from the difference in dynamic balance between the cell surface and interior. Inspired by this formation process, we imagined a way to apply this to ordinary materials."

The research team created a wrinkle structure by driving a screw of 5mm in diameter into soft polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) rubber and applying plasma treatment. When central neuronal cells extracted from rats were cultured on this surface, neuronal differentiation was found to be greatly accelerated compared to on either a flat or typical culture substrate.

"The rubber is first stretched and a hard layer is created on top. When it is released, a very fine structure is spontaneously formed. We call this a 'wrinkle structure,' and using this structure we ultimately were successful in cultivating stem cells. During this process, for example, by placing small objects inside the wrinkles, or by directly using this structure, we were able to create an ultra-repellent film."

Typically the word "wrinkle" conjures up a negative image, but the research team regards these wrinkles as "happy wrinkles." The team aims to propose a simple and versatile manufacturing method for the wrinkle structure in order to apply this not only to cultivating transplant cells needed to treat Parkinson's Disease and spinal cord injuries, but also to a broad range of areas, including electronics for new biomaterials.

"We are currently using ordinary rubber, but by utilizing our principles, we think this is a highly versatile technology that can be applied to all high polymer materials."

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"The basic concept of the design of this vehicle is to achieve a cruising range of over 300km while maintaining a constant 100km/h speed. By operating the vehicle with a high efficiency, 65kW, 700 newton meter motor, battery load is suppressed. A drag coefficient of 0.19 has been achieved by minimizing air resistance."

To achieve a drag coefficient of 0.19, the vehicle body was designed with a long rear overhang and a rear cross-section resembling a narrowing fish, which provides the vehicle with adequate luggage room.

"The vehicle has a width of 1600mm, but by designing the door side impact beam on the outside of the vehicle, the thickness of each door has been reduced by 50mm each, so the vehicle width is effectively 1500mm. This was done to reduce the frontal projected area to minimize drag coefficient. Meanwhile the wheel base is 2.95 meters, giving the cabin interior space comparable to a full-size sedan."

The interior has a 19-inch display that provides not only navigation but also a rear view monitor. Because of the narrowing rear body, the rear view mirror reflects mostly the rear tailgate, so the large 19-inch display provides a nice rear view. The side mirrors have also been made just big enough to meet safety standards while reducing drag, so to supplement this side view cameras are displayed in the instrument panel to provide greater visibility.

"The fact that a cruising range of 300km has been achieved is due to the efficient but low load motor, low drag coefficient body, and energy being collected by in-wheel motors on each wheel during braking. The car is fitted with Bridgestone Ecopia tires that have lower rolling resistance than regular tires."

The SIM-LEI, developed jointly with 34 companies and research organizations, will be sold by companies that participated in development and have expressed interest in sales. SIM-Drive is hoping to achieve mass production levels in about two years.

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"This is an ordinary smartphone. When you place it on the charging stand, first of all, contactless charging starts. Meanwhile, the smartphone screen synchs with the car display. After it's done that, the phone can be used like an ordinary car display, via touchscreen or buttons on the steering wheel."

The contactless charging is done using Qi, an international standard already widely used for smartphones in Japan. Communication between the smartphone and display is done by Wi-Fi.

"With navigation systems using smartphones, it's sometimes dangerous to operate them while driving. But with this system, you can safely use the normal interface of a car display, while keeping the advantages of a smartphone. So we intend to provide enhanced safety for even more people, as well as the fun of a car display."

"We've actually only just made this, so we haven't decided exactly what form to release it in. By presenting it at the Motor Show, we've obtained lots of useful feedback, both within Toyota and from outside. So we'd like to implement this system as soon as possible."

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- Tokyo Motor Show 2011

"At Toyota, we consider this car to be our main environment-friendly vehicle in the next generation after the current hybrids. It can run on electricity, and it has very wide appeal. So the idea is, this car represents a good balance between EVs and hybrids."

"We started accepting orders yesterday and we plan to release this car on January 30."

"Charging takes 1.5 hours at 200 V, and 3 hours at 100 V. In JC08 vehicle testing mode, this car can go 26.4 km on electricity alone. As an EV, its top speed is 100 km/h. So you can get around town entirely on electricity. Also, you can run the battery down without worrying. After it's run down, the car switches to hybrid mode without stopping. As a hybrid, it achieves 31.6 km per liter. So fuel consumption for EV and hybrid running combined is 61 km per liter, calculated using the Japanese standard method."

"This is the S Grade model, which will be priced at 3,200,000 yen. In Japan, there's a subsidy of 450,000 yen for low-emission vehicles. So the customer pays just 2,750,000 yen."

FT-EV III

"Our concept in developing this car was, to make a light, low-cost vehicle that uses very little battery capacity, but lets you go as far as you need to. We did all kinds of customer surveys, and we found that going 50 km a day covers 70-80% of people's needs. We currently expect this car will go 105 km on one charge. As our goal, we wanted to mount the minimum amount of battery capacity possible to be able to do this, as well as to make it cheaper and lighter. So our main focus through the development stage was conserving energy while the car is running."

"We'd like to release a production version in 2012, so this model is virtually in the final phase of development."

"As an EV, this car is definitely fun to drive. We also wanted to make it look like a fun EV. For today, we've decorated it specially, but we think we might release it with a very similar appearance. Making it a fun car was also part of the concept."

FCV-R

"We'd like to commercialize this next-generation fuel-cell car in 2015. With that in mind, the core of this fuel-cell concept is practicality. We'd also like to make this an innovative car. Toyota previously made a fuel-cell SUV, but a key aspect of this concept is, to provide a sedan model by developing a smaller fuel cell unit."

"This is currently a design concept, but it has reached the stage where we've got a car that actually runs."

"Based on last year's costs, we'll be able to price this car below 10 million yen. We're working hard to bring the price down further, by steadily reducing costs."

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- Tokyo Motor Show 2011

This concept model has a vertical, 65-inch, Full HD transparent display. The products behind the display can be seen through the glass, and you can simultaneously see high definition text, pictures, and Flash animations on the display.

"This vending machine uses the Intel SandyBridge Core. It features Audience Impression Metric, or AIM, and can do anonymous face recognition. So this machine can recognize whether customers are male or female, or old or young."

When there aren't any customers, the machine shows a large digital clock and animations, to attract the attention of people passing by. If a customer stands in front of the machine, it estimates their attributes from anonymous video analysis, and shows advertising content to match the customers demographic.

"In this demo, we're suggesting that vending machines could be used to purchase luxury items, such as cosmetics and wine. The machine also has a public safety mode in times of emergency, which shows information such as evacuation routes."

"I think this machine could be used in lots of ways, depending on customers' imagination. It has a great many possibilities, so we'd like to get ideas from everyone, rather than just using it as a regular vending machine."

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- Embedded Technology 2011

"We originally obtained design hints from animals. So we've made this kind of robot based on the principle that two pairs of three legs are stable."

"A feature of the moving parts is that, as well as normal walking motion, they can handle some degree of height difference. So this robot can get over elevations. Another big feature is, it can also get through narrow places, by lowering its body."

The six legs of this robot each have four joints. The legs are arranged around the center at 60 degree intervals, giving the robot the same working range in all directions. There is also no distinction between the top and bottom of the robot. So if it falls over, it can get up easily by turning its legs the other way.

"Although we haven't installed them on this unit, the robot can also have touch sensors on the ends of it's limbs. So it can detect whether it's picked up an object properly."

A version of this robot appeared at the 2005 World Expo held in Aichi, Japan, but the robot is constantly undergoing improvements and given more features, increasing it's versatility.

"This is one of our latest versions. It can climb by hooking its legs onto something like the net on this wall. We're also developing a robot that can move more dynamically, by cartwheeling."

"One of our original aims was to use this robot in rescue work. We'd also like it to help with things like building maintenance. Anyway, we hope to develop it further, so it could be used in situations like the recent earthquake."

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- Arai Laboratory - OSAKA University
- International Robot Exhibition 2011

The Tomica Dream Motors exhibition has been held every year since 2001. For 2011, the theme was "The Future," and three concept cars were on show.

"The first concept car is called the Aquaray. It uses a solar system, so it runs on energy from light and water. This is a kind of racing car for the future. Our second car is a future means of transportation for children. It's cute, with a cat motif, and the idea here is like a girl riding a skateboard. Finally, we have a concept car that suggests the future of construction vehicles. It's modeled like a powerful bull that can push its way through rubble."

This year's exhibit is designed like a garage. It also includes the Tomicas released so far, a corner featuring collaboration with characters, and a giant diorama showing the Tomica worldview.

In addition, there's a hands-on attraction, where visitors can assemble their favorite Tomica and take it home.

"As a toy company taking part in Tokyo Motor Show, we want to express our ideas for toys in the form of cars. So we started with the idea that a toy company could think of unique concepts for future cars. Our dream is that in the future, automakers will say, we'd like to try making and selling actual vehicles based on concepts from Tomica Dream Motors."

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"The engine and main frame are based on our TRICKER and SEROW 250 models, and the rest of the bike includes a lot of custom designs."

"One feature of this model is, it can carry a big tank or camping equipment. We also propose using it as a 100 V power supply. We think it would be fun to use 100 V appliances at a camp site. So the idea is, this bike can be used as a generator while it's parked. That's why it has this fan, similar to that of an air-cooled engine. We've also provided a big rear carrier. This is for touring with camping equipment. A lot of different combinations are possible, for example, if you remove the tandem seat, you can attach a large carrier. Another fun thing about this bike is, it has an engine guard for off-roading, and when you reach your destination, the engine guard converts into the head of a shovel. You can take the guard off, attach the handle, and use it as a shovel. This bike has all kinds of interesting features like that."

"Our intention with this model is to suggest even more ways of enjoying motorcycles. A bike can be more than just a means of getting somewhere, but also a way to have fun when you arrive."

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"As you can see, this bike has a distinctive appearance, the sort of design you'd expect from Yamaha. What we call the Yamaha design originated with Yamaha's first motorcycle, the YA-1, and it still continues with models like the SR400. The Yamaha design makes the most of the functional beauty of motorcycle parts. One characteristic is harmony between rider and machine, with styling expressed through curves. The Yamaha theme also has a human-friendly, environment-friendly aspect. This bike weighs 80 kg, so it's easy to handle, and it has a new engine, designed to achieve 80 km/L."

"We intend this bike to be used for city commuting, rather like a bicycle, as you might expect from its looks. We hope it'll be utilized by new customers, including people who've hesitated to ride a motorcycle until now."

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"This car embodies a concept for about ten years from now. Its main feature is the display. For the instrument panel in the center, which has only been a flat LCD until now, what we suggest is using rear projection, so the display surface can be freely curved, for more effective design. Another feature is that, even though this is a rear-projection display, it supports touch operation as well."

One of the more striking features of the EMIRAI interface is the shape-changing buttons on the steering wheel. Among the 18 buttons, only those that can be interacted with are raised, while the rest are retracted. So the interface can be used intuitively, without looking. The display can also be scrolled by sliding your fingers over the buttons.

"Things like the seat position can be customized for all kinds of people. This is done through personal ID, and facial temperature measurement, or heart-rate measurement using a Doppler sensor. In this way, the system senses the person's health condition on that day. The aim is to position the seat and steering to match the driver, and provide information to help with safe driving."

In addition, as the interface is proposed for use in a future EV, you can select an imitation engine noise to let people nearby know you're approaching. There's also a handwriting text entry interface for use with the navigation system, optimized for the one-handed input of Japanese characters. The rear seats feature newly developed curved glasses-free 3D touchscreen displays.

"At Mitsubishi Electric, we suggest individual technologies to all kinds of car makers. But unless we show how these technologies can actually be used, manufacturers don't have a clear image of them, or understand what level of performance they've reached. So we suggest specifically how technologies can be used, by enabling people to experience those technologies for themselves."

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"One feature of this car is that the central band can light up in different colors. This is for safety. For example, a blue light indicates that you are going up to 50 km/h on ordinary roads. The green light shows that you're in low-speed mode, which is up to up to 6 km/h. We've made it 6 km/h because that's the speed limit for senior cars."

"The FC ShoCASE is a fuel-cell powered EV. It's the size of a compact car, and it's intended as a light wagon for business use."

"The main feature of the ShoCASE is, it uses a fuel cell with a new liquid fuel. This means you can fill its small tank just like you would at a gasoline stand. The ShoCASE generates electricity through a chemical reaction, and runs as an EV. As you can see, all the mechanical parts fit under the floor, so the space above can be used freely. The ShoCASE can be used by small businesses, and as a camping car, or even for live music performances."

"The D-X is one aspect of Daihatsu's theme at this show, which is that small cars will greatly influence the environment, daily life, and the future. The D-X has a tough, aggressive exterior and a spartan interior; the idea is, it's fun to drive because small cars are really very sporty."

"The X in D-X means a cross between daily life and more exciting activities. This car is fun to own and drive, not just for commuting and shopping, but for leisure and self-expression, too. Right now, we're at the stage of considering this enjoyable concept of leisure crossover."

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"The exterior features a hexagon grille, which symbolizes Subaru's design going forward, and this design concept continues to the front headlights. On the rear also, the tail lights have adopted the same symbolic styling. The interior has a solid, consistent design, which creates an impression of carefree fun. Enjoying the drive is one big feature of the Subaru brand. So we've aimed to create a space that extends out from the driver's area, to make that feature easy to understand. This show model was created to demonstrate how four adults can go on a short trip comfortably, so it includes a touch of luxury, too. The design is also intended to give a fun drive with a high-tech feel."

"There's a monitor in the center of the steering wheel, and that's for setting the navigator. It's not for looking at while you're actually driving, but it is big enough to make setting it easy."

"We'd like all kinds of discerning people to check this concept and its features out."

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"The interior theme is the fun of driving, which is one of Mazda's themes. So, the design lets the driver concentrate on driving, with a good field of view and user-friendly controls. This dynamic interior design also makes driving more exciting."

"The Takeri is based on a very powerful clean diesel, to be introduced in Japan next year. This car has idling stop technology, and i-ELOOP, a regenerative braking system, which is on show here for the first time worldwide. The energy used in braking is utilized to generate electricity, which is stored in a newly developed capacitor-based battery. This system improves fuel efficiency by 10%, because the engine doesn't generate electricity. The Takeri achieves the same fuel efficiency as a hybrid in this class, and it also covers a lot of distance. It can go 1,500 km on a single tank of diesel."

"This car has a very stylish design and a powerful engine. So we hope it'll be fun for all generations. This is the sort of stylish car we'd like to recommend for people who enjoy the open road."

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"Another feature, as you can see, is an interchangeable front mask and door panels. There's paper inside the panels, so you can customize them with pictures of your pets, for example. We think such easy customization makes this car even more fun."

"In city centers especially, people and cars feel much closer together. So we suggest using the front display for a new form of communication. Drivers could say "Hi!" to each other or "Watch out, there's a car coming!"

"The first thing we'd like to say at Honda is, cars should be "fun to drive." No matter what forms of mobility arise in the EV era, we think they could all be enjoyable to drive. In addition, this car has a loop battery, which is small and cute. It could also be used as a supplementary battery for the audio system or air-conditioner. But by using it as the main power source for a Motor Compo or Townwalker, we think we can suggest new forms of synergy, like connection between batteries, that are unique to Honda."

M-RADSHIPS is a real-time simulator developed by Toshiba Information System (Japan) Corporation to test these complex systems in a virtual environment.

When combined with vehicle models created using MATLAB/Simulink and Dymola, this can simulate a range of different situations.

The system can also create test scenarios for rare cases which can be very difficult to verify using real equipment, and convert these test scenarios to data which can then be analyzed, ultimately making the electrical systems and the vehicles they are used in safer and more reliable.

"In this display, we've integrated M-RADSHIPS with Dymola and CarSim, and used a vehicle model IP developed by Toshiba Information System (Japan) Corporation. One feature of model-based development is a much shorter verification process. But conversely, this raises the issue that models have to be created at the design stage, so design takes a little longer. What we're suggesting is the use of a model IP, to reduce the time needed for the design stage."

The system uses an interface created in Visual Basic. In this demonstration, integration with CarSim software means that the test results can be seen instantly as vehicle behavior.

"We're integrating our own model IP with other companies' IPs. We hope it'll be widely used by customers that want to start doing model-based development, and by those that already utilize model-based development. We'd like to develop a variety of model IPs and increase their integration with other companies' IPs, so they can be utilized in a wide range of fields."

Currently, Toshiba Information System (Japan) Corporation is thinking of introducing this solution for developing and testing the controllers used in a wider range of cars, as well as for industrial machinery and energy applications. From now on, the company aims to expand it's range of service lines, and to achieve further advances in model-based development.

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"The seat folds up, the wheelbase contracts, and the panels are concealed. So this concept also has security in mind. In the green Kobot β, the wheelbase goes down by about 30 cm. In the red Kobot ν, it goes down by about 40 cm."

The Kobot is developed by Kowa Tmsuk, a new company formed by Kowa, a medical instrument manufacturer, and Tmsuk, a robot manufacturer. Kowa Tmsuk isn't just developing vehicle hardware, they are also proposing new ways of using their technology for communal car sharing in urban areas.

"We don't really intend to make cars for traveling between cities. Rather, we're designing cars for city runaround purposes, like shopping or going to a clinic."

"This vehicle can be made compact, to save parking space. For car sharing, as many cars as possible need to be parked in a small space. We're also thinking about "pedestrian mode," which is another aspect we're presenting at this show. To some extent, vehicles need to coexist with pedestrians, so we've given KOBOT a low-speed mode where it's easy to maneuver. Then, there's Drive Mode, which goes up to about 30 km/h. We started designing this EV with the idea of transforming between the three modes."

"We're exhibiting at the Motor Show because we'd like to form partnerships with several other companies, since we're from different sectors ourselves. So we'd like to get feedback from potential partners, and hopefully, team up. Our aim is to release a first-phase model next fall."

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"Normally, the scenery outside is visible. And by adding AR displays, safety has been enhanced. As a bonus, all kinds of information can be shown on the windscreen."

"When people in the so-called Net Native generation get a car, the question is: What kind of value will that car need to offer? We've approached this question from the leisure perspective, rather than from the car side. So our idea with this car is to get to the heart of the question, from the outside in."

The Toyota Fun-Vii's software for driving, control, and multimedia is updated continually online. By connecting to nearby cars and to satellites, blind spots at intersections can be perceived in advance, you can communicate with other friends cars, and the car is able to drive itself to destinations.

"What we're currently thinking of, possibly, is driving an EV automatically, as well as ordinary driving, turning, and stopping. If there are automatic driving lanes on public roads, and this car enters one, you could take your hands off the wheel, and enjoy doing something else. We're thinking about all kinds of devices for situations like that."

"For example, with a video like this, you might be able to enjoy virtual racing between the monitor and your actual situation. Even if you're driving slowly, you could have a new visual experience by playing the video fast. Those are the sort of ideas we've been thinking about."

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"Because there's no air in these tires, there's no worry about punctures. Also, there's no need to check the pressure in them, so they're easy to maintain, too."

"A feature of these tires is, they have spokes with a special curve, arranged in an interlacing fashion. This enables them to flex effectively without twisting, and behave just like ordinary tires, without producing a horizontal force."

The spoke material is a reusable thermoplastic resin, meaning that the tires can be easily recycled, making them environmentally friendly.

"In an electric cart, the load on each wheel is about 50 kg. We've checked that these tires can amply support three times that load."

"Regarding specific applications, we'd like to start with small-scale uses, such as personal mobility, and gradually move up to standard vehicles."

The spokes, with their special curve, have a functional beauty. So Bridgestone expects that these tires will be used with the spokes revealed.

"If something becomes caught in the spokes, it'll make them get stuck, and unable to change their shape. So we need to check how to avoid that, but we hope we can find a good way."

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"The Regina, on show here, is the result of our engineers challenging themselves to make daily life more exciting. Our engineers rigorously pursued aerodynamics and light weight in a small car, and this is what they came up with."

"Naturally, we're working on electrical technology as well. Development is going well for our electric scooter e-Let's and our Swift EV Hybrid. We'll be able to present the results in a little while."

"At Suzuki, we want this kind of car, and bike, to make life more fun. We hope everyone will keep an eye out for new things from Suzuki."

Daihatsu (President Koichi Ina)

"The first concept car we'd like to show you today is the D-X. It has a resin body, with tough, aggressive, original styling and all kinds of variable specs. Through such features, we've developed a truly unique sports model, which gives a new sensation and is also fun to drive."

"Our next concept car is the PICO, a two-seater EV. Daihatsu's approach to EVs is to make them even smaller than compact cars, so they're ideal for short runs in daily life. This vehicle has a full range of safety features, including preemptive collision avoidance and false-start prevention. So we've achieved a car that's easy for everyone to use."　

"Our final concept car is the FC ShoCASE, which has a liquid fuel-cell unit that doesn't use precious metals. We've developed this fuel-cell unit ourselves, and we've put it in a flat-floor, multipurpose body unit. We started working on the basics of this technology in 2007; it not only has zero carbon emission, but also uses a liquid fuel that's easy to handle. We're suggesting this car as a next-generation, zero-emission vehicle."

Yamaha (President Hiroyuki Yanagi, Yamaha Motor)

"First, here's the EC-Miu. This suggests new possibilities for electric commuters in city life. When we designed the Miu, our image was that of a feather floating in the wind. This is a multi-wheel vehicle, which gives a carefree feeling for ladies especially. The riding position and riding style are also very attractive."

"Our second exhibit is the PAS WITH. This model suggests a new way of getting around your destination, as well as being electric-assist bicycle for everyday use. Among its features are an in-wheel motor, which gives more freedom in design, front and rear suspension to absorb the impact of bumpy roads, and a belt drive for a clean image. For example, if you use your Prius to go somewhere, you can charge this model in the Prius."

"Our third vehicle is the Y125 Moegi. This is a motorcycle with an engine. It's as easy to use as a bicycle, and it's also sporty enough for a little touring. The retro-modern design is based on the Yamaha YA-1, as well as Yamaha's design philosophy. The main feature is the engine, which is a global-standard 125 cc model. The body has a light, slim design. This bike weighs 80 kg, and achieves 80 km/l."

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"This car isn't an EV, and it isn't a hybrid, either. It's the culmination of our SKYACTIV Technology, which uses an internal combustion engine to achieve rigorous energy efficiency. You could say this concept car is the ultimate "third kind" of eco-car."

"We've given priority to innovations in basic car technology, and introduced electric devices on top of that. In this way, we're providing all our customers with cars that are fun to drive and have superior environmental and safety performance. And we're doing this without putting a big burden on customers. At Mazda, this is what we call our "building block" strategy. The Takeri is a concept car that embodies this approach."

"The design theme we've used for the Takeri expresses the power and beauty of the way living creatures move. This has achieved a kind of sleekness and styling that hasn't been seen in sedans before."

Subaru (President Yasuyuki Yoshinaga, Fuji Heavy Industries)

"This is a next-generation tourer concept that's carefree and fun. It takes Subaru's perennial pursuit of grand touring performance into a new dimension, with an excellent balance between driving performance, environmental performance, and safety."

"As a near-future sports wagon, this vehicle combines innovative exterior design with all the functionality you'd expect from a Subaru wagon."

"This is a Subaru model for a new era. The horizontally opposed engine is now 1.6 liters, with turbo direct injection, and the Lineartronic CVT has been enhanced to deliver higher torque. We've also utilized Subaru's original hybrid technology, combined with symmetrical AWD, to achieve an even sportier ride, plus high environmental performance."

Mitsubishi Motors (President Osamu Masuko)

"This is an environmentally conscious SUV, the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEVII. It uses the newly developed Mitsubishi Plug-In Hybrid EV System."

"This vehicle has a range of over 50 km as an EV, running on electricity alone. So in daily life, it can be used almost entirely as an EV. On the other hand, for brisk acceleration or high speed, the engine is utilized as well. So with this car, you have optimal control, depending on how you're driving."

"Our development targets for this vehicle are a combined fuel efficiency of 60 km per liter and a continuous range of 800 km. In addition, it has a 1,500 W power supply capability. So as well as providing an emergency power supply, this car can support outdoor use and hobbies, too."

"We plan to release an SUV embodying this Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEVII system during fiscal 2012."

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"I don't think it's a question of whether tomorrow's cars will be EVs or plug-in hybrids. Customers will decide what they need, and I don't think there'll be just one option. Incidentally, I love the smell of gasoline and the sound of engines, so I hope that this type of vehicle never disappears."

"In our new corporate advertising, we've decided to use Doraemon. I believe the real Doraemon is found in our factories. No matter how challenging the manufacturing environment becomes, and no matter how many obstacles we have to overcome, we will maintain our belief in the power of manufacturing and steadily move forward, one step at a time, toward realizing a society based on our vision for future mobility."

NISSAN (CEO and President - Carlos Ghosn)

"Our long term vision for a clean, connected, mobile society demands the development of both vehicles and infrastructure. The time when an automaker could focus only on the vehicle is over. Look at the concept cars here today. These are not exercises in design fantasy but viable transport solutions for tomorrows digitally connected urban societies, where smart houses and smart communities support zero emission mobility."

"Pivo3 is Nissans latest electric vehicle concept. An ultra-compact EV that utilizes our innovative technologies to deliver a unique mobility experience. For example, the automated valet parking system parks the car so you don't have to. No more hunting for spaces, as Pivo3 connects with specially equipped parking lots. And given a signal from your mobile phone, Pivo3 will come to pick you up. Advanced in-wheel motors eliminate the need for conventional vehicle platform and car frame architecture, unleashing the potential of vehicle architecture and design."

"The Nissan Esflow concept unites 100% electric vehicle technology and Nissans long experience in producing exciting sports and performance cars. 0 to 100 km/h in under 5 seconds. Nissan Esflow is pure eco exhilaration in a two-seater with twin electric motors powering the rear wheels, Esflow delivers traditional sports car fun with the linear power unique to EVs."

HONDA (President - Takanobu Ito)

"Firstly, there's our EV version of a super sports bike, the RC-E. Its motif is our perennial racing machine, the RC, and we've worked hard to make it fun to ride."

"Next, today is the world's first presentation of EV Star, our new sports EV concept. Honda is suggesting EV Star as an EV sports model for a new generation. EV Star is designed to be as much fun as possible."

"Next, here's Honda's unique electric mobility concept for two and four wheels. This micro-commuter concept is a model for getting around city centers. Next to the driving seat, you can add a MOTOR COMPO two-wheeled EV commuter, like this. This is a new mobility model, arising from collaboration between our research centers for two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles."

"The new ASIMO has even better autonomous capabilities as well as physical strength. This version is a big advance; for example, it can keep moving without any human operation."

"Hello everyone. I'm ASIMO. Ito-san, would you like something to drink?"

"Yes, thanks, ASIMO. Mmm, tasty."

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"We manufacture Spandex, an elastic textile, so we make fabrics that expand and contract to fit the human body. As a result, we know that human skin can stretch by a factor of 1.5. So we thought, if we can make a cable that stretches by a factor of 1.5, it could be used for wearable electronics, or for wiring the skin of humanoid robots. Those were the future applications we had in mind when we began development."

ROBODEN is available in various types for power and signal cables, including USB cables. It bends easily and has a long flexure life, so it can be used in many other situations as well.

"When we talked to Professor Inaba at The University of Tokyo, he advised us that, for robots to be more like people, they'll need to be soft, so they'll need something akin to skin. And if you make skin, you'll have wiring in the skin, so the wiring will need to follow the contours of the robot. Therefore, to make robots with a soft skin, it's probably essential for wiring to be able to expand and contract."

"Of course, this will also have applications in amusement or entertainment, so we'd like to see what customers say, and respond to their ideas in various ways."

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Called Jukusui-kun, it is a modified teddy bear. Its body functions as a pillow, and its arms move, providing a stimulus for the sleeper to change position by touching their face or neck.

"In this system, a pulse oxymeter, worn on the finger, measures oxygen concentration in the blood. Also, a microphone in the teddy bear picks up the sound of snoring. The data from these two devices is evaluated by a PC, and reflected in the signal sent to an actuator, so the actuator movement can be varied depending on the person's condition. The actuator movement helps the person roll over in their sleep, and if their breathing is badly interrupted, it wakes the person up."

Sleep apnea occurs when you have one or more pauses in breathing, which can last from seconds to minutes, while you sleep. The pauses can occur anywhere between 5 to 30 times per hour, resulting in poor sleep quality and causing drowsiness during the day.

"At present, sleep apnea is treated using a device called a CPAP, which is rather cumbersome. So we wanted to help people with sleep apnea without using that kind of thing."

"We've only just built this, so we haven't used it with actual patients yet."

To avoid interrupting the user's sleep, communication with the robot is done wirelessly, using the electric field at the surface of the body.

"From now on, we're considering a program where people use this robot to get used to sleeping on their side. We also hope they'll be able to sense their own snoring and roll over, and help themselves to breathe properly without using a machine."

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The research group from Tokyo Metropolitan University, have used a Peltier element which can both heat and cool each device.

"A Peltier element is flat, and when the top surface is warm, the bottom surface is cold, and vice versa."

Thermo Drawing combines a tablet, display and a Peltier element, so the temperature of the display varies depending on the color used.

"Now, I'm drawing with a blue pen. When you draw like this, that part actually becomes cold. If you draw in red, that part becomes warm. This is drawing software, but anything on the screen that has colors can be used to output temperatures. For example, a video of the sun will feel warm, while a blue picture, of the Antarctic, say, will feel cold."

The Thermo Game has Peltier elements embedded in the game controller, heating or cooling the players hands depending on what is happening on-screen.

"When you move the character into the red flames, the controller gets warm, and in the blue flames, it gets cold. You use this controller, with its variable temperature, to actually move on the game screen. In this game, parts of the ground are warm. You move the character to look for those parts. The warm parts explode, and the character rides the explosion upwards to get items."

Thermo-Chair, which has a Peltier element in the seat, has been developed as a new communication tool

"You could warm the seat, using a remote control, to let your family know that "We're going to have a hot meal today." We think that kind of family communication might be fun, especially for children."

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"This robot was made in a very short time, taking just three months from design to completion. A project like this usually takes about two years, but we did it surprisingly fast. We thought a lot about how to proceed, and we decided to do it as a group, with collaboration by 15 companies in total."

The core technology in this robot, used for the joints, is CoolMuscle 2, an integrated AC servo system from Muscle. The system combines a motor, driver, encoder, controller, PLC and power supply into a compact unit, eliminating wiring and saving space.

"The robot uses only five motors to climb up and down. There are two in the shoulders, two in the legs, and one to rotate the back. For example, if the robot suspends itself and moves to the next step, first of all, it raises its right hand. Then, it rotates its back. Next, it raises the hand a bit more, returns its back to the previous position, and pulls the hand downward. The force needed to grasp the pipe is transmitted in the motor, and after the motor has grasped it properly, the next motor is instructed to raise the left hand. So the robot's motion involves that kind of dialog between the motors."

The robot was designed by Toshiyuki Kita, a furniture and product designer involved with the Sharp AQUOS line of LCD TVs, with futurist and author Taichi Sakaiya in the role of Executive Producer.

"At the Shanghai Expo, this robot was really popular. There was a long queue of people waiting 5 or 6 hours to enter the Japan pavilion, but this robot was on the outside, climbing the walls of the pavilion, so even the the people who couldn't get in walked past and saw it. That made the Japanese pavilion very popular, with even more visitors than expected. Pavilion staff said that at least 100 million photos were taken of it."

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It is a streamlined version of the VR-5 which was released in January, as an all-in-one solution for the production, recording and streaming of live events. The VR-3 inherits the essential capabilities of the VR-5 including a video switcher, audio mixer, preview monitors and streaming-ready USB output. It is also lighter and smaller, weighing 2kg and with a footprint the size of an A4 sheet of paper.

"This mixer can send audio and video direct to Ustream on a PC using a USB cable. It conforms to USB video and USB audio device class specs, so it doesn't need any drivers. Worldwide, the only AV mixers that conform to the USB video device class are the VR-3 and VR-5 from Roland."

This mixer has four composite ports and one D-sub port, with the monitor displaying four inputs simultaneously. The output video channel can be selected using regular switches or by using the touchscreen.

With mobile production in mind, the mixer can be powered for 2 hours with the eneloop 9v rechargeable battery. Kiban International have used this mobile capability to develop the world's smallest live broadcasting vehicle. A Honda Gyro has been modified to contain all the equipment needed for live streaming.

"Lots of people said that for mobile use, they don't want a lot of extra equipment. So we've beefed up the audio mixer a bit from the VR-5. As you can see, the audio mixer here is as easy to use as an ordinary mixer. We have made operation intuitive, so you can adjust the volume with the fader, and there are knobs for the gain and the equalizer. There are four XLR/TRS combo jacks, so you can plug a mike and guitar in directly, and stream your performance right away. So this system gives you everything you need for small events."

The VR-3 will be priced at around US$2000 (160,000 yen) and will go on sale in Japan in December.

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"At Kawada Industries, we developed bipedal robots in the late 1990s, and we made them into commercial products. So we think it's logical for robots that work together with people to be human-shaped."

This robot can work in a space equivalent to that taken up by a person. Its arms have 12 degrees of freedom and its back has one, and it can position itself to within 30 microns. The robot's head has a stereo camera, enabling it to recognize its surroundings and its own position, while its hand cameras recognize the position of the work it's doing in detail.

In this demo, three of the robots are acting in coordination, as they would in actual factory work. They pick up parts, assemble them, and tighten screws, until they have completed the task at hand. The workbench has markers, which the robots use to position themselves, so even if they're moved, they can start working right away.

"What we'd especially like you to notice here is that, in tasks like handling soft items, these three robots can do the job in coordination, via a network."

The robots' motor output is less than 80 W, and even including the control box, they consume less than 1,500 W when working. Unlike ordinary industrial robots, they don't need safety barriers. These robots are designed for safety; for example, when they detect a worker approaching, they stop automatically.

"We've created these robots to work alongside people, and to cooperate with people in the same environment. Work done by people doesn't involve handling large objects or moving very fast. Our aim is for industrial robots to do human work like that, so people can be more productive by working together with robots."

A robot platform with the same basic specs as NEXTAGE, called HIRO, has been released. This has upgraded capabilities for research use.

"For robots like these to become widespread, it's essential to develop applications. As a single company, we can't do that very quickly. So we're getting universities and research institutes to use the same robot, and to develop applications."

"For most customers, this robot itself costs around 7 or 8 million yen, but we also offer various options, and then there are engineering costs for applications. So we can't be very definitive about pricing."

"We'd like customers to use this robot for adjustable-volume production in Japan. So we'd like to improve it from now on, to make setting and teaching easier."

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This robot patient is manufactured by Kokoro, who also make the Actroid line of lifelike humanoid robots. It has been developed as a training tool to improve students patient communication skills by emphasizing attitude rather than technique.

"Compared with pre-robot simulators, which were just expressionless metal phantoms, students feel much more tension with SIMROID, whether they're drilling its teeth or talking to it. People say this robot is very realistic."

"The first improvement we have made is that the robot now has speech recognition. So when you speak to it, it moves in response. There are also sensors in and around the mouth. So, for example, if something hurts or feels unpleasant, the robot can react. Another improvement, as you can see, is the skin. A robot dental patient has to "open wide," so if the skin is made of silicone, it can tear. So we've used a different material, which doesn't tear even if it's stretched a lot or makes contact with dental implements."

"During dental treatment, the dentists elbow can come in contact with the patients breast. If this happens the patient can react and show discomfort."

One other feature of this simulator is a post-treatment rating system. While students are practicing, two cameras record how well they diagnose problems and interact with the patient. The load on the robot patient is fed back to a monitor, helping students improve their performance over time.

"Of course, the evaluation can also be done as a time series, to assess strengths and weaknesses compared with other students, for example. And even if the instructor isn't present, the recording can be evaluated by the instructor afterwards, so students can get feedback about their approach."

"Actually, this robot speaks English as well as Japanese. We have lots of opportunities to treat patients from other countries, so we're creating a system that lets us train using foreign languages. We're also working on the tooth sensors in the mouth, to make them more sensitive, like actual teeth. So I think this system is basically 99% complete, with just 1% more development to be done. Well, I think things can always be 1% better, so we'd like to keep enhancing this robot."

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- International Robot Exhibition 2011

Ultra High Definition is the next-generation broadcasting format with 16 times the resolution of Full HD. It's currently at the research stage, with trial broadcasts to begin in Japan in 2020. At next year's London Olympics, the Ultra High Definition broadcast system will be used to cover some events, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies, for public screenings in the UK, US, and Japan.

"Actually, when we started researching HDTV, it was often said that HDTV would change the way programs are made. But the change hasn't really been that big. Now, the same thing is being said about Ultra HDTV, and I think that this time, it might be true."

The new Ultra High Definition theater makes you feel as if you're there, through a highly immersive experience with three big screens showing super-high-definition, 33-megapixel pictures. Even in long shots, you can see the details of each subject, so you can enjoy different aspects by changing your viewpoint.

The Ultra High Definition theater creates a highly immersive experience, displaying the format in it's full 33-megapixel resolution. This means that even in long shots, the details of each subject are still clear, so you can see different aspects depending on where you look.

"The 85-inch display behind me is a key component of our new system. Until now, Ultra High Definition has been watched on a screen in a dark theater using a projector. But as we're aiming for Ultra High Definition broadcasting, it's essential to have a display that fits in the home. In that sense, we think this 85-inch display is really significant."

In addition, Ultra High Definition enables surround sound production with 22.2 channel audio. This mixing system uses 3D panning to create sound images at desired positions in a 3D space. Over 1,000 sound sources can be mixed simultaneously.

"One key aspect of Ultra High Definition is transmission. The amount of data is huge, so we're doing tests where we compress it, and use optical fiber. I also think it's very significant that we've become able to do that."

NHK is also developing an Ultra High Definition live slow motion system, using sixty-four 256GB SSDs with a bandwidth of 48Gbps. This makes it possible to show highlights and variable-speed slow replays while continuing live coverage, enabling the system to be used effectively in the coverage of live sports.

"When we started our R&D on Ultra High Definition, the equipment was very bulky. But we've now made it small enough to be practical, and developed a diverse range of equipment as well. So by bringing it all together here, we hope we can show people how far we've come."

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"Here, we're demonstrating how someone in Tokyo can operate a robot at their mother's house in Fukuoka, so they can talk to their mother and help tidy up her house."

In this demonstration, the robot's hand is being controlled using Kinect, as it picks up toys from the floor and puts them in a box.

"This robot resembles a person, so it has many degrees of freedom. We've given it technology that lets people utilize that freedom easily, just by moving their hands, while the robot itself considers how to move its hand, back, and trolley in optimal ways."

This model features upgrades to all the components of SmartPal V, which was announced in 2007, to make it much more compact. Its head now has a stereo camera which can pan and tilt as well as an infrared sensor, while the moving parts have gyro sensors. These features enable SmartPal VII to recognize its environment more effectively, and to move autonomously with higher precision.

"Through these upgrades, we've made the robot arm slimmer and lighter. We've also given it a flexible covering with touch sensors beneath, to make it safer."

"We haven't yet decided exactly what the target market will be. But our aim is for this robot to assist people with everyday tasks, or work or by their side to help them. Anyway, because this is an industrial robot, we think our technology for operating robots easily and safely will be effective in opening up a market for such service applications."

"We haven't yet decided exactly what the target market will be. But our aim is for this robot to assist people with everyday tasks, or work or by their side to help them. As a developer of industrial robots, we think this sort of technology for operating robots easily and safely will be effective in opening up a market for such service applications."

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- International Robot Exhibition 2011

"For example, if you make a gesture, the computer should be able to recognize this as "I want to use the telephone". So with an iPhone for example, you have everything in a small device and you have to learn how to use it, here we want to do the opposite, the computer will have to learn what you want to do."

"If you want to use a laptop, you just make a gesture it will recognize this, project the screen, the keyboard and everything, you won't have to carry a device, no battery or everything, everything is ubiquitous, ubiquitous augmented reality."

The system won the grand prize at Laval Virtual 2011 in France and was on display at the Digital Content Expo in Tokyo with two proof of concept prototypes. The first demonstration turns a regular banana into a phone. By using a high speed camera to track the banana and a parametric speaker array to direct the sound in a very narrow beam, this creates the impression that the sound is coming directly out of the banana. The second demonstration is a laptop in a pizza box. The video and sound is projected onto the lid of the pizza box and the user can interact with it by moving the playhead and changing the volume.

"For this prototype here we have tracking to get the position of the augmented object and then we project sound on the object as well as video. So usually for augmented reality, we can use goggles, we can use even iPhone or iPad with a camera, and you see augmented reality through this device. Here, it's Spacial Augmented Reality so we use a projector to directly augment objects, so it's multi-user and the particular thing here is that we also have sound as well as the video."

In the future they want to broaden the range of gestures and objects that the system can recognize and interact with, with the goal being the creation of a ubiquitous AR system which can learn and anticipate the intentions of the user in various situations.

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- Ishikawa Oku Laboratory: Invoked Computing
- Digital Contents Expo 2011

This system uses a parametric speaker, which creates a narrow sound beam using ultrasound. The sound from the speaker is converted to electric power, which is used to light up LEDs.

"This speaker itself is a commercially available model, so it doesn't have much to do with our research. What we're researching is the design of the circuit that converts the sound from the speaker to electric power. This circuit doesn't have batteries; it consists of just the microphone and the board behind."

The output power is 10 mW at 50 cm, and 1 mW at 5 meters. So the system can deliver enough power to light up an LED 5 metres away.

"The method we're suggesting is to put a lot of these in a space like this, and supply enough power to light up LEDs in the space."

As sound waves can be easily reflected by any material, the transmission can be interrupted, rerouted, or broadened, and the effect of this and resulting level of power transmission can easily be seen with this system.

"Most conventional methods for wireless power supply use EM waves. For example, Suica and PASMO near field communication cards use RFID. Because EM waves aren't visible, Suica users can't detect where the power is being transmitted from. So it's necessary to indicate where you should touch a ticket gate, with a green light or an angle. But with this method for wireless power supply using sound, parametric speakers can be installed on the ceiling, so when you enter an area where sound is audible, you know that's the area where power is available. We think power supply using sound could be used to achieve a system that's very easy to understand."

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- Hirose Tanikawa Lab.
- Digital Contents Expo 2011

"This robot has wheels on the ends of its legs, so basically, on flat terrain, it uses the wheels to move. In places like stairways where the robot can't move on wheels, it can use its legs instead."

"Raising a guide dog takes a long time, and a dog can only work for about 10 years. So the number of guide dogs can't be increased instantly. Also, some people don't like having animals around. So we've developed this robot, as a way of doing similar things to a guide dog."

The robot has a handle with a variable angle and length, so the user can maintain a stable posture and consistent grip at all times, even when being guided downstairs.

"The grip has a force sensor at the end, to enable the robot to move when instructed. This is used in an intuitive way, so if you grip it facing forwards, the robot goes straight, and if you grip it so as to twist it, the robot turns."

To recognize steps, the robot processes images from a sensor. The sensor data is converted into shape, position, and attitude information in 3D space. This enables the robot to recognize the number of steps and their width. It makes recognition possible even while going up stairs, which was difficult before.

"There are proximity sensors on the ends of the legs. If we put a sensor on the head, the robot can see what's ahead, but it has blind spots around the legs. So the distance image sensor on the head is used to recognize steps overall, while information around the legs is obtained using the proximity sensors on the legs."

From now on, NSK plans to do field tests on safety, with a view to releasing a commercial version.

"We haven't considered the safety aspects very much yet. We've finally reached the level where the robot can recognize and climb stairs. So what we want to think about now is safety; for example, how to avoid falling, how to recover and keep climbing if a fall does happen, and how to prevent the user's fingers from getting caught when the robot moves."

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- International Robot Exhibition 2011

This is part of a research project on immersive tele-collaboration using a "Parasitic Humanoid" system, led by Professor Maeda at Osaka University. The system has been fabricated using commonly available components, and it's designed for use under physically challenging conditions.

"What I'm wearing is a system for use by inexperienced or new workers. Video from the camera on my helmet is streamed to an expert off-site. In video taken by the expert's own camera, specific colors are extracted. So the expert's colored gloves are extracted and superimposed on the pictures I see. So, if I mimic what the expert's hands are doing, I can replicate his movements."

The main components of this system are the GoPro HD Hero 960 camera, the DATA GLASS 3/A head mount display from Shimadzu, and a Panasonic TOUGHBOOK PC stored in the backpack. All of these items are water and dust resistant.

"We've designed this system for use in physically difficult environments, and all of it is washable. We think it could be used in places with high temperatures or radiation. But of course, we haven't tested it in places like that yet."

"We think it's very important to test this system under field conditions. Also, at the current level of development, lots of settings need to be made, and the system takes a while to start up. So it's still a long way from being a commercial product. Right now, we're looking for a partner to help us turn this into a system that starts at the touch of a button."

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This system is an evolved version of technology co-developed by AIST and Keio University, first announced in 2006. It works by focusing laser light, to produce plasma excitation from the oxygen and nitrogen in the air. The researchers state that this is the world's first technology to show pictures without the constraint of a screen.

"Most current 3D devices project pictures onto a 2D screen, and make the pictures appear 3D through an optical illusion. But this device actually shows images in mid-air, so a feature of this system is that it enables 3D objects to be viewed naturally."

"This system can create about 50,000 dots per second, and its frame rate is currently about 10-15 fps. But we're working to improve the frame rate to 24-30 fps."

In this demonstration, to make the system more compact, a green laser is shone into water from below. But if a laser source with higher output is used, images can be displayed in air. A color display can also be achieved by using a combination of red, green, and blue lasers.

"As the first application for this, we thought of digital signage. Also, because this system makes 3D objects look natural, it could be used for analyzing 3D objects, and if its precision can be improved, it could be used in healthcare, too."

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- Burton Inc.
- Digital Contents Expo 2011

"We think that facial input, using the face as a controller, and outputting instructions to a character's face are all unique features."

"Current animal costumes aren't interactive at all. So if a simple system like ours is provided in appropriate ways for each purpose, the actor in the costume and the animal itself could have synchronized expressions, making the performance more impressive."

Because this interface enables facial input without physical contact, it could also enable motorcycles to be operated using a full-face helmet. The researchers are also considering how to use the system in caring for bed-bound people.

"Currently, only the eyes and mouth move. But we'd like to improve the system, we want to make it so that the ears and eyebrows can move as well, so that parts can be added easily, and so that the wearer doesn't sweat inside the mask. That might enable us to make a more practical version."

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"A feature of this robot is, it pedals the bike with its own feet, and keeps its balance just by using the handlebars. I think this is probably a world first."

"I'm interested in artificial intelligence, and in that context, I think intelligence and skills have equal value. So my purpose in creating this robot was to pursue intelligence from the skills side. While I was thinking of suitable topics, my local science museum demonstrated a cycling robot. So I decided to consider cycling as the skill, and build a bicycle robot."

This robot system consists of a commercially available two-legged robot and a bicycle made by Yamaguchi. To detect how much the robot is tilting, the TAG201 gyro from Tamagawa Seiki is used. Based on the tilt data, a method called PID control is used to control the robot's balancing motion.

"There's a control board in the backpack. That needed to have a high processing speed, so I made my own board using the SH7125 CPU core."

"PID control is a classical control method. It's used to calculate how far to turn the handlebars when the frame tilts. By calculating proportional, integral, and differential components for the tilt, and adding them, the system calculates how far to turn the handlebars when the frame tilts. Also, the robot needs to decide which direction to go in, so we use a remote control to instruct it."

The system has two speeds. Because there aren't any brakes, the robot stops by taking its feet off the pedals and placing them on the ground.

"With an ordinary bicycle, the rear wheel keeps turning even when you stop pedaling. But in a fixed-gear bike, there's no ratcheting, so when you stop pedaling, the rear wheel stops, too. Ordinarily, that makes riding difficult, but with this robot, it also has a braking effect, so a fixed-gear bike is more convenient."

"From now on, I'd like to link this robot's skill to its intelligence. I personally don't like using a remote control for the robot. I'd like to make the robot intelligent enough to ride by itself. This system is the first step toward doing that."

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- International Robot Exhibition 2011

"Firstly, in Simple Mode, there are 15 pre-programmed melodies, including nursery rhymes. So in this mode, you can easily play some familiar tunes. There's also Nori-Nori Ryhthm Mode, where the toy becomes an instrument such as a drum or whistle. Finally, there's a mode that lets you play all the notes in the musical scale. So in this mode, you can compose and play original tunes, just like with an actual instrument."

In Nori-Nori Rhythm Mode, you can vary the sound by pressing the side buttons. This lets you enjoy a variety of instruments, including a whistle and a bell.Two Utamins can also be connected via infrared, so people can make music together.

Utamin has gained a great reputation as a fun product. At International Gift Show Fall 2011, Utamin was selected for the top prize among 1,000 entries.

"The first product in our music toy series was the Human Instrument, and the second is Utamin. We're also thinking about a third product, and that might be a second version of Utamin."

Utamin is available in three colors: pink, blue, and green. It'll be available from mid November, priced at 3,800 yen plus tax.

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With this system, you can speed up your top by placing the handheld controller above it, and when tops hit each other, the impact is transmitted to your hand.

"The tops contain permanent magnets, and the handheld device contains an electromagnet. The principle is the same as that of a motor, but the poles of the coil are switched very fast, without coming into contact with the top. In this way, the magnetic force makes the top spin and move at the same time."

The table-top display shows the position and rotation speed of the tops. These are calculated by using image processing to measure polarized light emitted by the tops at over 2000 fps.

"To track several objects that are moving or spinning very fast, simultaneously in real time, conventional systems use markers and QR codes. But this system doesn't use things like that, so the image processing load is much lighter. This enables the system to track faster objects. We think this technology could have a variety of applications."

"When you spin an actual top, if you touch it, it stops. But you can feel physical phenomena like gyro effects if you place a top on your hand or if you touch it. We think that's really interesting. So we've created this system to sustain that experience, letting you feel the forces in a top without touching it, and experience the interplay of forces."

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- Digital Contents Expo 2011

"We've nicknamed this the Flying Cushion. What we've done is, we've made a mobility aid that can move easily, by blowing in air from underneath to make it float slightly."

"People often use wheelchairs to move around indoors, but wheelchairs have quite high frictional resistance. Also, to move a wheelchair along a narrow corridor, you sometimes have to lift the rear wheels up. So, although wheelchairs are easy to use in nursing homes, they're a bit hard to use in ordinary houses. In a traditional Japanese lifestyle, many activities are done on the floor. So in Japan at present, everyday life is sometimes lived at floor level, rather than at wheelchair height. We wondered if we could create a mobility aid for use at floor level."

Because this machine substantially reduces friction with the ground, it can be moved backward and forward, or left and right, with just the push of a fingertip. It can carry a load of about 150 kg, so two adults can ride it easily.

"The bottom unit is manufactured overseas. It has about 3,000 small holes, through which air is blown lightly. This system of blowing air in is the opposite of a vacuum cleaner system. We've reconfigured existing products to suggest this system as a new commercial possibility."

"Here, we're demonstrating the machine using mains power rather than batteries, so lots of people can ride it. But older people sometimes find mains power easier to use, as keeping track of batteries can be bothersome. So we think it would be good if people plug this machine into a power outlet, just like using a vacuum cleaner."

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"What you can do with this telexistence robot is, you can see the things you usually see, even at a remote location. If you're a physician, for example, to examine a patient, you need to extend your hands. With this system, you have hands that you can move just like your own. You can also hear what's going on around you. Those are the first things we've achieved with this system. And now, as a feature of TELESAR V, we've added sensors that communicate what the robot's fingers are touching, and a system to feed the touch sensation back to the operator. This technology makes it possible to operate the robot as your avatar, and feel what you're touching, even if you're a long distance away."

The operator uses a 3D head mounted display which covers the entire field of view, to see exactly what the robot can see. The sense of touch, recorded using force vectors and temperature data obtained by the robot's sensors, is also transmitted to the operator allowing them to feel the shape and temperature of objects. Currently, the robot can recognize surface unevenness as fine as that on Lego blocks.

"The robot consists of a body, arms, and hands. The body has 7 degrees of freedom, the head has 8, and the arm joints have 7, like a person's arms. The robot's hands can't move as freely as a person's, but they do come very close, with 15 degrees of freedom."

"Our aim is to make it feel as if you're really in another place, and this is really your body, and to enable you to do the things you can with your own body."

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- Virtual Reality and Telexistence - Tachi Lab

"The system uses nearly 400 ultrasound speakers, each working with a different timing. This creates a focus through interference. The ultrasound focused at that one point produces enough force to push on the skin."

In this prototype, an ordinary pressure-sensitive touch-panel PC is used to detect the position and pressure of the pen tip. The ultrasound waves are designed to create a focus 15 cm from the touch display, and the strength of the tactile stimulus varies with the pressure from the pen tip.

"Currently, the ultrasound is focused into a 1 cm area, and the movement felt on the palm is about 1 mm. But we can improve that a lot."

"We wanted to make writing fun while it's actually happening. With calligraphy or a letter, the writing gets read after the writer has finished it. We wondered if we could transmit writing while it's being done, to make it more fun, or to communicate feelings. For example, with calligraphy, you could communicate the nuances of emotion. With a letter, when the writing is going fast, that communicates a certain feeling clearly, and if the writing comes to a halt, it might mean that the next thing written will be important."

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"At CEATEC this year, there are all kinds of glasses-free 3D displays. Most of them control light rays to make the picture look different depending on where you stand. And most of them use lenses to do that. But this display does it by using multiple layers. It forms images of objects at the front toward the front, and objects at the back toward the back. When objects at the front are in focus, those at the back are blurred, and when you're looking at objects at the back, those in front are blurred. So a feature of this display is that it reproduces focal depth."

Developed by a research group at Tsukuba University, this prototype display is available in two versions. In one version, the joins in the lens array are smooth, so that when you move your head, the picture appears smoothly continuous. This display has 76 viewpoints, reproducing natural motion parallax. The other version has 50 viewpoints and higher resolution, which is achieved by using lenses with non-aligned centers.

"Another feature of this display is that, while ordinary glasses-free 3D displays only have parallax horizontally, this one has, in the case of 50 viewpoints, 10 horizontally and 5 vertically. So the picture changes not only when you move horizontally, but also when you move vertically. In other words, a feature of this display is that you see a 3D picture even when you're lying down with your head horizontal."

"The resolution of this display is about 200 x 200, so it's not sufficient yet. But one feature of this system is that, if you don't have a single high-resolution panel, you can use an array of small panels, with lenses arranged so as to hide the bezels. Doing that costs money, but in principle, it isn't very difficult to increase the resolution."

The main application for this display is expected to be the picking up of objects by remotely operated robots, which requires depth to be shown accurately.

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- Visual Media Laboratory
- CEATEC JAPAN 2011

"The first feature I'd like to show you is the independent walking assistance. Even people with one leg paralyzed, due to a stroke or the like, retain the use of their groin muscles. So they can swing the leg forward. The amount of swinging motion depends on the wearer's intention. If the person wants to walk quickly, there's a lot of swinging, and if they want to walk slowly, there's less. And this is detected by a sensor on the thigh. There's also a load sensor on the sole of the foot, to detect when it touches the ground. The wearer's intention can be detected using just these two sensors."

The brace and backpack each weigh 3.5kg, with the backpack containing a battery and controller. When a commercial version is released, the weight of the backpack will be halved, so this part will fit into a waist pouch.

The automatic walking assist robot has also been used in tests to help with walking practice. By changing the support force as the patient recovers, this system can help people to practice walking naturally from the start.

In addition, Toyota is developing a balance training assist robot using its Winglet technology for personal mobility, and a robot that helps move people out of a bed and into a wheelchair.

"Moving someone onto the toilet used to require two people, but it can now be done by one person. We think this could reduce the burden on caregivers' backs, and also help patients feel more at ease."

Toyota aims to release all these robots from 2013 onward. Tests are underway, primarily on the safety aspects.

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"The Digital Comic Association was officially established in September 2006. One of our main themes is online business development. Naturally, we thought we'd need to communicate a variety of information worldwide as well as in Japan. So we've had the provision of digital comics overseas in mind right from the start.

First of all, our goal was to make Japanese manga widely known among English speakers. So far, manga have been popular not only in North America, but worldwide. However, with printed versions, the range of manga that are profitable commercially is limited to some extent. But Japanese manga are extremely diverse, so one of our main aims is to enable people to look at as many different genres as possible. In that sense, we'd like to present lots of Japanese manga that haven't been readily available before now."

JManga already offers over 100 titles, including selections in the Shonen, Shojo, Seinen, and Josei categories. Manga streaming is available for $1.20 per episode. The viewer system, with its ability to show individual frames and pages in line with a story, makes JManga very different from pirate sites.

"Whenever possible, we've included the ability to switch between Japanese and English in the viewer. A growing number of people from overseas study and work in Japan, and many people say that what got them interested in learning Japanese was manga and anime. We think it's very important to have text in both English and Japanese, so people in North America can learn Japanese while reading the manga, and get to know more about Japan and its culture."

"We need to have a lot of readers, so it's important for us to offer more titles, and to announce new ones at the right time. Old titles alone don't make for a very attractive site, so another of our aims is to offer new titles as quickly as possible. Also, as this is an English portal, most users will be in North America. But English also makes manga accessible to readers worldwide, so we expect to expand our target market."

JManga also plans to provide a full range of original content services unique to this official site, including author interviews and "behind-the-scenes" features on production.

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In this system, the presenter's gestures are detected using Kinect, and they directly manipulate objects on the slide, like text and graphics. Normally, if a presenter stands in front of the screen, part of it is hidden by their shadow, but with this system the objects are dynamically repositioned.

"In presentation environments until now, the presenter and screen have been separate, and when information is shown on the screen, the audience looks at the screen. The more detailed the presenter makes the slides, the more he or she loses the leading role. So we've brought the presenter and the screen together, enabling the presenter to take back the leading role."

"We've developed this using C# and the Kinect SDK, so it's not a PowerPoint-type environment. The image position coordinates are stored in Excel to give this kind of display."

This system lets presenters work with their content through the use of gestures and body langugage. It also enables presenters to emphasize text using gestures, and to push objects off the screen. The research group expect that this will make presentations more efficient, intuitive, and easy to understand.

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"We noticed that anamorphosis can be used to project data onto a 3D object, by placing a 3D object on 2D data. And we've developed an interactive system called Anamorphicons."

Unlike in ordinary mirror anamorphosis, in this system, the user rotates a cylindrical mirror on the iPad, so objects reflected in the mirror also rotate. This makes it easy to display content in 3D.

"There are two touch pens in this pillar. The top surface of the pillar is an aluminum plate, so it conducts electricity. The touch pens and the aluminum plate are connected by wiring inside, so the Anamorphicons are shown on the iPad while the user is touching the plate, it's just as if the user is touching the iPad with two fingers. The coordinates of two points on the bottom of the pillar are obtained by an iPad application. The coordinates of the pillar and the rotation angle are obtained relative to them, and the content is provided accordingly."

The pictures distorted by anamorphosis can be generated by converting them to polar coordinates using image processing software. Here, the screen is switching among 70 pictures of an object from different angles, which are all converted to polar coordinates and rotated in the mirror.

"Looking at objects in an online shopping catalog through 360 degrees can already be done with Flash. But that's 2D, so I think it can be hard to truly get a feel of the item. Now, we can project information onto 3D objects, and let users manipulate them by hand in a tangible fashion. So we think this system could be used to make shopping sites more user-friendly."

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