Official Author

児玉 勇（Yu Kodama）

The Cutting-Edge Robotics Company, FANUC This video, titled "FANUC Product Introduction (Full Version) 2020" (ファナック 商品紹介（フルバージョン） 2020), was uploaded by "FANUC CORPORATION." Have you heard of the robotics company FANUC? FANUC is a Japanese electrical equipment manufacturer that ranks first in the world in sales of robots and peripheral machine products for factory automation equipment. They're located in Oshinomura(忍野村,Oshinomura), Minamitsuru Ward(南都留郡,Minamitsurugun), Yamanashi Prefecture(山梨県,Yamanashiken). FANUC was the first manufacturer to successfully develop Japan's first numerical control device (NC) in 1956, and since then has continued to supply CNC equipment and robots for machine tools worldwide. The name FANUC has grown into an international brand thanks to its advanced technology and service. In this article, we'll introduce a number of exciting and futuristic factory automation products that FANUC will release in 2020! FANUC's CNC Series Source :YouTube screenshot FANUC’s CNC series is a vital product group that serves as the core of its FA products. The world-class CNC series, that increases productivity in manufacturing, uses an interface called iHMI, shown at 1:09 in the video, which is equipped with a high-quality AI that allows users to intuitively manipulate high-level production functions and simultaneous sharing of information regarding maintenance through networking. The FANUC servo motor offers a diverse lineup of motors that meet the needs of a wide range of customers, from small to large, and provides a comfortable manufacturing environment with excellent operability and easy maintenance. The Manufacturing Functions of FANUC Source :YouTube screenshot FANUC's products, which can be seen at 1:40 have earned a worldwide reputation for their machining performance. Even flat surface machining and shaping of complex shaped molds can be done at high speed and with high precision. AI servo tuning uses AI to automate the technology that skilled craftsmen have developed through experience. You can see the AI feed-forward tuning in progress at 3:03 in the video. In addition, the combination of CNC, servo motors, and robots makes it easy to perform complex laser engraving, metal cutting, and welding processes. About the FANUC robots introduced in the video Source :YouTube screenshot FANUC has a wide range of robots in its robot lineup, ranging from a 500 gram payload robot to a large robot with a payload of over 2.3 tons. These can be seen at 4:52 in the video. Cumulative production of FANUC robots has exceeded 640,000 units, making it the world's top producer of robots. Robomachines, its bestselling product so far, is yellow, FANUC’s brand color, but its new series, shown at 6:57, features a green color scheme and is a cooperative robot that stops moving when touched by a person. The Collaborative Robot provides a barrier-free environment for humans and robots to work together, helping to significantly improve workflow. Machines such as spot welding robots, arc welding robots, SCARA robots, handling robots, and Robodrills that incorporate high-precision vision sensors shown at 7:33 and force sensors shown at 7:51, can learn and manufacture products at higher speeds and with greater precision through the introduction of AI functionality. Summary of the Advanced Robotics Company, FANUC Although people tend to think of FA machines and robots as products for large factories, FANUC provides FA products for small and medium-sized companies as well. Its products can be operated via a tablet terminal interface and can be moved by AGVs and dollies. FANUC prides itself on its safe design, and its collaborative robots boast a safety design that does not require protective measures even in small work spaces, as they stop safely when touched by a person. The Japanese manufacturing industry is comprised of nearly 90% small and medium-sized enterprises. FANUC’s FA machines such as its small production processing machine, Roboshot and Robonano are bringing an industrial revolution to modern machining. 【Official Homepage】FANUC CORPORATION https://www.fanuc.co.jp/eindex.html

The Asteroid Surveying Spacecraft "Hayabusa 2" This video, titled "「Hayabusa 2」CG Conceptual Video of Touchdown/"Hayabusa2" CG Animation"（「はやぶさ2」タッチダウン想像図CG/"Hayabusa2" CG Animation), was released by "Jaxa | Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency." “Hayabusa 2,” introduced in the video, is an asteroid surveying spacecraft developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA as a successor to the spacecraft “Hayabusa.” This video introduces JAXA’s CG video of Hayabusa 2 touching down on the asteroid Ryugu and retrieving a surface sample. It's only a conceptual video; however, the plan of Hayabusa 2’s touchdown is visualized in an easy-to-understand manner. The basic settings and touchdown methods of the “Hayabusa 2” are the same as its predecessor, Hayabusa; however, the spacecraft has been significantly improved and the ion engine and antenna surroundings have been greatly augmented. The news that this groundbreaking mission was successful also attracted a lot of attention around the world. Incidentally, “Hayabusa” is also used as the project name for JAXA’s asteroid survey project. The Touchdown of Hayabusa 2 Source :YouTube screenshot The first “Hayabusa” mission’s goal was to bring back rock samples from asteroids for the first time ever. The mission succeeded, and the return of “Hayabusa” received praise from all around the world; in Japan, it received so much attention that it was made into a movie. Whereas the first Hayabusa was an experimental machine, Hayabusa 2, shown in the footage, collected samples from the surface of an asteroid which has organic matter and water on it. And the developmental process differs from its predecessor in that it was designed to collect surface samples from an asteroid with organic matter and water to obtain clues about the existence of rare metals and the mystery of the birth of life. The survey plan of the “Hayabusa 2” was also carefully scheduled. The “Hayabusa 2” was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center Large Rocket Launch Site in 2014 to coincide with the timing of when the asteroid Ryugu would be closest to the Earth. Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from 1:09 in the video, once the spacecraft has come into the closest proximity with the asteroid Ryugu, they first launch an impactor command with the goal of creating a crater on the surface of Ryugyu to make it easier for Hayabusa 2 to land. This impactor command was named "Explorer" after the world’s first satellite series. Hayabusa 2 will attempt to touch down after taking rock samples scattered in the vicinity during the second Explorer launch. A small rover was also placed on the asteroid Ryugu, which collected as many surface samples as possible after touchdown and returned to Earth by fully autonomous operation. Summary of Hayabusa 2's Touchdown Mission Source :YouTube screenshot The Ryugu project was featured on NHK as a special program and was also broadcast overseas. It was very well received abroad, and managed to attract attention from all over the world. The success of Hayabusa 2's touchdown mission is said to be an incredible feat. You can see the details on JAXA’s official website. 【Official Website】JAXA Hayabusa 2 Project http://www.hayabusa2.jaxa.jp/en/

Japan’s Cutting-Edge AI Technologies Contribute to an Aging Society This video is titled "A New Aging Society Led by Japanese Technology" (日本のテクノロジーが導く新しい高齢化社会). It introduces Japan's response to an aging society using cutting-edge technology. It was released by the“Foreign Ministry / MOFA”. Currently, Japan is said to be one of the most aging societies in the world. However, an aging society is not an issue unique to Japan, but a problem growing worldwide. Living a long, healthy life and increasing opportunities to participate in society is a very important theme when faced with an aging society. In this article, we'll introduce some cutting-edge technologies in Japan that the public and private sectors are developing together. NEC the WISE: An AI Technology Adapting to an Aging Society Source :YouTube screenshot The AI technology shown in the video at 0:32 is called “NEC the WISE.” In the video, NEC Director Fellow Katsumi Emura says “the problem is not the aging society itself, but how to adapt to an aging society, so that people can live long, healthy, fulfilling lives.” In light of the global trend toward an aging society, NEC is focused on developing and providing solutions that can be used to predict and prevent various diseases. That's what the AI technology, “NEC the WISE,” is all about. If we can prevent people from getting sick as they get older, it means that people will still be able to participate in society in good health as they age. In today's society where we are told that we have 100 years to live, "retirement in our 60s" is too early. If it becomes the norm for people to remain healthy and active past 60, we will no longer be able to call it an "aging society." HAL Lumbar Support: An AI Technology That Addresses the Declining Birthrate and Aging Population Source :YouTube screenshot With Japan's declining birthrate and aging population, the age of caregivers, whose job it is to care for the sick and elderly, is increasing every year. The "HAL Lumber Support" project, which can be seen at 1:02 in the video, is a project to introduce nursing care robots to reduce the physical burden on caregivers in the nursing care industry. The video introduces AI technology that places an assistive robot suit on a caregiver's waist and receives biopotential signals emitted by the brain and transmits them to the power-assist suit to reduce the strain on the back and lower body. This is an AI technology that can be applied patient side as well. In addition, because HAL is an artificial intelligence (AI) equipped support robot, repeated use of the robot helps it learn how neurotransmission works and can assist in walking more efficiently. It's not just a robot that moves according to commands, it's an autonomous machine that learns on its own, meaning that the cyborg robots you see in science fiction movies are already a reality. These mechanized technologies are collectively referred to as Hybrid Assistive Limb” (HAL). Summary of Japan's Cutting-Edge AI Technology and Measures for an Aging Society As seen at the end of the video from 1:30, Japan’s cutting-edge technology “HAL” is already being applied to medical technology in Malaysia. It is believed that increased social participation opportunities for the elderly with the help of autonomous robots will increase the well-being of society. It'll be interesting to see what Japan, the superpower of robots, has to offer in the future. 【Official Website】Cutting-Edge AI Technologies – NEC the WISE - : Solution/ Service | NEC https://www.nec.com/

iPS Cells: The World's Leading Regenerative Medicine This is a video released in 2018 by the "Hitachi Brand Channel" that introduces the efforts of Japanese company Hitachi Kobe Lab, in Regenerative Medicine using iPS cells. Speaking of regenerative medicine, the 3D iPS cell culture method invented by Professor Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University's Institute for iPS Cell Research and Development won the Nobel Prize in 2012, and it has become a hot topic of conversation. So what is this regenerative medicine? We'll give you a rundown. Photo：Research Regenerative Medicine is a technique that reanimates cells in areas damaged (or lost) by illness or injury. This has made it possible to treat incurable diseases that are difficult to treat with current medicine. Professor Yamanaka had been studying regenerative medicine for some time, but in contrast to the conventional method which required the use of fertilized eggs, human iPS cells, which can be cultured from a sterile egg, solved the ethical issues and attracted attention as a new dawn in medical technology. However, iPS cells have weaknesses. It is difficult to stabilize the quality of iPS cells and to mass-produce them. Maintaining the sterility of the lab was a critical challenge for culturing stable, quality iPS cells, especially since they are less resistant to bacteria. The Future of Hitachi's Regenerative Medicine, Opened up by Open Innovation Source :YouTube screenshot Due to the difficulty of culturing iPS cells, Hitachi began development of Automated Cell Culture Equipment for iPS cells through joint research with Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma. Currently, Hitachi, Ltd. and Hitachi Chemical are also participating in the research and have been successful in producing reputable induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). The greatest benefit of open innovation is that, rather than a single company monopolizing research, specialists in each field, with their own specialties, can come together to conduct research and development without being bound by interests. The services and products, created through the combined strength of the Hitachi Group's technology and Japan's top minds, will continue to lead the world's medical infrastructure in the future. The Automated Cell Culture Equipment for iPS cells is one such development. The Regenerative Medicine that Hitachi is currently working on is said to be second-generation, but if it can incorporate AI technology and achieve more stable iPS cell culturing, it's possible to break through to third-generation regenerative medicine technology and raise hopes in the future, as it could be applied to the treatment of other incurable diseases. Summary of Hitachi Kobe Lab's Regenerative Medicine Research

Japan: One of the World’s Leading Countries When It Comes to Longevity Japan is famous world-wide for its longevity. In this video, the woman introduced is 116-year-old Tanaka Kane, the current record-holder for the world’s oldest living person. She hails from Kyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City. In March 2019, Tanaka Kane was recognized as the world’s oldest living person by the Guinness World Records. On Respect for the Aged Day (September 21st), the governor of Fukuoka Prefecture, Ogawa Hiroshi (小川洋, Ogawa Hiroshi), presented her with well-wishes and an award. This scene was captured in the video “「力をみんなに」と田中カ子さん 世界最高齢の116歳祝われ”, which we'll be introducing in this article. What's the Secret Behind Tanaka Kane’s Lasting Vigor? Source :YouTube screenshot Currently, Tanaka Kane is living in a senior citizens’ home. She was born in 1903 (year 36 of the Meiji era), as the seventh of nine siblings. As seen from 0:45 in the video, even now, she is filled with vigor and energetically answers questions from the media. When asked what she would like to do or challenge from now on, Tanaka Kane’s reply was, “I want to provide strength to everyone”. She would like to share the vigor and energy which has accompanied her this far, and live each day with gratefulness in her heart. Tanaka Kane's Bout With Cancer Source :YouTube screenshot Although she is the world’s oldest living person now, when she was younger (in her forties), she suffered from pancreatic cancer, and again from colorectal cancer when she was 103 years old. Cancer is the number-one medical cause of death in Japan. Though she had to go through painful treatments, she managed to overcome her illness and become the oldest living person in the world today. This woman who wants to provide the people around her with energy and joy is more than a match for the younger generation. For all illnesses, not only cancer, the most important thing is early detection and early treatment. Summary of Tanaka Kane's Award Ceremony Japan, famed for its longevity, has had many residents recognized as the oldest living person in the world by the Guinness World Records. The resident who achieved this record in 2019 is Tanaka Kane.

About the Edo Sashimono Introductory Video This video, titled "Edo Sashimono, Traditional Furniture Made Without Using Nails - Tokyo Craftsman" (釘を使わない伝統の家具 東京職人「江戸指物」), was released by "Kyodo News." In Japan, there is a traditional way of building, creating furniture, and woodworking without using a single nail. This woodworking technique is called "sashimono" and has a long history dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185). Professionals who build Japanese shrines are called Kudenshi (宮殿師, "Buddhist altar craftsmen") or Miyadaiku (宮大工, temple carpenters), and it is said that the methods for crafting Edo Sashimono were inherited from these craftsmen. The origin of the name "sashimono" comes from fitting wood together (指, "sashi" means "put into"). You can see the female Edo Sashimono furniture craftsman "Motoko Kawauchi," who works at a workshop in Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa, Tokyo, in the video, carefully carving the mortice and tenon so that the dresser can be put together tightly. One can see that when the boards are put together, they fit together in a very satisfying way, creating a sturdy dresser. You can see a close look at the mortises at 1:02 in the video. Traditional Sashimono Craftsman Source :YouTube screenshot Unlike ordinary furniture craftsmen, Edo Sashimono, which is inherited from the advanced woodworking techniques of traditional Japanese craftsmen, the people who specialize in this are called "Sashimonoshi" (指物師). The history of the sashimonoshi is long, and it is said that it was during the Muromachi Period (1336-1573) that the techniques began to be passed down for a profession. The main crafts of Edo Sashimono consists of chests and shelves. Since ancient times, sashimono were used by noble houses and aristocrats in Kyoto and in the Edo Period (1603-1868), when they became the purveyors to the Tokugawa Shogunate, many sashimono craftsmen were invited to Edo, and the furniture they made became so popular that it became indispensable to samurai life. Many Edo sashimonoshi lived in the current Taito Ward, which was lined with daimyo residences. From the remnants of those days, Edo Sashimono workshops are still concentrated around Tokyo's Taito Ward. Characteristics of the Edo Sashimono, a Traditional Japanese Craft Source :YouTube screenshot The characteristic of Edo Sashimono is the texture of woodwork furniture that makes the best use of the beauty of the wood grain. Also, because no nails are used, the appearance is clean and beautiful, and you can see from the video that the craftsmanship is utilized on all parts of the furniture. Edo Sashimono carves mortises and tenons so that the wooden joints cannot be seen from the outside when putting them together, because of this, the less you can see them, the higher the level of craftsmanship. Looking at the finished product of Edo Sashimono, you can see a glimpse of the simple and sturdy spirit of the craftsmen of the Edo Period. As shown at the end of the video, when you press one drawer, a different drawer pops out; which is evidence that the inside of the chest is very airtight because the wooden joints fit tightly together. The mortises are carved in such a way that if you put something in a drawer, the weight of it will prevent it from popping out. Edo sashimono craftsmen have passed down the traditional Japanese techniques to the present, from the selection of mulberry, zelkova, and paulownia wood to methods for assembling different pieces. You can see the beautiful completed wardrobe, like a work of art, from 3:03 in the video. Summary of Edo Sashimono, a Traditional Japanese Craft Source :YouTube screenshot In this article, we introduced Edo Sashimono, a traditional Japanese craft, alongside the video. When you go sightseeing in Japan, consider checking out an Edo Sashimono Exhibition and experiencing Edo Sashimono and the craftsmanship of traditional Japanese culture! 【Official Website】Edo Sashimono - Traditional Crafts | Taito Ward Official Traditional Crafts Site https://craft.city.taito.lg.jp/craft/893/