Progress of technological development in the medium-term business plan

We have been implementing a new mid-term management plan since FY2023, and this fiscal year is particularly significant as it is the second year of the plan. The current medium-term business plan focuses on two key objectives: “strengthening technological development to expand our core businesses” and “preparing technology for future growth”. In particular, we have long utilized manufacturing technologies as a manufacturer. Our efforts to prepare for future growth have centered on evolving these technologies and contributing to next-generation manufacturing. One example of these efforts is “biomanufacturing”. Biomanufacturing is a methodology for synthesizing materials from non-fossil-derived raw materials by utilizing microorganisms. This has attracted attentions as a next-generation manufacturing around the world.

 

Biomanufacturing as next-generation manufacturing

In the field of biomanufacturing, we have established the bioprocess technology cooperative research laboratory with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). This laboratory research a series of advanced biotechnologies, such as microbial cultivation, separation, and purification. We could contribute to solve issues in biomanufacturing by leveraging our expertise in manufacturing technology. Especially, by harnessing our sophisticated measurement technologies and system-building technologies, it would become possible to stabilize and expand the scale of production. For example, we could apply sensing and AI technologies to identify smart cells, which can produce chemicals suited for mass production and optimize cultivation conditions. These applications would contribute to the stabilization and cost reduction of biomanufacturing.

 

Preparation for growth through technology integration

We continue to develop technologies for future growth. Over our 150-year history, we have accumulated expertise in materials, imaging, optics, and nano-fabrication technologies as core technologies. We will continuously develop highly competitive technologies by integrating these core technologies or advanced technologies, including AI technologies. One example is our unique sensing technology, the Fluorescent Analysis with Inductive Recognition System (FLAIRS), it can identify and predict the property and condition of substances by analyzing the complex optical pattern changes that are caused by interaction between multiple dye molecules and analytes. These integrations are not limited to the latest technologies. We also integrate natural phenomena with our technologies for creating new technologies and preparing future growth. For example, by imitating the surface structure of lotus leaves, we have created microstructure that realizes super-hydrophobic surfaces.

 

This fiscal year’s technology report

This technology report includes articles on the abovementioned FLAIRS and image analysis technology for biomanufacturing. Additionally, the report also includes AI applications in each business field, such as chest X-ray diagnosis in the healthcare field and the resin molding field. Furthermore, this report introduces our fundamental technologies as well as technologies for sustainable growth, including inkjet, sensing, and optical film technologies.

 

Conclusions

This fiscal year was significant in terms of “preparing technology for future growth” as the second year of the medium-term business plan. These technologies are still in their early stages. The seeds of the growth have just sprouted. The goal of the preparing technology is contribution to society and business growth. We remain committed to these efforts.