JTW Digest, April 2, 2024

Author

Eldar Syzdykov
April 02, 2024

Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Launch Joint Venture to Innovate in Power Generation

Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have initiated a strategic partnership to merge their power-generator system businesses into a new joint venture named Mitsubishi Generator. This significant move, effective from April 2024, aligns with the growing global demand for electricity and the urgent need to transition to carbon-neutral energy sources. The collaboration aims to enhance their market competitiveness by combining their technological assets and expertise in power generation.

The joint venture, Mitsubishi Generator, commences operations with a clear focus on contributing to a carbon-neutral society.

Mitsubishi Electric holds a 51% stake in the venture, while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries owns the remaining 49%.

The integration reflects the companies' commitment to addressing climate change and the increasing demand for innovative energy solutions, especially in emerging economies.

The new entity will explore advancements in carbon-free fuels like hydrogen and ammonia while supporting the transition from traditional thermal power generation.

With around 850 employees, Mitsubishi Generator is set to become a key player in the global energy sector, driven by its mission to "Generate Our Future."

Japanese SMEs Cautious Yet Optimistic About AI Integration

A survey conducted by Barracuda Networks Japan highlights the ambivalent stance of Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) towards the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite recognizing AI's potential to enhance operational efficiency and customer insight acquisition, a significant portion of these companies remain hesitant to fully integrate AI technologies.

The survey targeted IT professionals within SMEs, ranging from 50 to 200 employees, to gauge their perceptions and usage of AI.

A notable 62% of SMEs reported they do not employ generative AI at a company level, though individual employees might use such technologies independently.

In contrast, a strong majority (76%) acknowledged the benefits of AI, particularly in boosting operational efficiency and improving the collection of customer insights, which are vital for business development and market analysis.

Concerns primarily revolve around issues related to security and a lack of comprehensive knowledge about AI, reflecting a cautious approach toward its implementation.

Toyoda Gosei's Innovative Hydrogen Tanks Power Passenger Ship

Toyoda Gosei's high-pressure hydrogen tanks, developed alongside Toyota Motor Corporation, are now being utilized on a passenger ship, marking a significant step in diversifying the application of hydrogen fuel technology. This initiative, part of a collaboration with MOTENA-Sea, aims to foster the use of hydrogen across various mobility forms, contributing to a sustainable energy future.

Launching the AI-RAN Alliance: Pioneering the Next-Generation Telecommunications with AI

SoftBank Corp. has established the "AI-RAN Alliance" with key players in telecommunications, AI industries, and academia to innovate a new AI-powered communications platform. This initiative was unveiled at MWC Barcelona 2024, attracting significant attention with demonstrations of the AI-RAN technology, which combines AI and radio access networks to enhance base station efficiency for the upcoming Beyond 5G/6G era.

The alliance, featuring major entities like Amazon Web Services, NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Nokia, aims to foster an open ecosystem to leverage AI for improving global mobile network efficiency and unlocking new business avenues. This collaborative effort seeks to integrate AI into telecommunications, driving research, development, and the practical application of AI technologies in the industry.

Toyota Unveils Advanced Development Center in Aichi with World-Class Test Courses

Toyota Motor Corp celebrated the inauguration of its new development base, Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

The center is situated in a mountainous region, encompassing the cities of Toyota and Okazaki, and features 12 test courses inspired by the challenging Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

Aimed at advancing the development of Lexus luxury and GR sports vehicles, the center spans 650 hectares and is a short drive from Toyota's headquarters, enhancing collaboration and research efficiency.

Operational since April 2019 with certain tracks, the center also includes a unique circuit area that began functioning in October 2021, simulating various global road conditions to test vehicles comprehensively.

Recent completions at the center include facilities for car evaluations and visitor engagement, marking a significant step forward in Toyota's vehicle development capabilities.