JTW Digest, April 4, 2024

Author

Eldar Syzdykov
April 04, 2024

The Resurgence of HDDs: A Boost for Sony, Nitto Denko, and the Tech Industry

HDD technology is experiencing a revival, driven by its increasing role in data centers.

The capacity of HDDs is projected to double, reaching 5TB per disk by 2028, benefiting companies like Sony.

Seagate's heat-assisted recording (HAMR) technology is pivotal in this growth, enhancing storage density.

Japan's Major Investment in Semiconductor Industry: A Strategic Move for Economic Security

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is investing 590 billion yen in Rapidus for next-gen semiconductor development.

This additional funding brings the total support to nearly 1 trillion yen, aiming to boost Japan's global competitiveness in this critical sector.

The investment reflects the strategic importance of semiconductors in global tech and economic security, amidst growing demand and geopolitical tensions.

SoftBank Opens Wireless Power Transfer Lab, Inviting Ideas for Powering IoT Devices with Radio Waves

SoftBank has launched a "Wireless Power Transfer Lab" that demonstrates technology for wirelessly powering devices using radio waves over a distance. The lab is being opened to the public in 2024 to solicit ideas and foster open innovation around this technology. 

The spatial transmission method used sends radio waves (microwaves) like a mobile base station to power devices within the range of the waves. It can integrate with mobile base stations to charge devices nearby wirelessly.

The initial target is IoT devices like sensors, which are expected to proliferate with AI and digital twins. Wirelessly powering these devices eliminates the need for batteries and associated replacement/charging costs.

At the lab, visitors can try the technology using the approved 920MHz band. Demonstrations show existing button battery-powered devices like temperature sensors and Apple's AirTag working without batteries by receiving power from the radio wave transmissions.

While currently limited to around 1mW power for simple devices, SoftBank sees opportunities to enable higher power capabilities in the future through advanced beamforming to avoid the human body. The key advantage over solar is not being affected by environmental conditions.

AIST Develops Highly Elastic and Durable Silicone Polymer for Vibration-Absorbing Adhesives

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has developed a modified silicone polymer with enhanced elasticity and durability through joint research with AGC. This new material can be used as a raw material to produce elastic adhesives capable of absorbing vibration energy and withstanding stretching fatigue.

The key innovation lies in using a catalyst mixture of a carboxylic acid compound with carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds and an industrial platinum catalyst for the silylation reaction. This increases the terminal silylation rate of the polyoxyalkylene polymer to over 95% while reducing the required catalyst amount to just 5 ppm of the raw material.

Tensile testing showed the cured modified silicone polymer exhibited 30% improved modulus performance at 50% elongation compared to conventional products. This enables the adhesive to maintain its shape even under strong vibrations, contributing to higher functionality and durability.

The main applications targeted are adhesives and sealants for construction and vehicle materials. AGC has begun sample work and aims to establish mass production technology to commercialize the product within a few years, leveraging the vibration-absorbing and fatigue-resistant properties of this newly developed silicone polymer.

Zeon and Romero Britto Unveil World's First Artworks with Counterfeit-Preventing Material

Zeon Corporation, in collaboration with world-renowned pop artist Romero Britto, has unveiled the world's first artworks incorporating Zeon's unique new material that prevents counterfeiting. Five of Britto's works, incorporating the innovative "broadband cholesteric liquid crystal material," were revealed at his solo exhibition "Be happy!" in Japan.

The new material exhibits visually striking effects, appearing visible or invisible when viewed through polarized glasses, and displaying different patterns on the front and back sides by reflecting light in specific ways. Crucially, it enables viewers to verify the authenticity of the artwork, addressing the issue of counterfeiting.

Britto expressed enthusiasm for integrating this new technology into his art, stating that it provides collectors with peace of mind by allowing easy distinction between genuine and counterfeit works, even after the artist's lifetime. He highlighted the material's potential for application in sculptures and curved surfaces in addition to flat artworks.

Zeon's Executive Officer Masao Akasaka emphasized the honor of having their new material featured in Britto's works, fusing art and chemical materials to create an unprecedented expression method. He hopes the exhibition will raise awareness about the material's ability to prevent counterfeiting and unlock new value through innovative applications.

Both Zeon and Britto underscored the importance of authenticating artworks and highlighted the new material's innovative solution, enabling artists to deliver genuine pieces and collectors to enjoy artworks with confidence in their authenticity.

Global Market Share Report on Artificial Intelligence Applications for Smart Cities in 2024

YH Research Co., Ltd. has published a research report titled "Market Share and Ranking of Top Companies in Artificial Intelligence Applications for Global Smart Cities 2024." This comprehensive report provides insights into the global market for artificial intelligence (AI) applications in smart cities, including product definitions, classifications, applications, company profiles, and industry chain structure.

Key Findings:

1. Market Size and Growth: The global market for AI applications in smart cities is expected to grow from USD million in 2023 to USD million in 2030, with a projected CAGR of % between 2024 and 2030.

2. Company Market Share and Rankings: The report offers detailed information on sales, prices, market shares, and company rankings for AI application companies in smart cities globally, from 2019 to 2024. This data helps companies understand their competitiveness and develop market strategies.

3. Regional Analysis: The report analyzes market demand distribution, consumption patterns, and demand structures across major consumption regions for AI applications in smart cities worldwide. This information guides product positioning and market expansion strategies.

4. Production Regions: By examining the production capacity, volume, and year-on-year growth rates of major production regions for AI applications in smart cities, the report provides insights for production planning and supply chain management.

5. Industry Chain Analysis: Through an analysis of upstream, midstream, and downstream industries, the report helps companies understand the positioning of each industry in the AI applications for smart cities ecosystem.

AI Enhances Low-Dose CT Image Quality, Enabling Significant Radiation Exposure Reduction

Researchers from Hosei University and Juntendo University have demonstrated the effectiveness of using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve image quality in sparse projection computed tomography (CT), a technique that reduces the number of projection data used to create CT images, thereby significantly lowering radiation exposure.

Key highlights:

1. CT examinations account for the majority of medical radiation exposure, necessitating dose reduction techniques.

2. Sparse projection CT can substantially decrease radiation dose by reducing the amount of projection data captured, but this introduces significant artifacts (distortions) that degrade image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

3. The researchers used AI to correct these artifacts in sparse projection CT images, created through a unique simulation, and evaluated the performance of three AI learning models: autoencoder (AE), U-net, and conditional generative adversarial networks (CGAN).

4. While all three models reduced artifacts, CGAN proved most effective in improving CT image quality while preserving minute structures like blood vessels and bones, albeit with some deformation.

5. The study demonstrates the potential of AI to enhance low-dose CT image quality, paving the way for significant radiation exposure reduction during CT examinations.

6. Future work involves testing the approach on cone beam CT systems, like those used in radiation therapy, which can acquire sparse projection data, bringing the technology closer to clinical application.

CyberneX's Earphone-Type EEG Unlocks Hidden Insights with Brain Wave Analysis

CyberneX has introduced an innovative earphone-type electroencephalogram (EEG) device called "XHOLOS Ear Brain Interface," enabling effortless and accurate brain wave measurement. Available in over-the-ear and stick-on versions, this wearable EEG technology removes the need for cumbersome gel-based setups and allows for seamless recording even during movement or in power-scarce environments.

By leveraging AI, CyberneX's software can extract valuable insights from the acquired brain wave data, revealing individuals' subconscious preferences and responses. This capability finds applications in diverse areas, such as optimizing music for concentration, identifying relaxing aromas, and quantifying relaxation levels during therapeutic treatments.

CyberneX offers a relaxation level measurement service that combines the earphone-type EEG with a dedicated app, enabling companies to assess and compare the relaxation effects of their products or services. Relaxation salons can also leverage real-time brain wave analysis to deliver more effective treatments tailored to individual responses.

The "XHOLOS Free" variant features a sticker-type EEG sensor that can be worn behind the ear, allowing for unobstructed conversation during measurement. The "XHOLOS Sounds" model integrates music playback and microphone capabilities alongside brain wave monitoring.

CyberneX's software includes comparison mode for visualizing differences between brain wave patterns, recommendation mode for suggesting top products based on measurements, and a ChatGPT-4-powered feature that provides easy-to-understand explanations of the results.

By harnessing the power of brain wave analysis through its innovative earphone-type EEG technology, CyberneX is unlocking new avenues for personalized experiences, product optimization, and enhanced well-being, enabling businesses and individuals to tap into previously inaccessible insights.

AromaJoin's "Aroma Shooter" Brings Scent to Digital Experiences

AromaJoin has developed an innovative "Aroma Shooter" device that can accurately reproduce and synchronize scents with digital content such as videos and music, creating immersive multi-sensory experiences. The device utilizes unique aroma cartridges that can switch between scents in just 0.1 seconds, spraying scents 450 times more than traditional aroma oils.

The latest model, "Aroma Shooter 3," measures 50cm wide and can project scents up to 2 meters away, with an optimal range extended from 30cm to 1 meter. Additionally, AromaJoin has introduced the "Aroma Shooter Wearable 3," a neck-worn variant designed for seamless integration with extended reality (XR) experiences, including virtual reality (VR) headsets and head-mounted displays (HMDs).

In conjunction with a dedicated app, users can create custom scent blends by combining the six installed cartridges and adjusting parameters like concentration levels and air volume. This allows for precise control over scent emission, enabling creators to craft intricate olfactory experiences synchronized with their digital content.

When paired with a YouTube video, the "Aroma Shooter" demonstrated its ability to rapidly switch scents in sync with scene changes, providing an immersive multi-sensory experience. The strength of the scent can be controlled through air flow, with boosted scents delivering a deep, powerful aroma.

As digital signage and virtual environments become more prevalent, AromaJoin's "Aroma Shooter" technology opens up new possibilities for enhanced sensory experiences. Imagine smelling a character's signature scent in a VR chat or experiencing the aroma of shampoo when interacting with a virtual avatar, creating multi-sensory memories that blend the digital and physical realms.

“RiceResin": The Biomass Plastic Made from Rice, Reviving Agriculture

Biomass Resin Holdings has developed "RiceResin," an innovative biomaterial derived from rice, addressing the issue of abandoned farmlands in Japan while promoting sustainable agriculture. With a decline in domestic rice production, the area of abandoned farmland has expanded to nearly twice the size of Tokyo, posing a serious challenge.

"RiceResin" offers a solution by utilizing non-edible rice as a raw material for producing biomass plastic. The company's primary goal is to support the agricultural community by providing an alternative income stream through rice cultivation on abandoned lands.

Executive Officer Shinji Okuda emphasizes their commitment to reviving the industry, particularly in areas like Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, which was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Since 2019, they have been expanding their rice cultivation efforts, aiming to reach 10,000 hectares of cultivated land by 2025, using the harvested rice as the raw material for "RiceResin."

"RiceResin" has already found commercial applications, with Daiso selling measuring spoons, rice scoops, and measuring cups made from the material for 110 yen each. Additionally, an afternoon tea brand has launched a lunch box containing 10% "RiceResin," and Shimizu Shoji has introduced the "Howari" series of tableware made from the material.

Furthermore, Biomass Resin Holdings is developing "Neoryza," a biodegradable plastic derived from rice. Scheduled for launch in Japan in 2025, "Neoryza" is being tested for use in garbage bags and agricultural materials. By using "Neoryza" for mulch films in fields, the need for stripping and disposing of the films after use is eliminated, reducing processing costs. Sanyo Chemical is also working on a biodegradable fertilizer coating using "Neoryza" to address the issue of fertilizer coating being washed away and polluting rivers and oceans.

Through the development of "RiceResin" and "Neoryza," Biomass Resin Holdings aims to revive the agricultural industry, promote sustainable practices, and create value from non-edible rice, demonstrating the potential of biomaterials in addressing environmental and economic challenges.

Innovating Agriculture: Endophyte's Breakthrough with Symbiotic Microorganisms for Plant Growth

Endophyte, a company named after symbiotic microorganisms that live within plants, is set to revolutionize agriculture with its innovative product: potting soil and seedlings infused with Dark-septate endophyte (DSE). These microorganisms enhance plants' stress tolerance, boost nutrient absorption, and cut down CO2 emissions in soil. By incorporating DSE into seedling cultivation soil, plants become more resilient to adverse conditions, require less fertilizer and pesticide, and contribute to soil regeneration. This approach aligns with global sustainability goals, offering a promising solution to the escalating issue of soil degradation. Scheduled for commercial release in 2025, Endophyte's technology paves the way for sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly farming practices, addressing the urgent need for soil conservation and healthier crop production.