Science & Technology News from Japan - International Relations

Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft
Confédération suisse
Confederazione Svizzera
Confederaziun svizra
Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
State Secretariat for Education and Research SER
Automated Recycling Technology For Vehicle Fenders
(March 23, 2009)
Mazda Motor Corp. has developed an automated recycling technology to enhance the process it uses to recycle
used fenders into raw plastic resin for the manufacture of new fenders. The new technology is the first to enable
the recycling of fenders made by different manufacturers at the same time and it significantly increases recycling
efficiency by automating processes to remove metal attachments. The new technology employs a machine similar
those used for processing chemicals such as rubber and plastics and foodstuffs such as grain.
New All-Electric Vehicle Tested In San Diego
(March 24, 2009)
Renault-Nissan and San Diego Gas & Electric Co. announced a deal to deploy Nissan's new all-electric vehicle on
the roads in San Diego before it hits the consumer market. The utility plans to lease 15 to 20 and urge its customers
-- private, public and military -- to consider switching to electric vehicles. Nissan has reached similar agreements
with Sonoma County, Oregon, Tucson and Tennessee. San Diego G&E is also exploring the idea of building
charging stations at convenient spots. At the moment, charging the lithium-ion battery from a standard 220-volt line
takes between four and eight hours. The goal is to bring the battery to 80% capacity in 26 minutes.
Two Redevelopment Projects In Tokyo
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government approved two large redevelopment projects. In the Kita
Shinagawa district, seven high-rises, including a 143m office and condominium tower, will be
built along the Meguro River east of JR Osaki Station. This is one of the largest projects approved
in a specially designated Tokyo redevelopment area. Mitsui Fudosan Co., Taisei
Corp. and other contractors will take part in the project. In the Otemachi district, Urban
Renaissance Agency and Mitsubishi Estate Co. plan to build a 177m, 35-story building on a
site now occupied by Keidanren Kaikan and JA Building, both of which are relocating.
(March 25, 2009)
Security Standards For Nursing Robots
(March 26, 2009)
Robots providing day care and nursing services will be in Japanese households in five years' time. Based on the
projection, the government and the private sector will accelerate their efforts to formulate common safety standards
for nurse robots. To create a new robot market it is essential that a neutral third party establish those standards.
The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, a government-backed entity, will launch a
new five-year project strongly focused on improving safety technology and standards of the next-generation robots.
A report recommended the government make efforts adapting envisioned domestic standards internationally.
Hybrid Car With Better Efficiency And Solar Panel
(March 26, 2009)
The newest version of Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius hybrid car comes with an engine that is both brawnier and more
fuel-efficient, as well as rooftop solar panels to charge the battery when the vehicle is parked. This next-generation
Prius is equipped with a 1.8-liter engine, 300cc bigger that the current version's. It can travel 35km or so on a liter
of gasoline, giving it a 10% advantage in fuel economy. The solar panels can power the air conditioner and other
equipment. Other changes include energy-saving LED headlights and a lighter frame. Toyota is in a pitched battle
with Honda Motor Co. in the hybrid market.
All-Around Vehicle Safety System
Toyota Motor Corp developed the "Front-side Pre-crash Safety System", which can detect
vehicles in front. The system is installed in combination with a system that is capable of
detecting objects ahead of and behind the vehicle. The Front-side System was realized by
mounting two millimeter-wave radars inside the front bumper. The system does not automatically
activate the brakes when it detects an obstacle, but it alerts the driver, increases
the brake force, tightens the seatbelts, prepares the airbags for deployment and hardens the
damping force of the suspension to prevent a nose dive. It is effective for preventing head-on collisions.
(March 30, 2009)
Nursing Care Robots Get Governmental Support
(March 30, 2009)
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry will implement measures including possible legislation mandating support
for efforts to ensure robots can be used to help provide nursing care and welfare services. The support measure
would cover such robots as those designed to fetch items ordered for people needing nursing care, and wheel-
Science & Technology News from Japan, Template 2009 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché Page 22 of 28