All-in-one local 5G compact base station featuring both radio unit (RU) and control unit (CU/DU) in a single chassis
Compact design (external dimensions: 250 x 57 x 210 mm, weight: 3 kg)
Facilitates setting up a 5G network in a relatively small area (e.g. one floor of an office building or a retail store) but also scalable for medium/large-size installations
Thanks to its simple, integrated design, installation costs and power consumption are lower than for conventional base stations.
Assessment
Local 5G networks operate separately to the public 5G (5th generation) mobile communications systems operated by telecommunications carriers; they are dedicated 5G networks installed in specific areas and buildings by a corporate or governmental organization. As well as providing 5G communications in areas not served by public 5G networks, a local 5G network is also considered to be secure because it not connected to any external networks. What has been an issue, however, is the cost of installing such a dedicated network.
Whereas a conventional base station has two parts (a radio unit and a control unit), NEC’s local 5G compact integrated base station fits both into a single chassis. The price point means that installation costs are reduced by more than 50% compared to a conventional base station. Moreover, the simple system configuration not only reduces the time required for installation and lowers power consumption, but being highly flexible it is suitable for small-scale installations which can be expanded at a later date if necessary. Highly evaluated was this system’s potential for promoting local 5G adoption in many different areas — including offices, small factories and retail stores — as well as for such applications as HR development and education.
Indoor photovoltaic device 『LC-LH (Liquid and Crystal Light Harvesting)』
Outline
This LC-LH device was developed as a highly efficient indoor photovoltaic cell that converts small amounts of light into energy. Power generation efficiency is approximately twice that of the ordinary solar cells found in watches, calculators, etc. A device of this type with only a small area can thus generate a substantial amount of electricity. The LC-LH can be used to improve the performance of products typically powered by solar cells, but it has greater potential. Products that have until now been powered by disposable batteries or wired power supplies can instead be powered by this LC-LH device, eliminating the need for wiring or battery replacement and resulting in a new generation of convenient and environmentally friendly products.
Assessment
Sharp’s LC-LH (Liquid & Crystal Light Harvesting) high-efficiency indoor photovoltaic device benefits from the company’s considerable expertise and experience of LCD technology, enabling low-cost, high-quality production while providing approximately double the power generation performance of conventional devices. By focusing specifically on indoor applications, the company has been able to use its existing LCD manufacturing facilities and equipment, and this is expected to result in significant cost reductions. Among the LC-LH applications that are envisioned are devices such as electronic price tags, POPs, beacons and sensors. Since these devices will not require batteries, their cost and environmental impact will be reduced, thus contributing to the achievement of the recycling, clean energy, and safe society goals that are integral to the SDGs and Society 5.0. At CEATEC 2022 not only did the company demonstrate its advanced technology, but also its ability to help solve various social issues — such as replacing paper and disposable batteries, while addressing the challenges of labor shortages and an aging society — and this was highly evaluated.
ARUMCODE1, the world's first AI that fully automates NC programming for machine running
Outline
The parts machining industry — which has continuously supported the world's major industries such as automobiles, semiconductors, and electronics — is facing serious labor shortages. As a solution to this problem, ARUM has developed the world's first AI system for full automation of machining program creation, a process that accounts for as much as 50% of parts manufacturing costs. As a result, NC programs can be automatically generated simply by reading CAD data, and machining can then begin immediately. Something that used to take a skilled technician one hour to complete can now be accomplished in one minute; this represents a dramatic improvement in productivity.
Assessment
Founded in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, ARUM Inc. has an extensive track record of providing automation equipment for production lines in the factories of major manufacturing companies. Programming accounts for 50% of costs borne by the metalworking industry, which produces a wide variety of products in small quantities, so to address this the company developed ARUMCORE1 AI software to fully automate NC programming. ARUMCORE1 reduces time costs by 96% compared to conventional software. In addition, by automatically generating programs at night, this software has increased machine tool utilization from 30% to 80%, resulting in a 50% reduction in manufacturing costs per part. This improves not only price competitiveness but also profit margins, as demonstrated by the company's own profitable factory. Many inquiries have been fielded from both domestic and overseas companies. ARUM aims to fully automate factories from both hardware and software perspectives. It was highly evaluated not only for its technical capabilities and vision, but also for the practicality and marketability of its software, which is currently being used in its factory, attracting much attention.
Toshiba to Develop Lightweight, Compact, High-Power Superconducting Motor Prototype for Mobility
Applications ～Contributing to Achieving Carbon Neutrality in Industries and Transportation～
Outline
New drive systems that are both compact and lightweight while offering high output are expected to emerge in aircraft and other large mobility applications. Toshiba Group has developed a prototype of a compact, lightweight, high-power superconducting motor with a maximum output of 2MW by applying the superconductivity technology and manufacturing technology for high-speed rotating equipment that the group has cultivated over many years. The motor is less than one-tenth the weight and size of a typical motor with comparable output. It will contribute to the evolution of large-scale mobility.
Assessment
There is a growing trend toward electrification in the aviation industry in order to achieve a carbon-neutral society, which requires compact, lightweight, high-output, high-speed motors. Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions has succeeded in developing the world's first ultra-lightweight, compact, high-power superconducting motor with a maximum output of 2MW. The motor is less than one-tenth the weight and size of a conventional motor of the same level, contributing to the electrification of aircraft. In addition to aircraft, the company says the motor can also be applied to other fields such as large mobility including ships and trucks, power generation, and cooling of quantum computers. The world-first development and future potential of the product were highly evaluated based on the company's comprehensive capabilities, including the combination of core technologies, such as manufacturing technology and research and development cultivated over many years, and its application in other fields.
Solving Social Issues using Vector Annealing (Simulated-Annealing)
Outline
NEC has demonstrated the effectiveness of its proprietary vector annealing, which embodies pseudo-quantum annealing, in improving operational efficiency at its group companies. The company has decided to start using vector annealing in actual operations from this fiscal year, and is embarking on other cutting-edge efforts.
NEC Platforms: Streamlining production planning
NEC Fielding: Optimizing service parts delivery
Assessment
While quantum computing and other quantum-related technologies are being utilized, the high cost of introducing and utilizing these technologies is an issue in the early stages of their development. NEC was the first company in the world to successfully manufacture the qubits that form the core of a quantum computer, and has been involved in the development and provision of a variety of services. The latest pseudo-quantum annealing reproduces quantum annealing technology for solving combinatorial optimization problems on a supercomputer. The company offers both pseudo-quantum computing and real quantum computing services, but since the scale and cost of these services differ between research and practical applications, the company says that at present it is advantageous to be able to offer both services depending on the purpose. While there are still few practical examples of quantum computing, the marketability of this technology, which will start being used continuously in actual business operations, was highly evaluated.
In recent years, demonstration tests of airborne displays that project images into space have been actively conducted, but at present, these displays are mainly used in applications such as operation panels due to their low resolution. The high-definition aerial display developed by Kyocera can display high-definition, realistic images using Kyocera's proprietary mirror-based optical technology, and is expected to be used as a non-contact operation device with a variety of image expression capabilities for various applications in the medical field, stores, museums, etc.
Assessment
With the spread of Covid, there was increased resistance to devices that are touched by an unspecified number of people, and airborne displays that enable non-contact, hygienic image manipulation are attracting attention. On the other hand, however, there are issues such as poor image performance and blurred images in the air, and button operations are still the main usage scenario. Kyocera has achieved high-definition aerial image formation technique using a special mirror. The unique design has resulted in a compact, high-definition aerial display.
Prospective target markets include the medical field, amusement, education, in-vehicle, food and beverage, and a wide variety of other markets. Although the mirror method is superior in high-definition image formation, distortion caused by mirrors and larger equipment have always been issues. The company's technological breakthrough in reducing distortion and miniaturization by optimizing the mirror shape was highly evaluated, as well as its versatility in future applications.
Murata's Edge AI Module which makes any types of devices smarter
Outline
While AI functions are beginning to be installed in a variety of devices, the conventional method of sending data to the cloud for AI inference is expected to shorten processing time, reduce communication costs, and reduce the possibility of information leakage by performing inference processing on dedicated ICs or SoCs equipped with AI functions on the edge device. Murata, which has been working on edge AI inference systems, has developed two types of edge AI modules using ICs dedicated for edge AI inference processing.
Assessment
As AI is being installed in all kinds of devices, AI modules are required to be compact, lightweight, and power efficient. In particular, recently, it is expected to shorten processing time, reduce communication costs, and avoid the risk of information leakage by processing data in a module on the edge device, instead of transmitting data to the cloud for processing as is the case in conventional methods. Murata's Edge AI Module, developed by Murata Manufacturing, offers the advantages of being compact, lightweight, and power-saving, with no need for countermeasures against heat, making it possible to deploy edge AI in a general-purpose manner. Murata's Edge AI Module was highly evaluated in terms of its semiconductor manufacturing technology that puts the company in a leading position in the global market, as it can meet a variety of mounting requirements compared to those of other companies, including overseas manufacturers.
“Stealth Aerial Interface” Mid-Air Display and Input Device
Outline
Alps Alpine has created the world's first new HMI that is capable of "making an input interface appear in the air only when necessary, executing input operations, and then erasing its presence after the operation.” This technology makes it possible to make an aerial interface appear from a wall, table, floor, etc., and to erase its presence when it is not needed. This new HMI provides not only non-contact and hygienic operation, but also appears only when necessary, while maintaining comfortable living and public spaces in the digitalized society that will develop in the future.
Assessment
Alps Alpine's "Stealth Aerial Interface" is a device that allows non-contact operation by displaying an interface for operation when a hand is held over it. The background makes it easy to see, and it features a wide viewing angle. By displaying the interface as necessary, the device integrates with the environment and guides the user's actions at times, aiming to achieve both a comfortable environment and a vast amount of information. The "stealth" feature is the use of "decorative printing" on the air display, a technology that enables non-contact input by displaying input buttons and other items in areas that are seemingly indistinguishable from the display.
This technology was highly evaluated for its ability to be used in a variety of situations, making non-contact operation simpler and easier to understand without sacrificing design.
In a production site, it is crucial to prevent machine and equipment malfunctions and reduce downtime. Productivity can be enhanced by predicting problems and performing maintenance in advance, rather than reacting after breakdowns occur. TDK has developed the i3 Micro Module, the world's first sensor module that supports edge AI and is equipped with wireless mesh network functionality, to facilitate this type of “predictive maintenance”.
Assessment
TDK's i3 Micro Module is a sensor module that enables "predictive maintenance" without the need for specialized knowledge. A wireless mesh network can be constructed with low power consumption and wide coverage without complicated settings by using an industrial-grade acceleration sensor to detect abnormalities in equipment and using edge AI to minimize data transmission. After the module collects and learns data under normal conditions, it automatically connects to the network when a device is deployed. If a device is removed, the network is maintained through other devices. If data deviating from the normal state exceeds a threshold value, an alert is issued to notify the user before it becomes a full-blown problem. The product was highly evaluated for its predictive maintenance and its versatility and marketability, including its high quality with industrial-level sensors and the ease with which sensors can be added or removed.
Mighty-D3 is an autonomous transport robot for non-contact, non-face-to-face logistics in urban areas, hospitals, commercial facilities, and high-rise apartments. Mighty-D3's mobility mechanism is based on technology developed by JAXA for its lunar exploration robot, and is capable of climbing over steps 15cm high. Mighty-D3 is also the first AGV and AMR in the world to use ultrasonic motors for the four-wheel steering mechanism.
Assessment
Mighty-D3 was developed as an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) for use in Society 5.0 by Piezo Sonic, which was established to develop lunar exploration robots. Capable of carrying heavy loads and traveling on ordinary surfaces with bumps and dips, the robot can work together with people by carrying loads in place of them, and can be operated from a remote location. It features the ability to climb steps 15cm high, and the company claims that it is more compact and has higher running performance than other companies' products. With the logistics and service robot market expected to grow rapidly, this development is anticipated to spark the creation of jobs like remote-controlled robot operators. In addition to logistics applications such as deliveries, the Mighty-D3 was highly evaluated for its future potential as it can easily be used to guide people around roads and facilities and to watch over them.
WHOLE EARTH CUBE Sustainable and resilient next-generation living space equipped with autonomous decentralized infrastructure
Outline
WHOLE EARTH CUBE, a mobile living space equipped with autonomous decentralized infrastructure, is a completely off-grid module that does not require existing infrastructure such as electricity, water, and sewage systems, and can generate solar power on its own, and recycle water obtained from rainwater for continuous household water and toilet usage. It combines sustainability and resilience, enabling comfortable and safe living in rural and mountainous areas without infrastructure, as well as in places where urban functions have been lost due to large-scale disasters, conflicts, and other reasons.
Assessment
Hokuryo is a company engaged in the production and sale of various gases, power generation, and energy sales in Iwate Prefecture. The company's first major activity was providing support to medical institutions as well as patients at their homes affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011) and supplying electricity to DMAT, and has since been providing support to victims of the disaster, including preventing infectious diseases at the site of the disaster. The WHOLE EARTH CUBE was developed as a mobile shelter equipped with electricity, water, sewage, gas, and other infrastructure to accommodate patients and their families. It is equipped with a circulating and regenerative water and sewage system, solar power, and LPG power generation, and can be transported using existing logistics compliant to ISO 40ft container standards. Demonstration tests are underway to ensure that the infrastructure necessary for patients and their families can be supplied even with all the equipment needed by patients receiving medical care at home, such as ventilators, and off-grid housing and other applications are also underway. In addition to disaster countermeasures, the role of this device as a key device for solving social issues in Society 5.0 was also highly regarded.
The CEATEC AWARD 2022 Review Panel of Judges will review and select the exhibits and projects submitted in advance by exhibitors from among the technologies, products, and services that will be exhibited at CEATEC 2022, and award those that are deemed highly innovative and outstanding from academic and technical perspectives, marketability, and future potential.
CEATEC AWARD 2022 Review Panel of Judges
Academic societies (in no particular order)
Information Processing Society of Japan
The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers
The Institute of Image Information and Television Engineers
The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan
Research Institute and Media Related (in no particular order)
MM Research Institute, Ltd.
Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Ltd.
Nikkei BP Intelligence Group
ITmedia Inc.
Techno-Core Corporation
Observer
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan
Digital Agency
Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association
Communications and Information network Association of Japan
