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JAXA Selects a Consortium to Study Navigation and Communication Technology Development for Lunar Surface Activities

TOKYO, Feb 15, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - ArkEdge Space Inc. has been awarded a contract by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to study navigation and communication technology development for lunar surface activities.The government of Japan has chosen "A Study of Navigation and Communication Technology Development for Lunar Surface Activities" (Ministry of Education: Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)) as one of the Strategic Programs for Accelerating Research, Development and Utilization of Space Technology (STARDUST Program[1]). JAXA has been assigned to manage the project and selected ArkEdge Space as a primary contractor.The study will be conducted by a consortium formed by ArkEdge Space, including ispace, inc., AAI - GNSS Consulting Office, Kiyohara Optics Inc., KDDI Corporation, KDDI Research, Inc., The Graduate School of Engineering - The University of Tokyo, and Mitsubishi Precision Co., Ltd. From mid-January until March 25, 2022, the consortium will work on proposing lunar navigation and communication architecture which is expected to become infrastructure of lunar exploration. This includes designing a concept of a lunar navigation satellite system and lunar-earth communication system and its development plan. The study is expected to develop architecture as well as to accelerate research and development of key technologies that could contribute to international discussion in the future.International interest has been growing towards human space exploration such as the Artemis Program[2], which aims to return humans to the Moon by 2025 and to conduct a historic human mission to Mars in the 2030s. Japan is expected to play a key role in designing and developing navigation and communication architecture as its infrastructure.ArkEdge Space and the consortium members[3] will actively support Japan to achieve sustainable space exploration on the Moon and beyond, and to establish lunar economy by accelerating technology development and demonstration through collaboration among industry, academia, and government.[1] A Japanese government-led and cross-ministry cooperation program to select and promote research and development projects for lunar exploration and fundamental satellite technologies.[2] A United-States-led international human spaceflight program that aims to return humans to the Moon by 2025 and to conduct a historic human mission to Mars in the 2030s. NASA and JAXA also finalized an agreement for NASA's Gateway which is an orbiting outpost planned to be built in lunar orbit.[3] Overview of Consortium Members:ArkEdge Space Inc.: Tokyo, Japan; Takayoshi Fukuyo, CEO; https://arkedgespace.com/enAAI - GNSS Consulting Office: Hyogo, Japan; Osamu Arai, President.ispace, inc.: Tokyo, Japan; Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO; https://ispace-inc.com Kiyohara Optics Inc.: Tokyo, Japan; Hirohiko Shinonaga, President; https://www.koptic.co.jp KDDI Corporation: Tokyo, Japan; Makoto Takahashi, President; https://www.kddi.com/english/KDDI Research, Inc.: Saitama, Japan; Hajime Nakamura, President and CEO; https://www.kddi-research.jp/english Mitsubishi Precision Co., Ltd.: Tokyo, Japan; Seiji Fujimoto, President; https://www.mpcnet.co.jp/e/ The Graduate School of Engineering,The University of Tokyo: Tokyo, Japan; Takao Someya, Dean of the School of Engineering; https://www.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/soee/ Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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MHI: Successful Demonstration Test of World’s First Fully Autonomous Ship Navigation Systems on Coastal Ferry in Northern Kyushu

TOKYO, Jan 18, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The Nippon Foundation, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, and Shin Nihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd., (Osaka, Japan; Yasuo Iritani, Chairman) have successfully completed a demonstration test of the world's first fully autonomous ship navigation systems on a large car ferry, conducted on the Iyonada Sea from Shinmoji, Kitakyushuu City, on January 17.This demonstration was part of MEGURI 2040, a project promoting the development of fully autonomous vessels supported by The Nippon Foundation. This test demonstrated the world's first fully autonomous navigation system, on a 222-meter ferry, with autonomous port berthing and unberthing using turning and reversing movements and high-speed navigation of up to 26 knots. Other new technologies included in the advanced fully autonomous operation system include sensors to detect other ships using infrared cameras, a remote engine monitoring system, and a sophisticated cyber security system. These advances in fully autonomous ship navigation are seen as a significant step toward safer and more efficient coastal shipping.Research and development of fully autonomous ship navigation is intended to address maritime issues including crew shortages and accident prevention. This is also expected to become a "future industry" through which Japan can demonstrate to the world its advanced technologies in areas including ICT, AI, and image analysis technology.The Nippon Foundation launched the MEGURI 2040 fully autonomous ship navigation project in February 2020 through support for five consortia, which will all be conducting demonstration tests to verify their fully autonomous navigation system concepts from January to March 2022.Fully autonomous ship project (Smart Coastal Ferry)Today's successful demonstration test was of the fully autonomous Smart Coastal Ferry project. The newly built SOLEIL ferry began navigating with an onboard crew on July 1, 2021, compiling data for the development of a fully autonomous ship navigation system. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., which has experience in developing navigation support systems that realize automation and crew labor savings, is responsible for the integration of the entire system, and Shin Nihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd. is in charge of setting the vessel's system requirements and conducting the demonstration test. These developments will help resolve issues in coastal shipping including improved safety, crew labor savings, and cost reductions.Demonstration test and development highlightsThe demonstration test of the world's first fully autonomous ship navigation systems of the 222-meter smart vessel was conducted on a 240-km route from Shinmoji (Northern Kyushu) to Iyonada, which takes approximately 7 hours, at a maximum speed of 26 knots (approximately 50 km/hour). The test vessel was equipped with a high-precision sensor image analysis system with infrared cameras that can detect other ships even in darkness, a SUPER BRIDGE-X automated ship navigation system that includes an automated avoidance function, and an advanced automated port berthing/unberthing operation system that can perform turning and reversing movements that are even difficult for manned vessels.One of the biggest issues of a fully automated vessel is fault prediction, and enhanced engine monitoring technologies that monitor motor conditions are being developed and tested as well.The project is also developing various other technologies essential to the promotion of fully autonomous navigation, including platforms for advanced data security to protect the navigation data used for onshore monitoring and support.Mitsuyuki Unno, Executive Director, The Nippon FoundationThis was the world's first fully autonomous ship navigation of a large vessel of over 200 meters in length with a maximum running speed of 26 knots, and I hope this will lead to further development toward practical use. There are still many issues to be resolved, however, and I believe today's results will be a guide toward the creation of international rules for fully autonomous vessels.Naoki Ueda, Executive Vice President, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., LtdThis demonstration test greatly accelerated the development of fully autonomous ship navigation systems using many advanced technologies including artificial intelligence. We will continue to develop technologies using the valuable knowledge gained to achieve safety and high quality service for passenger ferries, which play an important role in supporting marine transportation in the island nation of Japan.Masami Sasaki, Executive Director, Shin Nihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd.We are honored to be involved in the development of a fully autonomous ship navigation system that represents the future of Japan's shipping industry.As a passenger ferry company, we have high expectations for the social application and widespread use of fully autonomous operation as one of the solutions to issues including human error and crew labor savings.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, logistics & infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on www.spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Honda Announces the Establishment of Ashirase, Inc., a Startup Originated from IGNITION, a Honda New Business Creation Program

TOKYO, Jun 11, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the establishment of Ashirase, Inc., the first business venture to originate from IGNITION, Honda's new business creation program. Ashirase, Inc. is currently developing an in-shoe navigation system to support the visually impaired with walking and will strive to begin sales of the system, also named "Ashirase," before the end of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. Overview of Ashirase navigation systemThe Ashirase is a navigation system consisting of a smartphone app and a three-dimensional vibration device including a motion sensor, which is attached inside the shoe. Based on the route set with the app, the device vibrates to provide navigation. When the user should go straight, the vibrator positioned on the front part of the foot vibrates, and when the user is approaching a right or left turn, the vibrator on the right or left side vibrates to notify the user. The navigation provided by Ashirase enables intuitive understanding of the route, and therefore the user does not have to be constantly mindful of the direction, which makes it possible for the user to walk more safely and with a more relaxed state of mind. Key features of Ashirase- Guidance information for the visually impaired user is generated based on GNSS(1) positioning information and data based on the user's foot movement. - Navigation is provided through vibration on the foot, so as not to interfere with the user?s hand which is holding a white cane, or ears used to listen to ambient sounds.- Vibrators are located aligned with the nerve layer of the foot, making it easy to feel the vibration.- Soft material that maintains its original shape is used for the device in order to limit any discomfort to the user.Issues related to walking of the visually impaired - In Japan, the number of people with visual impairment including low vision(2) was estimated to be 1.64 million as of 2007, and the number is forecast to increase to nearly 2 million by 2030(3). Visually impaired people constantly check their safety and route to the destination when they walk alone. However, as they are required to use all remaining senses to acquire information to compensate for their limited sight, it is somewhat inevitable that they will be unable to pay thorough attention and face functional issues such as "getting lost" or "falling into unsafe situations." Moreover, discovery sessions conducted by the development team with the visually impaired revealed that such functional issues lead to psychological issues, as indicated by comments such as: "I feel frustrated when I remember the time when I was walking freely without vision problems." (comment by a person with low vision) "When I get lost, people around me sometimes do not respond when I try to talk to them. It is scary because I don?t know why they are not responding." (comment by a person with late-onset total blindness).With the concept of "navigation which enables safety and a relaxed state of mind for the visually impaired," Ashriase is being developed as a product which helps the users reach their destinations safely and have a more independent lifestyle. (1) GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, a collective name for satellite positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems.(2) The 2006-2008 report on the "social cost of visual impairments in Japan" published by a research team of the Japan Ophthalmologists Association defines "people with corrected vision of more than 0.1 (20/200 in the US system) and below 0.5 (20/40 in the US system) in their best-seeing eye."(3) Source: The 2006-2008 report on ?social cost of visual impairments in Japan? published by a research team of Japan Ophthalmologists Association. URL: https://www.gankaikai.or.jp/info/kenkyu/2006-2008kenkyu.pdf (Japanese only)Comment by Wataru Chino, Representative Director of Ashirase, Inc. "An accident suffered by one of my family members motivated me to take action to realize safer and more free mobility for visually impaired people. I developed the Ashirase and applied to IGNITION, Honda?s new business creation program, which led to the establishment of Ashirase, Inc. I am sure that we will face many obstacles as we work toward the market launch of Ashirase; however, we will overcome such obstacles one by one and devote ourselves wholeheartedly to realize the freedom of mobility for visually impaired people."About IGNITION new business creation programHonda's new business creation program which gives shapes to the original technologies, ideas and designs of Honda associates and contributes to solving social issues and creating new value for customers, going beyond existing Honda business. Key features of IGNITION- All full-time Honda associates in Japan are eligible to submit proposals regardless of their length of employment and assigned divisions. - Ideas that pass the final evaluation process will be commercialized within the company or through a startup venture.- In principle, the decision on commercialization will be made within a 6-month period, during which a taskforce team consisting of internal specialists will be formed to support each proposer. - The venture capital firm will provide advice and support to each proposer throughout the evaluation process. - In order to ensure independence of the startup, the ratio of capital contribution by Honda will be limited to no more than 20% Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Broncus Closes Series C Financing

HONG KONG, Oct 14, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Broncus Holding Company ("Broncus"), a global leader in diagnostic and therapeutic technology for lung diseases, today announced the closing of a Series C round of funding led by Lake Bleu Capital, and including Baidu Capital, the venture arm of one of the world's largest Internet and data science companies, Ascendum Capital, CNCB Capital and DCP Capital, along with previous investor Qiming Venture Capital. The funds will be used to further develop markets and technology across lung cancer, emphysema and other important lung diseases. Efforts will include expanding global market adoption of the Archimedes Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation System combining Fused Fluoroscopy, real-time bronchoscopy and virtual bronchoscopic navigation for 3D views and access to nodules anywhere in the lungs; expanded commercial adoption and global clinical studies of the InterVapor System for Bronchoscopic Thermal Vapor Ablation (BTVA) used in emphysema; U.S. and European studies of the EMPOWER RF Catheter used in Bronchoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation (BRFA); and further development of next-generation RF technology to precisely treat lung nodules.Zhan Guowei, CEO of Broncus, said, "In recent years, medical device leaders such as Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson have invested in the market development of technologies for lung disease, which validates our forward-looking vision to focus exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the lung. Securing investors such as Lake Bleu Capital, Baidu Capital and Intuitive Surgical further supports our strategy to 'own' the lung when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. Our breakthrough navigation technology is enabling us to accelerate the development and commercialization of precise interventional technologies for diagnosis and treatment in order to improve options for patients with lung diseases and the physicians that care for them."Dr. Li Bin, founder of Lake Bleu Capital, said: "Broncus is Lake Bleu's major investment in the medical device sector this year because they are addressing a large and unmet need globally in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases. Their world-leading Archimedes lung navigation technology is supported with robust data and uniquely helps physicians accurately locate and reach targeted lesions, which will open the door to new and exciting interventional lung therapies. We believe that Broncus is well positioned to lead the world in providing less invasive methods to diagnose and treat lung disease broadly."Broncus recently announced a new strategic partnership with Olympus Europa to exclusively distribute Broncus Medical's Archimedes Planner and Archimedes Lite Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation (VBN) system in several European countries. Early investors in the company include Intuitive Surgical, an early pioneer and global technology leader in minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery.About Broncus Holding CompanyBroncus is dedicated to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic technology for lung disease. Founded in 2012, the company's primary technology platforms focus on the diagnosis of lung cancer and the treatment of emphysema. Its lung cancer portfolio includes the Archimedes System, Archimedes Planner, LungPoint Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation (VBN) System, LungPoint Planner and FleXNeedle. The Archimedes System has been cleared by the FDA (U.S.), CE (Europe) and NMPA (China) and had broad patent protection globally. The InterVapor System has received the CE Mark.About Lake Bleu CapitalLake Bleu Capital is an investment platform that specializes in healthcare in Asia/Greater China. As one of the largest healthcare public equity funds in Asia, the USD public equity fund under Lake Bleu Capital has won multiple industry-leading performance awards for the region of Asia ex-Japan. Meanwhile, Lake Bleu Capital has also focused on private equity investments in the Chinese healthcare industry, successfully completing multiple investments in flagship innovative companies across different healthcare subsectors.Media Contact:BroncusShirley Deng Email: shirley.deng@dnamedtech.com Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

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