Power Semiconductors
Power semiconductors supply and control electrical power in a wide range of electric and electronic devices, including mobility systems, renewable energy equipment, and industrial machinery. We are developing power semiconductors optimized for specific applications, working not only with silicon but also with wide bandgap materials such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride. Our proprietary device structures significantly reduce power conversion losses, contributing to the achievement of a carbon-neutral society.
HDD
To achieve even higher areal density in HDDs, we are developing next-generation magnetic recording and playback technologies. In microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR), we have achieved a world-first breakthrough in recording performance, and we are accelerating development of heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) that utilizes near-field light to enable high-performance data writing. These innovations are key to meeting rising demands for large-scale data storage in the AI and cloud era.
Inertial Sensors
Accurate positioning is essential for autonomous mobility. We are developing inertial sensors that can detect movement and position even in the dark or locations that radio signals cannot reach. Our proprietary micro-electromechanical systems technology (MEMS) has delivered levels of miniaturization, high-speed response, and world-class precision that were previously difficult to achieve. These sensors now provide navigation-grade accuracy, allowing an aircraft equipped with them to fly trans-Pacific routes without GPS.
Compact Gas Sensors
We are developing compact gas sensors capable of real-time measurement of individual gas concentrations in a mixture.. With our proprietary MEMS technology, which integrates multiple environmental sensors on an ultra-compact chip, the sensors now realize real-time measurement of greenhouse gases emitted from infrastructure facilities, such as manufacturing plants, and are contributing to the generation of highly reliable carbon footprint data. They also detect gases such as hydrogen and oxygen, enabling the assessment of hydrogen infrastructure status and early anomaly detection.
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One-Shot 3D Visualization
Our one-shot optical inspection technology, now under development, can instantly visualize the 3D shape of surface defects on products from a single captured image in visual inspections at production sites. The technology can instantly detect defects with micro-scale and nano-scale height differences, making it suitable for inspections in semiconductor manufacturing. It will contribute to the efficiency of the inspection process and yield improvement.
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LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
LiDAR is a distance sensor that uses laser light to accurately determine the three-dimensional shapes of objects. However, size and cost problems are holding back its widespread use. Our palm-sized LiDAR can measure objects at a distance of 300 meters and a resolution of 100,000 pixels, and will accelerate the uptake of LiDAR and the automation of infrastructure, contributing to public safety.
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Rechargeable Batteries
One step necessary for securing carbon neutrality is improved energy efficiency in the heavy commercial vehicles used in logistics, mining and construction. We have developed batteries with niobium titanium oxide (NTO) anodes that offer ultra-fast charging, long life, and high-level safety, while delivering volumetric energy density comparable to lithium iron phosphate batteries. We are also developing batteries with 5-V-class high-voltage cathodes that are free of cobalt as a move to achieve high power performance and reduce reliance on rare metals. Ensuring the safety and reliability of batteries across their lifecycle is also essential, and we are working on battery state estimation methods that will do that.
More details on NTO anodes →
More details on cobalt-free cathodes →
More details on degradation diagnostics → TOSHIBAREVIEW (P.11)
