Research News(2020) | Corporate Research & Development Center

Beginning Joint Verification Tests on Quantum Cryptography Technology to Enhance Cybersecurity in the Financial Sector
-Testing practicality in large-capacity and low-latency communications in stock transactions- (21 Dec. 2020) TOKYO—Nomura Holdings, Inc. (Representative Executive Officer and President, Kentaro Okuda, hereinafter “Nomura HD”), Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. (Representative Director and President, Toshio Morita, hereinafter “Nomura Securities”), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (President, Hideyuki Tokuda, Ph.D. hereinafter “NICT”), Toshiba Corporation (Representative Executive Officer and President and CEO, Nobuaki Kurumatani), and NEC Corporation (President and CEO, Takashi Niino, hereinafter “NEC”) will jointly verify the effectiveness and practicality of quantum cryptography technology in order to strengthen the security of data communications and storage in the financial sector. The tests will commence in December 2020.

Toshiba Develops AI Technology for World-Class Accuracy in Image-Based Anomaly Detection
-Achieving high accuracy even when the appearance of the inspection target differs by imaged area or product type, and improving productivity at diverse manufacturing sites- (14 Dec. 2020) TOKYO―Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) has improved detection accuracy for public data by almost 10% over conventional methods (from 69.5% to 79.1%), achieving world-best detection performance in AI for anomaly detection using images of products at manufacturing sites. The company’s proprietary deep-learning methods allow highly accurate learning from only normal data, eliminating the need for anomaly data that can be difficult to collect at manufacturing sites. Anomalies are detected with high accuracy even when the appearance of the inspection target differs by imaged location or product type (Fig. 1). This AI will help automate quality control inspection of semiconductor wafers, which is conventionally performed visually, and will contribute to improved productivity at manufacturing sites.

Toshiba’s New Magnetic Material Greatly Improves Motor Energy Conversion Efficiency
-Reducing energy loss, and suitable for train drive systems, automobiles, robots and other applications requiring high reliability. Expected to contribute to realization of a carbon-free economy.- (4 Dec. 2020) TOKYO―Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) has developed a new magnetic material with characteristics that deliver major improvements in motor efficiency at minimum cost, and with the potential to win significant reductions in power consumption, necessary toward achieving a low-carbon future.

Six Companies to Start Studying Carbon Recycling Business Models
-Converting CO₂ from Sources such as Exhaust Gases into Sustainable Aviation Fuel- (Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation) (2 Dec. 2020) Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation ,Toshiba Corporation, Toyo Engineering Corporation, Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd. , All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. and Japan CCS Co., Ltd. have reached an agreement to begin reviewing recycling business models for reuse of CO₂ from sources such as exhaust gases into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) via Power-to-Chemicals (P2C) processes, using technologies developed by Toshiba Corporate Research & Development Center which convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) to carbon monoxide (CO) through electrolysis.

Toshiba Develops AI that Segments Regions of Individual Packages in Images from Visible-Light Cameras with World's Highest Accuracy
-Aims to commercialize logistics robots capable of high accurate recognition without onsite pre-learning in FY2021. Promoting accelerating automation of logistics industry- (30 Nov. 2020) TOKYO―Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) has developed AI that accurately estimates regions of randomly piled individual objects in images taken with standard, visible-light cameras. Logistics robots integrating the AI perform highly accurate unloading and picking, and in tests against a public-data set the AI recorded the world’s best performance in respect of low measurement errors. Because it uses images from a standard camera, the AI has a much shorter learning process than AI based on three-dimensional sensors. It also delivers easy implementation without any onsite pre-installation learning.

Toshiba’s New Analysis Technology for a Hard Disk Write Head is World’s First to Image Dynamics of a Write Head with Precision of One Ten-billionth of a Second, Will Contribute to Increased Hard Disk Capacities (26 Nov. 2020) Tokyo, Sendai, Sayo—Using synchrotron radiation at SPring-8, large-scale synchrotron radiation facility, Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502), the Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI), and Tohoku University have succeeded in imaging the magnetization dynamics of a hard disk drive (HDD) write head for the first time ever, with a precision of one ten-billionth of a second. The method makes possible highly precise analysis of write head operations, and will accelerate the development of the next-generation write head and further increase in HDD capacity.

Toshiba Develops World’s First Aqueous Lithium-ion Battery with Nonflammable Electrolyte
-Greater freedom in locating large-scale stationary energy storage systems expected to contribute to stable management of renewable energy sources and realization of a decarbonized society- (20 Nov. 2020) TOKYO--Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) has developed a prototype aqueous rechargeable lithium-ion battery that points the way to realization of the world's first aqueous large-capacity stationary storage battery that can operate at -30°C.

Toshiba Develops High-Sensitivity, Compact Superconducting Multiband Receiver for Radio Telescopes
-Contributing to astronomy and study of black holes by capturing previously inaccessible frequency bands and receiver miniaturization- (29 Sep. 2020) TOKYO―Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) has achieved two major advances in radio telescopes that together improve observation sensitivity, shorten observation time, allow installation in space-restricted places, and reduce power consumption. The technologies are expected to help to advance understanding of celestial bodies, including black holes.

World's First Development and Demonstration of a Quantum Cryptographic Communication Technology Applied System for Genomic Medicine
-Quantum cryptographic communication technology allows for completely secure real-time transmission of genome analysis data and transfer of online expert panel data- (7 Aug. 2020) Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502), Tohoku University Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (ToMMo) and Tohoku University Hospital have demonstrated that quantum cryptographic communications technology can provide genomic medicine with a safe, completely secure data management environment. This was achieved by (1) developing a system which applies quantum cryptographic communications technology to clinical sequencing, and (2) using that system to safely transmit cancer genome analysis data (exome sequence data), via online expert panel attended by physicians and other experts to analyze the sequenced data (Figure 1). This is the world's first development and demonstration of a system using quantum cryptographic communication technology in the field of genomic medicine.

Toshiba to Lead Joint R&D Project Commissioned by Japan's MIC to Develop Global Quantum Cryptography Communications Network
-Aiming at deploying worlds first wide-range and large-scale quantum cryptography communication networks- (29 July, 2020) In a joint project that will aim to take Japan’s quantum cryptography communication technology to the world’s highest level, 12 Japanese organizations including Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) starts research and development of a Global Quantum Cryptography Communications Network this month. The research is commissioned and supported by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), which invited proposals for a joint research collaboration in fiscal year 2020.

Advanced Light-Receiving Technology from Toshiba Enables Solid-State LiDAR Free from Reliance on Mechanical Components
-Compact, low-cost and simple to install solution is suitable for wide variety of vehicle types- (7 July, 2020) TOKYO—Addressing the ongoing migration towards autonomous driving, Toshiba (TOKYO: 6502) has announced the introduction of a high-resolution, long-range light-receiving technology for deployment in solid-state LiDAR systems. By removing the need for bulky mechanical components, the technology realizes cost and space savings and enhances operational reliability. At its heart is Toshiba’s proprietary compact, high-efficiency silicon photo-multiplier (SiPM).

Toshiba’s High-Speed Crowd Counting AI Delivers World-Class Accuracy on General-Use PC
-Toshiba’s unique deep learning algorithm provides low-cost crowd analysis solution, supports public safety in the new normal- (12 Jun, 2020) TOKYO—At a time of growing concern about social distancing and public health and safety, Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) has developed a PC-based, high-speed, high accuracy image-analysis AI that monitors crowds and congestion by estimating the number of people in camera images using its unique deep learning algorithm.

Toshiba’s Auto-Subtitling System for Online Classes is a Win-Win for Educators and Students
-In our COVID-19 world, high accuracy subtitling helps educators to deliver material and students to understand it- (10 Jun, 2020) TOKYO—In the new normal of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools and universities have to come up with novel and effective ways to reach and teach their students. Many have turned to distance learning and online classes, including almost half of Japan’s universities.

New AI from Toshiba Predicts Automobile and Drone Movements with the World's Highest Accuracy
-Estimating vehicle movement with 40% fewer errors expected to contribute to improved traffic safety and realization of autonomous vehicles- (3 Jun, 2020) Tokyo—Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502), an innovator in technologies for advanced driver-assistance and autonomous driving systems has developed AI, that will improve traffic safety. Motion Estimation AI uses on-board cameras and inertial sensors that measure acceleration and angular velocity to deliver highly accurate estimates of the movement of a drone or a vehicle, while Motion Prediction AI predicts the movements of other vehicles on the road in a wide range of traffic conditions. Tested against a public data set, they both achieve the world’s highest accuracy. Details of the technologies were presented at International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), streamed online on June 1, 2020.

Toshiba's Time-series Waveform Anomaly Detection AI Minimizes Missed Anomalies or False Alarms Offering High Explainability
-Improves anomaly detection by 7%, and will contribute to failure prediction and efficient maintenance of manufacturing equipment and infrastructure facilities- (2 Jun, 2020) TOKYO ─Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) has developed “Learning Time-series Shapelets for Optimizing Partial AUC” (LTSpAUC), a recent advance in applying machine learning to analysis of time-series waveform data that delivers approximately 7% more accurate anomaly detection than current technologies.

Toshiba Develops AI for Automatically Correcting Time Lag Among Time-Series Data from Multiple Sensors
-Achieving higher accuracy in anomaly prediction/detection and motion analysis for infrastructure or manufacturing equipment by identifying the timing of changes with less than one-tenth the error of conventional methods- (2 Jun, 2020) Tokyo—Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) has developed “Lag-aware Multivariate Time-series Segmentation” (LAMTSS), an AI that improves the accuracy of anomaly prediction/detection and motion analysis for infrastructure and manufacturing equipment. This technology automatically corrects time lag among multiple time-series datasets obtained from sensors installed in equipment or devices. Testing confirmed that the timing of changes in data due to anomalies and other problems can be detected with less than one-tenth the error of conventional methods.

Shinshu University and Toshiba Develop Tumor-Tropic Liposome Technology that Carries Therapeutic Genes into Cancer Cells
-Expression level of therapeutic genes found 400 times more in T-cell tumors than in normal T-cells- (29 May, 2020) TOKYO—Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502, hereinafter “Toshiba”) and a team led by Professor Yozo Nakazawa at the Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University, (hereinafter "Shinshu University"), have together developed a “tumor-tropic liposome technology” for gene therapy*1. The technology uses unique, nano-sized biodegradable liposomes developed by Toshiba to accurately and efficiently deliver therapeutic genes to targeted cancer cells, and achieves safer gene delivery than viruses used as carriers.

NEDO and Toshiba Release Sample Software for Autonomous Mobile Robot Interface Enabling Multiple Robots from Different Manufacturers to Operate under a Common System (30 Mar, 2020) NEDO and Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) have established the Autonomous Mobile Robot Interface (AMR-IF), a software solution that connects autonomous mobile robots in an operations and control system (Figure. 1). The AMR-IF specification allows multiple mobile robots of various types, from different manufacturers, to be operated in a common system, and is expected to promote cost reductions and the use of robots in new areas. Sample software for an operations terminal implementing AMR-IF was released today as open source software, allowing companies to test the specification for themselves.

Toshiba Develops an Electromagnetic Coupling-type High-speed Isolation IC for Next-generation Power Electronics Systems
-Isolated multiplex transmission of multiple signals and power in a single package at low cost contributes to miniaturization, weight reduction, energy savings, and higher reliability of power electronics systems- (21 Feb, 2020) Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) has developed a bidirectional multiplex transmission IC, which is the world's first single-package IC, produced by generic manufacturing processes, to achieve bidirectional communication of three signals and power transmissions exceeding 100mW. Applications of this isolation IC supports electric mobility and miniaturization in various motor systems. This is one of the two isolation ICs for realizing next-generation power electronics systems that are compact, energy-saving, and highly reliable. The other is a high-speed isolated measurement IC that can be installed in power supply systems for servers in data centers that require high-speed operations. Toshiba presented this technology on February 18, 2020 at the 2020 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference in San Francisco.

Toshiba's Speech Recognition AI Technology is the World's First for High Speed Keyword Detection with Individual Speaker Recognition
-Speaker recognition delivers user-specific operation of home appliances- (20 Feb, 2020) Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502, hereinafter "Toshiba") has developed the world's first AI technology that can bring fast recognition of speakers and keywords to all kinds of electronic products, without any need for internet connectivity and no need to rely on cloud resources for processing. Home appliances integrating the technology will be able to register individual speakers with only three utterances, and to adjust operation in response to voice commands.

Toshiba Announces the World's First Small Module for Direct Angle Detection by a High-Precision Gyroscope
-Delivering miniaturization with high accuracy, allowing mounting and demonstration experiments on robots, automated guided vehicles, drones, and other small devices- (22 Jan, 2020) Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) has developed the high-performance, rapid-response Rate-Integrating Gyroscope (RIG), which unlike conventional gyroscopes (gyros), does not perform calculations from angular velocity, but instead detects direction directly. RIG represents the development of the world's first compact gyro module for direct angle detection that uses Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technologies for miniaturization and does not require large measurement devices.

World-first Demonstration of Real-time Transmission of Whole-genome Sequence Data Using Quantum Cryptography:
Quantum encryption technology capable of large-capacity data transmission allows practical applications to genomic research and genomic medicine (14 Jan, 2020) Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) and the Tohoku University Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (ToMMo) have succeeded in the world's first quantum cryptography transmission of whole-genome sequence data with data volumes exceeding several hundred gigabytes. Since speeds for key distribution in quantum cryptographic communication technologies are currently about 10 Mbps^{(Note 1)} at maximum, the speed at which data can be encrypted and transmitted with the one-time pad is limited. So there is a room for improvement for large-scale data transmission with the one-time pad method. Toshiba and ToMMo newly developed a system for sequential encryption and transmission of large-scale data, thereby realizing real-time transmission of whole-genome sequence data with the one-time pad method. This demonstrated that quantum cryptography can transmit large amounts of data and has practical applications in the fields of genomic research and genomic medicine.