Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd. (TYO:7282) has achieved a record-high current with a newly developed vertical gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductor. GaN, which is used in the semiconductor, is also a key material in blue LEDs. Power semiconductors are widely used in power converters, with this including applications in adapters and power sources for electronic devices. However, due to the characteristics...
Innovation
Nitta Makes New Development in Proprietary CNT Dispersion Technology
Nitta Corp. (TYO:5186) has recently developed new technology to be applied as part of the company’s proprietary carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersion technology. The new technology improves flow, conductivity and film strength by taking elongated, isolated and dispersed CNTs and turning these into round cotton ball-like shapes. As it improves in usability, Nitta’s new technology is expected to find an expanded...
Sumitomo Riko Lauded for Application of Anti-Vibration Rubber to Table Tennis Rackets
Sumitomo Riko Co. Ltd. (TYO:5191) has been in the limelight after its co-development of Q3, a rubber for use in table tennis rackets, with sporting goods manufacturer Mizuno Corp. (TYO:8022). While product supply in the sports industry is a first for Sumitomo Riko, the company has been able to leverage its know-how, cultivated over many years, in both anti-vibration rubber...
Yokohama Rubber Develops World’s Largest Floating Fender
Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (TYO:5101) recently announced that it developed a giant floating fender last December. With a diameter of six meters, the new floating fender is the largest in the world. It is designed to be used for offshore cargo transfer operations of liquefied natural gas (LNG) between LNG floating production, storage and offloading units (LNG-FPSOs) and LNG tankers....
Toyo Tires Partners With EV Maker to Develop Suspension Module
Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. (TYO:5105) and Kyoto-based electric vehicle (EV) maker GLM Co. Ltd. have agreed to collaborate in developing a suspension module for EVs. The two partners aim to develop an active air suspension system that adapts to road conditions to alleviate shaking and vibration, with a commercial product to come sometime during 2020. GLM will provide...
New Walking Trainer to Utilize Bridgestone’s Rubber Pneumatic Artificial Muscles
Bridgestone Corp. (TYO:5108) recently announced that it has joined with Tokyo Medical and Dental University Professor Kenji Kawashima to develop a walking training machine aimed at helping improve the health of senior citizens. Looking toward commercialization, the company plans to begin verification testing for the machine in 2018. The walking training machine under development uses rubber pneumatic artificial muscles developed...