Combining Multiple Elemental Technologies

Furukawa Electric has established dedicated research laboratories focused on specific key technologies, such as telecommunications, energy, electronics, and automotive, to promote research and development tailored to the needs of various industries.

We are also building an internal cross-sector framework for research and development that spans all Group companies. This will allow us to integrate our expertise and knowledge in these technologies to develop and create the new eco businesses outlined in the medium-term plan.

Timely and Global R&D

In the smart grid business, we plan to establish a dedicated research and development center within the R&D division to capitalize on the resources of each Group company.

As smart grid projects are large-scale and, in many markets, nationalized, it is critical to gather market information globally as well as create a framework for launching new business ventures. Our aim is to analyze this market information and develop links with governments and power device manufacturers, to ensure access to business opportunities and to implement research and development initiatives directly related to market needs.

We are also in the process of developing a Group-wide framework for research and development activities in the fields of next-generation vehicles and high-density optical telecommunications.

Focusing on Next-Generation Batteries

Of particular importance to both smart grids and next-generation vehicles are next-generation batteries, including lithium-ion batteries.

We are planning a Next-Generation Battery Research & Development Center to bolster our research and development initiatives in next-generation batteries. The Center will devise research strategies for next-generation technologies and develop activators and materials for batteries.

For its development of silicon activators as an alternative to conventional carbon activators, which helps increase the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, Furukawa Electric's technology was adopted in the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Li EAD Project for the development of high-performance storage systems for next-generation vehicles. The Center will establish battery assessment technology in order to conduct internal assessments of the final battery product. This will move our development forward more efficiently.