Volume 70 Number 3 Hitachi Technology 2021Technology & Innovation Foresights 2021
This issue of Hitachi Review, Hitachi Technology 2021, presents topics and technical outcomes in five growth sectors: IT, energy, industry, mobility, and smart life, along with products and research & development. Please take a look at Hitachi's initiatives for creating a sustainable society through its Social Innovation Business.
Top Interview Interview with Toshiaki Higashihara, President & CEO, Hitachi, Ltd. Origins to be Cherished More than Ever in the New NormalAs a Global Leader in Social Innovation
Interviewer : Hiroko Kiba Freelance Newscaster and Visiting Professor at Chiba University.
In 2020, the world was buffeted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hitachi has gained recognition from its stakeholders for its stance of accelerating reform. Toshiaki Higashihara, President & CEO, Hitachi, Ltd., spoke about his thoughts on the impact of the pandemic, the strengths of Hitachi Group, and the objectives of business globalization.
IT
Social and Public Sector Systems
- Outlook for Multilingual Dialogue Platform
- Realization of Advanced Industrial Equipment Management with Hitachi Global Data Integration
- Multi-modal Deep Learning Platform for IoT Data
- Individual Number Card Points Scheme Utilizing Individual Number Card
- Hitachiʼs Vision for Social Infrastructure Maintenance Services
Services & Platforms
- Integrated Operations Management JP1 Version 12 Supports IT Operations in the New Normal
- uCosminexus Application Server Version 11 for Easing Migration to Public Clouds
- New Public Cloud Service: Enterprise Cloud Service G2 (ENC G2)
- Support Service for Microsoft 365 Users and Secret Sharing Security Service for PC Data to Adopt Remote Work
- Utilizing 5G Mobile Telecommunications to Overcome Societal Challenges
- AI Deployment and Operation Support Service Utilizing XAI
- Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform E990 Supporting Agile Business Transformation
- VDI Solution Supporting Safe, Secure, and Flexible Working Practices under the New Normal
- On-site Equipment Inspection Robots That Augment Maintenance Platforms
- Repair Recommendations for More Efficient Equipment Maintenance in Social Infrastructure
- Industrial Edge Computer CE Series That Achieves Image Recognition Using Embedded AI
- Programmable Controller Combining High Performance and Reliability
- Information & Control Platform and Fault-Tolerant Computer
- Zero-trust Security Solution Required by a Cloud and Remote Work Society
- Hitachi PSIRT Solution for Strengthening Companiesʼ Product Security
- Hitachi Technologies for Building Trust Supply Chains
- Digital Transformation of Physical Security to Support Risk Management under the New Normal
Energy
Energy
- Transmission Line Protector Using Ethernet Communication from Chubu Electric Power
- Veuxbus Series Digital Relays: A Single-unit Solution
- Release of Digital Relays (RB Series) for Nuclear Power
- Delivery of 1,100 kV Gas-insulated Transmission Line (GIL) to State Grid Corporation of China for Sutong UHV-GIL Project
- Embedded HVDC to Provide Cleaner and More Reliable Power
- Pioneering Eco-efficient High-voltage Switchgear Technology
- Capability and Flexibility of Energy Storage Enhanced STATCOMs in Low Inertia Power Grids
- Pilot Experience of Real-time Communication between Digital Substations
- DERs: Impact of Reverse Power-flow on Transformer
- Battery Energy Storage for Frequency and Power Profile Regulation
- Energy Storage System Addresses Challenges of Grids with High Penetration of Renewables
- Microgrid Control Provides Efficient, Reliable Management of Distributed Resources and Energy Storage Systems
- Enhancing Transmission Capacity to Support Integration of Renewable Energy
- Multi-Terminal UHVDC System: Delivering Sustainable Energy to 90 Million People
- Automatic Changeover to Prevent Grid Blackouts
- Quantum-Safe Encryption Helps Secure Omanʼs Power Network
- Knowing When Assets Will Fail: The Crucial Role of Prognostics in Utility Asset Management
- Five “Intelligences” at the Heart of the Digital Utility
- Digitalization and the Future of Asset Performance Management
- Digital Transformation of the Distribution Grid
- A Transforming Grid Connecting Islands with HVDC
- HVDC Meets the Challenges of Integrating Renewables
- Modular Mobile Substation for Rapid Disaster Recovery
- Optimized High-Voltage Switchgear to Support Renewables
- Addressing Challenges in Offshore Wind via DC Gas-Insulated Switchgear Technology
- Digital Generator Circuit-breaker for Pumped Storage Power Plants Supporting Renewable Integration
- Deploying Battery Energy Storage System in Smart Fossil-Free Island
- TXpert Ecosystem for Digitalization of Transformers
- WindSTAR Power Transformers for Powerful Wind Turbines
- Pacific Intertie HVDC Link
- Transformers with Transient Voltage Protection for Efficient Data Centers
- Phoenix: The Worldʼs First Hybrid Synchronous Condenser System
- Digitalization Enabling Remote Transformer Service
- Supporting the Vision to Create a Sustainable Mine of the Future
- New Digital Service Solution: RelCare
- Low-loss SiC Hybrid Module with 1.7 kV Side-gate HiGT
- 35-A/12-V Super low-loss diode for Alternators
- Smart Grid Demonstration System for Expanding Use of Renewable Energy in Poland
- Power Supply Solutions Using Emergency Power Generation Equipment
- Development of the DioVISTA/Dam System for Assisting Reservoir Operation
- Real-time Noise Monitoring System
Nuclear Energy
Industry
Industry & Distribution
- Flight Rescheduling Optimization Service to Innovate Front-Line Operation
- IoT platform service for manufacturers
- Collaborative Design Solutions to Respond to the New Normal
- Next-generation maintenance solution using ConSite
- On-Site Fault Diagnosis Support Service
- Product Quality Real-Time Monitoring Solution for Manufacturing Sites
- Productivity and Quality Improvement Solution for Assembly and Machining Workplaces Using 4M Data Analysis
- Autonomous Picking Robot to Replace Logistics Warehouse Operation
- Release of an Artificial Ventilators Assembly Procedure Manual Based on Assembly Work Navigation System
- Active Control of Induction Motor Torque Characteristics for Steel Plants
- Safety and Quality Improvement Solution
- AI-Based Human Posture and Movement Recognition Solution
- Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals by Using a High Flow Ratio Mixing Single-Use Micro-Reactor
Water & Environment
- Remote Monitoring System at Ibaraki Port Hitachi District Office
- Equipment Management System at Waterworks Department of the Kashiwa Municipal Office
- Monitoring Control System at Prefectural Central Second Water Supply Office, the Public Enterprise Bureau of Gunma Prefectural Government
- Water Supply and Sewerage Department of Toda Municipal Government: Demonstration of Pump Operation Support Using Expert Know-How
- Osaka Municipal Waterworks Bureau; Long-Term Water Demand Predictions Based on AI and Big Data
- Technologies for Improving the Final Settling Tank Performance in Sewage Treatment in Rainy Weather
- High-Load BOD Drainage Treatment Technology Using Microorganisms in Very Fast Proliferation
- Opening of Center for Environmental Innovation
- Promotion of Circular Economy to Achieve SDGs
Industrial Products
- IoT-compatible Industrial Controller HF-W400E/IoT
- Development of a New Vertical-Shaft Open Motor
- Remote Commissioning Supervising Service for Centrifugal Compressors
- Expansion of the IoT-compatible Industrial Controller HX Series
- Expansion of the Industrial Wireless Router Series
- New 22 to 37-kW Air-Cooled Oil-Free Rotary Screw Compressor
- UX2 Series Industrial Ink Jet Printers
- High-accuracy Positioning: Expansion of the Position Detection System Series
- AK Series Low-voltage Air Circuit Breakers (ACBs)
Mobility
Railway Systems
- RPC System at Shin-Miyama SP for Kyushu Shinkansen Service by JR Kyushu
- Driver Support for Single-driver Operation, Based on Vehicle-side Camera Images
- Power Suspension/Transmission Automation function of CSC system for Conventional Lines of JR Kyushu
- New E261 Series Limited Express Train (DC) for JR East Railway Company
- New TX-3000 Series (AC/DC) Tsukuba Express Commuter Train
- N700S Shinkansen Train of JR Central
- YC1 Hybrid Train of JR Kyushu
- Railway Maintenance Driven By Data
Buildings Systems
- LINE-linked Touchless Elevator Calling Service
- Contactless Operation Solution for Detecting and Guiding People with Fevers, Using a Thermal Camera
- Smart Building Solutions to Support New Value Creation for Buildings
- Completion of “H1 TOWER,” Worldʼs Tallest Elevator Test Tower in Guangzhou, China
- TX Series, New Escalator Model with High Functionality and Advanced Design, and Solutions for Reducing Infection Risk involving Escalators
- Large Contracts Awarded in Singapore
- Elevators Delivered to Shibuya Scramble Square
- Elevators Delivered to Takanawa Gateway Station on JR Yamanote Line
Smart Life
Healthcare
- Hitachi's First Proton Therapy System in Europe Opens at Clínica Universidad de Navarra in Spain
- Supply of Large Superconducting Magnet with Conduction Cooling to University of Tsukuba
- Cell Production Solution Set to Accelerate Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine
- MiRuDa Analysis Tool for Reaction Process Approximation with Applications in Clinical Laboratory Accuracy and Quality
Automotive Systems
- Functional Enhancements and Commercial Launch of Compact Stereo Camera
- Development of System Model and Software Architecture for Standardized Inverter Software
- Autonomous Driving Unit and Associated OTA Software Update System
- Establishment of Global Development Scheme for Automotive Control Software
- High-current Ignition Coil for Contributing to CO2 Reduction
- Integrated Control for Vehicles Using Electric Actuators Offering Safety and Peace of Mind
Smart Life & Ecofriendly Systems
Products
Semiconductor Device Manufacturing & Inspection Equipment
- Semiconductor Device Fabrication and Diverse User Needs
- AI-based Predictive Diagnostic System for Improving Plasma Etching Equipment Availability
- High-resolution FEB CD-SEM CG7300 for Developing or Massproducing Cutting-edge Semiconductor Devices
- CT1000: 3D SEM for Defect Shape Evaluation to Help to Improve the Quality of IoT/Onboard Devices
Construction Machinery
- ZAXIS-7 Series of Hydraulic Excavators that Meet European Stage V Standards
- ZCORE Autonomous Construction Machinery Platform
- EX2600-7 and EX5600-7 Mining Excavators
- Using Quantitative Data to Visualize Welding Work
- ConSite Health Check: An App for Diagnosing Construction Machinery States from Operating Noise and Measurement Data
- ConSite Mine: An App for Monitoring Mining Machinery in Real Time
Research & Development
Collaborative Creation with Customers
- Creation and Presenting Innovation from Kyōsō-no-Mori
- Open Innovation through Partnership with Startup Companies
- Technology Governance Initiative in Collaboration with WEF C4IR
- Production and Sales Planning Solution for Optimization of KPIs amid Fluctuating Demand
- Hitachi SAAS-based Predictive Maintenance Services for Mining Equipment
- Real-time Intelligent Operation Management Solution
- Western Sydney Kyōsō Centre for Social Innovation in Australia
- Super Low Energy Building Smart Hub to Empower Sustainable City Development
- Improving Customerʼs Operational Efficiency Across Its Production Processes with AI and ML
- iF Design Award
- NEXPERIENCE Methodology for Resolving Societal Challenges
- Co-creation of Digital Control Center for Smart Hospital Transformation in UK
- AI-driven Digital Payment Service
- Hitachiʼs Activities for Providing Mobility Services in New Normal Era
Technology Innovation: IT
- Lumada Data Science Laboratory Contributes to Business and Consolidates Knowledge with Top Data Scientists
- Migration Automation for Accelerating DX
- Automatic Extraction of Information from Unstructured Documents for Operational Efficiency Improvement
- Hitachi Global Data Integration Solution
- PSI Technique for Extracting Intersections Contained in Encrypted Data
- AI Technique for Recognizing Minor Bodily Movements
- Speaking Time Detection Technique for Analyzing Meetings
- Learning-based Image Compression Technique Using Selective Detail Decoding
- Commercialization of CMOS Annealing in Time of COVID-19
- AI-based IT Operation Practices in Optimization Service for IT Administration
- 5G Engineering Technology for 5G Platform
- Edge Computing for 5G
- Knowledge Utilization Solution for Machine Analysis and Presentation of Maintenance Records
- E2E Data Management by Extended Lineage for Secure Analysis with Sensitive Data
- Smart Dictionary Platform for Extracting Meaningful Information from Dark Data
Technology Innovation: Energy
- Development and Application of Material Able to Absorb Radioactive Cesium and Strontium
- Environmental Innovations
- Completion of Decontamination for Decommissioning of Unit 1 at Chubu Electric Power Companyʼs Hamaoka Nuclear Power
- Online Grid Control for Accelerating Installation of Renewable Energy
- Planning Support Technique for Establishing Social Infrastructure that is Highly Reliable and Makes Economic Sense
- Highly Efficient Technique for Recovering Zirconium from High-level Radioactive Waste
Technology Innovation: Industry
- Development of Platform for Integrated Management of Value Chain for Regenerative Medicine Products
- Virtualization of Robot System Integration Using Collaborative Simulator
- Accuracy Improvement Service for Machining by Digitized Expert Know-How
- New Oil-flooded Screw Air Compressors with Industry-leading Energy Efficiency
- Discussion Paper on Revitalizing Human-Machine Interaction in Digital Society Published in Collaboration with Acatech
- 5g-Powered Real-time Edge AI Framework for Realizing Effective Remote Robot Control
- High-speed Controller System with Hardware-based Network Control and Deep Learning
- System for Formulating and Managing Optimal Product Space Allocations and Process Plans in Factories with Wide Product Range
- Control Technology for Adjusting Initial Position of Hoist Crane
Technology Innovation: Smart Life
- Inverter Technology for Shorter Charging Times to Improve Driver QoL
- Release of Compact DS3000 CE Sequencer
- Omnidirectional Stereo Camera
- Autonomous Driving Technology by Government- Ffunded Projects HumanDrive and DENSE
- Joint Research with Tsinghua University to Demonstrate Autonomous Driving Technology
- Technique for Analyzing Depression-Related Symptoms to Improve QoL of Stroke Patients
- Vision-driven Solution Development Strategy
- Future Living Lab Pursuing Value in Post-COVID World: From Use to Engagement
Technology Innovation: Products
- Tilt-SEM for Observing 3D Shape of Semiconductor Devices
- Development of High-concentration Carburizing with Benefits for Cost Reduction of Production Process and Lower Load on Environment
- Optical Technique for High-resolution Measurement of Particle Size Distribution of Sub-micron Particles
- Deep-learning-based Semiconductor Inspection Technique for Whole-wafer Inspection
- Development of Corrosion- and Wear-resistant Alloy for Injection Molding Screws
- Metal Additive Manufacturing Process for Precise, High-quality Fabrication of Complex Part Shapes
Exploratory Research
- Hitachi-UTokyo Laboratory: Phase Two of Energy Project
- Hitachi Kyoto University Laboratory: AI Trained on Psychology
- Hitachi Hokkaido University Laboratory: Community Development Platform for Regions at Forefront of Future Challenges
- Hitachi Kobe Laboratory: Regenerative Medicine
- Observation of Electric Fields in Catalysts Made Possible by More Sensitive Electron Holography
- Hydrogen Platform for Zero-emission Energy Systems
- Establishment of Happiness Planet, Ltd. to Develop New Industry Based on Happiness Measurement
- Engine System Able to Run on Hydrogen and Biofuel to Help Achieve Zero Emissions
- Large-scale Integrated Quantum Computing
