HIROSHIMA, Japan, August 21, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) have started field tests of Toyota's Sweep Energy Storage System* at Mazda's Hiroshima Plant in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.For the tests, the power system at Mazda's headquarters campus-the only power generation system operated by an automaker in Japan-and Toyota's system that utilizes batteries from electrified vehicles will be connected through their respective energy management systems. This will enable the verification of stable, high-quality, and efficient charging and discharging. In the future, the storage system will be used to regulate power supply and demand from renewable energy, which fluctuates depending on weather and time of day, contributing to carbon neutrality.The tests are aimed to contribute to building a battery ecosystem, which is part of the seven mobility industry issues that the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association is addressing across the industry. In support of stable procurement of critical resources and building a resilient supply chain, the battery ecosystem is aimed to sustainably reuse batteries in Japan, including electrified vehicle batteries.Going forward, both companies will continue to take on challenges across the industry, focusing on a multi pathway approach to achieve carbon neutrality and strengthen industry competitiveness.*The system rapidly switches each battery's power flow on and off, even when new batteries are connected to degraded or different capacity batteries.Aim for Sweep Energy Storage System Field Tests"Achieving zero, and adding new value beyond it"As part of efforts to pass our beautiful "Home Planet" to the next generation, Toyota has identified and is helping to solve issues faced by individuals and overall society, which Toyota calls "Achieving Zero," hoping to help reduce the negative impacts caused by these issues to people and the environment to zero. Additionally, Toyota is also looking "Beyond Zero" to create and provide greater value by continuing to diligently seek ways to improve lives and society for the future.About Beyond Zero https://global.toyota/en/mobility/beyond-zero/Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.SDGs Initiativeshttps://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/ Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Tokyo, Japan, August 21, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) — NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) in the vocational training sector in Senegal with the Senegalese government, the Senegal-Japan Vocational Training Center (CFPT-SJ), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Toyota Tsusho Corporation (Toyota Tsusho), Daikin Industries, Ltd. (Daikin), Toda Construction Co., Ltd. (Toda Construction), and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Yamaha).Based on this memorandum, each company will provide training programs to CFPT-SJ to support the development of industrial human resources in Senegal. NEC will contribute to the development of industrial human resources by promoting the understanding and reach of digital technologies related to improving crop productivity, improving farming practices, and contributing to universal health coverage, which are some of the major goals of the Republic of Senegal and align with the Government of Japan’s Country Assistance Policy.Signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Cooperation at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9)Established in 1984 with grant aid from JICA, CFPT-SJ has become a core educational institution in the field of vocational training, not only in Senegal but also in the West African region. In recent years, demand has been steadily growing for more sophisticated and diverse industrial human resources in Senegal, and CFPT-SJ is committed to developing human resources that meet these needs.To date, Toyota Tsusho, Daikin, Toda Construction, Yamaha, and NEC have contributed to industrial development in Senegal and the West African region through their respective businesses. However, the cultivation and acquisition of highly skilled industrial human resources necessary for business promotion remains a challenge. In response to this, JICA, Japan-based companies, and the CFPT-SJ have concluded this MOC to strengthen and develop cooperation in the cultivation of industrial human resources in Senegal.Specifically, regarding the implementation of training programs by the Japan-based companies belonging to the CFPT-SJ, the following points were agreed upon: (1) the Senegalese government will cooperate with CFPT-SJ, (2) CFPT-SJ will cooperate with each participating organization, (3) JICA will coordinate between Japan and Senegal, and (4) Toyota Tsusho, Daikin, Toda Construction, Yamaha, and NEC will formulate and implement training programs in their respective areas of expertise.Through this MOC, NEC aims to contribute to greater understanding of digital technology and the development of industrial human resources in Senegal, while strengthening its collaboration with JICA to expand the development of solutions in the agriculture and health sectors in the African region.About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.  Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, August 21, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sharp Corporation and Sharp Energy Solutions Corporation (*1) (hereinafter referred to as “Sharp”) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the cooperation through renewable energy to advance improved access to basic services in displacement-affected areas in the Republic of Kenya (hereinafter “Kenya”). This MOU is signed with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato ward, Tokyo, hereinafter referred to as “MOL”), and the International Organization for Migration (*2) (hereinafter referred to as “IOM”), in conjunction with the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (*3) (TICAD 9).(From left) Tatsuro Watanabe, Responsible for Europe and Africa Region, Chairman & Managing Director of MOL (Europe Africa) Ltd;Yasufumi Sugahara, Executive Managing Officer & Co-Chief Operating Officer, Sharp Corporation;Hirozumi Gokaku, President & Representative Director, Sharp Energy Solutions Corporation;Ritsu Nacken, Chief of Mission, IOM Japan.The MOU also stipulates that the Parties will explore innovative solutions and technologies to strengthen climate resilience of vulnerable communities in Kenya.Sharp has been promoting ESG-based management, and this MOU aligns with its corporate philosophy "to contribute to the benefits and welfare of people throughout the world." Sharp will continue to address societal challenges and fulfill its commitment to social contribution by utilizing its unique products solutions and technologies.*1 Sharp Energy Solutions Corporation is a subsidiary of Sharp Corporation responsible for energy solutions. Headquarters: Yao City, Osaka Prefecture. President and Representative Director: Hirozumi Gokaku.*2 The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a UN agency that addresses global migration issues. IOM Japan Chief of Mission : Ritsu Nacken.*3 The TICAD 9 will be held from August 20 to August 22, 2025, at Pacifico Yokohama (Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture). It is organized by the Japanese government in collaboration with the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the African Union Commission (AUC).Sharp Sustainability global website: https://global.sharp/corporate/eco/  Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Aug 22, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TANAKA MIRAI Lab., part of TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd. (head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Koichiro Tanaka), has developed an experimental unit for space molecular crystallization using Au nanostructure formation technology (patent pending). On April 21, 2025 (local time), the experimental unit was installed in the SpaceX CRS-32, an unmanned commercial resupply spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) launched from the Kennedy Space Center in the U.S.Protein crystals formed within the experimental unit installed in the space station (magnified using a polarizing microscope)After installation in the ISS's Columbus science laboratory and one month of observation and experimentation, it safely returned to Earth, where it was confirmed that the experiments involving protein crystallization in space were successful.Significance of the ExperimentProtein crystallization experiments conducted in space are valuable for detailed structural analysis of protein molecules, as they can be carried out in a microgravity environment, eliminating the effects of gravity. Such experiments are expected to make significant contributions to understanding biological functions and advancing drug discovery. However, the success rate of producing crystals remains low, and the high costs along with the limited number of experiments that can be performed continue to pose challenges for space-based research. The experimental unit for space molecular crystallization, developed by TANAKA MIRAI Lab. and utilizing Au nanostructure formation technology, is expected to enable more cost-effective space experiments with superior outcomes. By leveraging protein crystallization technology based on the plasmon resonance (*1) of gold (Au), it can significantly improve the crystal generation rate. This advancement is anticipated to contribute to the elucidation of biological functions and to research in drug discovery.Superiority of “Experimental Unit for Space Molecular Crystallization Using Au Nanostructure Formation Technology”Protein molecules are easily absorbed onto the surface of Au nanoparticles, and plasmon resonance occurs between Au nanoparticles at wavelengths in the visible light range, promoting protein crystallization.TANAKA MIRAI Lab. has discovered that the condensation of light energy between Au nanoparticles further promotes the generation of protein crystal nuclei. In addition, in the microgravity environment of space, crystals of higher quality and larger size than those on the ground are expected to be generated because they are not affected by convection and sedimentation due to gravity.In combination with Au nanostructure formation technology, TANAKA MIRAI Lab. has developed a capillary (cylindrical glass device) (Figure 1) with high crystal generation capabilities (patent pending) for use in the counter-diffusion(*2) method.On the inner wall of the capillary with an inner diameter of 0.5 mm and a length of 5 cm, nano-level particles of Au (average diameter: 20 nm) are aligned at nano-level intervals (average distance between surfaces: 40 nm) that facilitate the generation of plasmon resonance near the surface of Au particles.In addition to conducting experiments in space, which is unaffected by gravity, the use of this unit is expected to dramatically improve the rate of obtaining protein crystals, which had been considered challenging. As a result, it is believed that this unit will contribute to the elucidation of biological functions and the development of drug discovery research.Figure 1: a) Photo of capillary b) Schematic diagram of capillary c) Electron microscope image of inner wallOverview of the ExperimentKirara, a space experiment service supplied by Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (https://www.jamss.co.jp/en/space_utilization/kirara/), a space experiment consulting company, was used to install the experimental unit for space molecular crystallization using Au nanostructure formation technology in the SpaceX CRS-32 unmanned commercial resupply spacecraft.Specifically, capillaries were filled with protein solution and sealed in a tube (bag) which was stored within the Kirara device (a thermostatic chamber). This unit was then placed in the rocket and launched into space.Timeline of experiments involving protein crystallization in space* All times are U.S. local timesApril 7: Specimens sent from Japan to the U.S.April 13: Specimens arrive in Kennedy Space Center in Florida (U.S.)April 19: Specimens are loaded into Kirara device and placed in rocketApril 21: Kirara device is launched into space on a Space-X Falcon 9 rocket (CRS-32)April 22: Kirara device arrives at International Space Station (the ISS)April 23: Kirara device is installed in the ISS Columbus science laboratoryMay 21: Kirara device is removed from the ISS Columbus science laboratoryMay 25: CRS-32 with Kirara device returns to EarthResults of the ExperimentThe experimental unit for space molecular crystallization using Au nanostructure formation technology was used to successfully crystallize proteins in space (Figure 2).Figure 2: Top) Protein crystals formed in capillaries containing crystallization solution with NaCl concentration of 750 mMBottom) Magnified view of protein crystals taken using polarizing microscopeThe graph below (Figure 3) shows the final results of the protein crystallization experiment performed on the ISS(*3). The horizontal axis represents the concentration of the NaCl in the crystallization solution (mM). The vertical axis represents the average number of crystals that formed in the capillary (crystals per capillary).The blue bars (Au(-)) show the results for capillaries without Au nanostructures, while the red bars (Au(+)) show the results for capillaries with Au nanostructures.As the graph shows, the number of crystals that formed was higher for capillaries with Au nanostructures (the red bars on the graph).Experimental conditions● Capillary conditions: Capillaries with an inner diameter of 0.5 mm were used, and a structure of nano-level particles of Au with a diameter of 20 nm was formed on the inner walls of the capillaries (in the same way as for experiments performed on Earth in advance).● Solution conditions: Lysozyme refined for the space experiment was used as a solvent for protein (25 mg/L). For the crystallization solution, three NaCl concentrations were prepared: 650 mM, 700 mM, and 750 mM. These solutions included an acetic acid buffer (pH 4.5) with a concentration of 50 mM and PEG (4K) 20%.● Crystallization experiment: The counter-diffusion method was used, and the units were kept stationary at a temperature of 20°C in a weightless environment for 34 days, during which the crystallization process was observed.Comments from Researchers Responsible for the ExperimentTakayuki IshibashiChief Researcher, TANAKA MIRAI Lab.Ever since TANAKA MIRAI Lab. was first launched, we've envisioned precious metals as being used in extreme environments. Many projects never get beyond their planning phases, so I'm ecstatic that our first success was with an experiment in space, and that we've been able to exhibit the actual articles used in the experiment in our concept room here within the company. Seeing the proteins that crystallized in space here on Earth, with my own eyes, I felt again the potential for future crystal applications as we work toward the year 2085. We were able to achieve this success thanks to the combined efforts of many people, and I'd like to express my gratitude again to all those involved, both inside and outside the company.Masahiro ItoChief Researcher, TANAKA MIRAI Lab.This space project was a tremendously meaningful one for us, as it represented a great step forward. As a company that deals with precious metals, there have long been expectations for our participation in the space industry, but this was our first time really taking on a challenge in this sector. The project started out of a desire not just to think about things at the conceptual level but to test them out in space. I believe it reflects the spirit of TANAKA MIRAI Lab. — harnessing curiosity to drive our pursuit of creating rare and exceptional value for the future.Figure 4: Left) The experimental unit used in the ISS Right) Replica of the Kirara device(On exhibit in the DOCK2085 concept room at the head office)(*1) Plasmon resonance: A phenomenon in which light of a specific wavelength is absorbed on an Au surface that has been nanoparticulated. It is further enhanced when Au nanoparticles are close together at nano-level spacing.(*2) Counter-diffusion method: One of the protein crystallization methods, in which crystals are obtained by bidirectional diffusion of the protein solution inside the capillary and the crystallization solution outside. During this process, a concentration gradient is generated inside the capillary, which makes it possible to simultaneously search for a wide range of crystallization conditions. In addition, since the protein is not concentrated during crystallization, crystal growth proceeds gently.(*3) While more crystals were generated in the unit with the Au nanostructures, the experiments were performed under a limited number of experimental conditions, so this cannot be concluded to represent a significant difference. Furthermore, the overall number of crystals that were generated was low in comparison to prior experiments performed on Earth. This is believed to be due to a large number of days passing between when the capillaries were filled with solution and when the crystallization began.About TANAKA MIRAI Lab.TANAKA has been advancing a transformation of its overall business toward the year 2085, the 200th anniversary of its founding, with the aim of “creating a future that no one has ever seen before.” As part of this initiative, TANAKA launched TANAKA MIRAI Lab., an organization to lead the creation of new paradigms for a better future—from emergence to realization.TANAKA MIRAI Lab.’s mission is to envision an unseen future and realize various possibilities by conducting research derived from “kisho (precious and rare) value.”About TANAKASince its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group's consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.TANAKA Industrial Precious Metal Materials Portalhttps://tanaka-preciousmetals.comPress inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/Press release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/2025821.pdf  Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, August 21, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) — NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) has developed technology that utilizes AI to enable safe, efficient autonomous control of robot movement even in complex environments with many obstacles. NEC’s in-house demonstrations of this technology have confirmed that a robot's travel time can be reduced by up to 50% when compared to conventional methods (*).This new technology utilizes NEC's proprietary AI, which has been trained with the knowledge of multiple AIs, to generate optimal travel paths in real time. NEC aims to commercialize this technology by the end of fiscal 2026.In recent years, automation through the introduction of robots has been progressing in large logistics warehouses and factories due to a decrease in labor forces and the need to improve productivity. However, in existing small- and medium-sized logistics warehouses, where it is difficult to prepare a dedicated environment for robots, and in retail stores, where aisles are narrow and display shelves and products are obstacles, it is difficult to secure paths for robots to move, which has hindered their introduction.Furthermore, in robot control technology, there has been a trade-off between the time required to predict a path and the quality of the estimated path, and it takes time to estimate optimal routes. Therefore, robot control technology has not been practical in complex environments with many obstacles.Features of the robot control technology developed by NEC to address these issues include the following.Proprietary AI that generates optimal routes in real timeTraditionally, autonomous robot navigation in environments with numerous obstacles has relied on a combination of AI technologies and methods that generate paths based on predefined rules and procedures. However, there have been challenges in achieving optimal path generation that balances safety and efficiency. Additionally, while combining multiple AI systems can generate more appropriate paths, increasing the number of AI systems tends to prolong processing time and make real-time control more difficult. NEC has developed a proprietary AI that can learn the paths generated by multiple AI systems and generate multiple paths at once. This enables the generation of safe and efficient optimal paths even in environments with irregularly placed obstacles, thereby realizing real-time robot control.50% reduction in robot travel timeIn simulations on a 50-meter-long test course with randomly placed obstacles, robots using this technology confirmed that the time required to run through the course could be reduced by up to 50% compared to conventional methods. This makes it possible to roughly double the efficiency of robot movement, while ensuring safety and contributing to further improvements in work efficiency on site.(*) Reinforcement Learning-based Dynamic Window Approach (RL-based DWA)About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.  Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.