2017

NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) has established the “NTN Next Generation Research Alliance Laboratories” in the Graduate School of Engineering at the National University Corporation Osaka University (hereafter, Osaka University, head office: Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, President: Shojiro Nishio) with the aim of creating new business and accelerating technical innovation.

With the company's 100th anniversary approaching in March 2018, NTN is focusing on expanding its core businesses and creating business in new areas. NTN has now established the “NTN Next Generation Research Alliance Laboratories” (hereafter, the laboratory) within Osaka University utilizing Osaka University's Research Alliance Laboratory system*. Specially appointed professor Yoshinobu Akamatsu (former NTN executive officer) of the Graduate School of Engineering of Osaka University will be assigned as general manager of the laboratory, and Professor Toshihiro Tanaka of the Graduate School of Engineering of Osaka University will be assigned as deputy general manager.

NTN has been conducting joint-research and development with Osaka University on innovative artificial 3D cellular tissue by integrating cell lamination technology that uses iPS derived cells from Osaka University with NTN's proprietary microscopic coating applicator, with the aim of drug discovery and applications for regenerative medicine. The laboratory is also planning to begin development of technology for predicting bearing operating life by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate the state of damage of bearings for automobile, rolling stock, machine tool or others and the level of lubricant (grease) deterioration, as well as technology capable of implementing trend control during bearing operation and preventing damage by installing multi-functional sensors on bearings. The laboratory will also focus on development of lightweight and compact products that utilize advanced simulation technology aimed at energy-efficiency and more fuel-efficient vehicles, as well as research that can contribute to shorter development times.

An opening ceremony was held together with Osaka University on September 5, where Osaka University President Nishio, Graduate School of Engineering Professor Toshihiro Tanaka and others helped cut the ribbon. President Nishio stated that “I want to focus on initiatives that bring progress and have a positive effect on society, by applying mainly bearing technology for advancing monitoring and simulation technologies that utilize AI, as well as develop more skilled personnel at NTN and Osaka University, and encourage the results of our research to be used throughout industry sectors.”

NTN is also planning to hold the “NTN Next Generation Research Alliance Laboratories Commemorative Symposium” at Osaka University on October 13, aimed at strengthening technical collaboration between industry and academia, and training a new generation of skilled personnel. University staff, companies that established research alliance laboratories at the university, and current students will be invited to the symposium. Information will be provided on the history of NTN as well as contributions made to technical innovations in the automotive and industrial machinery sectors, and future research efforts. An outline of new business fields raised in the Medium-term Management Plan “NTN 100” that NTN is approaching will also be provided, including the Green Energy Business, EV Business, Robot-related Business and products in the Service, Solutions Business consisting of monitoring conditions with big data.

With these laboratory activities, NTN will strengthen industry-academic collaboration with Osaka University that possesses cutting-edge technology, as well as boost core technology by implementing the latest technology, and focus on research and development to create new next-generation businesses.

• A system that aims to promote the use of research results in industry, advance research and cultivate highly skilled professionals from companies and Osaka University, by using research information, technology, personnel and equipment in a mutual location.

Overview of NTN Next Generation Research Alliance Laboratories

Name	NTN Next Generation Research Alliance Laboratories
Established at	Graduate School of Engineering of Osaka University (2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871)
Date established	September 1, 2017
Laboratory general manager	Yoshinobu Akamatsu
Career overview	Entered Toyo Bearing Manufacturing (current NTN Corporation) in 1980 and worked at the bearing research laboratory and general research laboratory before being appointed Executive Officer, General Manager of the New Product Development R&D Center, General Manager of the Product Innovation Strategy Department, Deputy General Manager of the Automobile Business Headquarters and General Manager of Iwata Works. Currently a specially appointed professor at the Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University.

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