I enjoyed doing research at university, and applied to Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc. because I wanted to
continue working in a research position. Automobiles are comprised of a huge number of parts and concentrate
technologies from a variety of fields, and I was also motivated by the desire to be involved in developing
such technologies. My original purpose of working on technology that will come to fruition in five or ten
years remains unchanged.
The difference with research at university is that the goal of my research now includes contributing to the
Toyota Group or to society as a whole. Since I am employed, I can’t work only on the research I like.
However, this is offset by the possibility of my work eventually proving useful to society or in
automobiles. Also, as long as we follow the lines of company policy and conditions, we are given the
opportunity to propose our own research themes and dedicate ourselves to that research.
I find it highly motivating to think that technology I was involved in researching could find its way into
automobiles and bring happiness to a variety of people. There’s not much point to technology, no matter how
wonderful it is, if it doesn’t get used by a lot of people. The purpose of my research is not special
technology to mount in high-end luxury cars, but rather to making technology that is more compact, lighter,
and less expensive, and consequently generally widespread.
I am currently conducting research on both software and hardware to achieve advances in automobile active
safety systems. In terms of software, my research involves the processing and control of signals from laser
radars. I am working on algorithms for the processing of received signals as a way to realize sensors that
can acquire information with greater precision, and on control programs designed to activate the laser radar
and capture signals. On the hardware front, I am researching optical integrated circuits to achieve the
compact size and cost reduction expected of next-generation laser radar.
Although I am envisioning a level that can be used in automated driving, there are still many issues to
overcome on the road to making this a reality. In my opinion, the sensors that acquire information represent
the most important point in laser radars, and I am personally motivated by the challenge of finding
solutions to sensor issues. Researchers worldwide are currently competing to see if achieving detection up
to a few meters ahead using only optical integrated chips is possible. I, too, want to strive to achieve a
world first.
I am always under pressure since optical integrated circuit prototypes involve high research costs. I feel
both happy and relieved when I get the results I expected after using the equipment to evaluate a prototype
circuit. Even if I get stuck in my research, the positive atmosphere of the laboratory provides a supportive
environment in which it is easy to ask for advice or engage in discussions.
For the next two years, I will be making use of the Studying Abroad system to study at a university in
North America as a visiting researcher. That decision was based on the fact that North America leads the
world in the optical integrated circuit field as well as in integrated circuit fabrication technology, and I
can therefore expect my research to progress smoothly.
I relied on papers and other information to narrow down the best universities in this field and negotiated
with my chosen university myself. Subsequent negotiations for the contract and other details were handled by
the Administrative Division. Since I’ll be leaving soon, I’m currently very busy with the transfer of my
duties.
My next aspiration is to produce automated driving sensors that can be mounted in any automobile. If
automated driving can be introduced in all automobiles, we may be able to reduce the number of heartbreaking
accidents. That’s what I keep in mind as I conduct my research.
Technology is meaningless if it is only treated as an object of promotion and competition. The ultimate goal
of the research is to turn leading-edge technology into a commercial product that can be mounted in any
vehicle.
I encourage people who want to see vehicles equipped with technology they helped design on the road, or who
want to revolutionize automobiles, to come and work with us!
Since we are conducting joint research with the North American base of a Group company, we have an early morning video conference once a month. I have made two or three business trips to North America to meet them in person. Outside of working hours, I am part of the company’s photography club, and am looking forward to taking pictures of the scenery in the North American location where I will be studying. I’ve already packed my cameras and shipped them.
*Details in the article are those at the time of the interview.