Graduate School of Engineering

Associate Professor Masakazu Morimoto

In recent years, AI-based image recognition technology has advanced dramatically, and we are working to apply this technology to various aspects of society. We are building a system to support visual inspections at factories to reduce the workload of inspectors, and a system to remove foreign matter from recycled cotton to improve its recycling rate.

Graduate School of Information Science

Professor Hiroyasu Inoue

When a pandemic, disaster, international conflict, or other such event causes a disruption in the flow of goods, it leads to further production halts for items that rely on those raw materials. This disruption spreads like a chain reaction, eventually causing damage to the entire economy. This phenomenon is increasing year by year and poses a major threat to the world.
In this study, we use the Fugaku supercomputer and other computational systems to simulate the activities of numerous companies. Through these simulations, we aim to explore effective countermeasures to mitigate the impact of such economic shocks.

Graduate School of Information Science

Professor Hiroaki Kawashima

I am conducting research on interactions between humans, between organisms, and between humans and machines. In particular, I am currently using computer vision and machine learning techniques to track the location of individual fish in schools captured by cameras, and to express their movements as a school using mathematical formulas. In addition to elucidating the mechanism of schooling, we are attempting to induce schooling by using pseudo-individuals, which, if realized, could have applications in aquaculture and other industries.

Graduate School of Engineering

Associate Professor Eri Miura

Based on metals that are compatible with living organisms, such as titanium and magnesium, we are developing biomaterials that combine the superior properties of metals, ceramics, and resins, and conducting research on corrosion and wear in vivo. The properties of the interface between materials with different crystalline structures and properties are important in order to unify them. In order to understand in detail the properties of interfaces and surfaces of materials in special environments such as living organisms and in the sea, we observe microstructures using electron microscopes, analyze surfaces using various analytical instruments, and conduct mechanical tests.

Graduate School of Science

Professor Hisao Kobayashi

We are improving tools and methods to study special materials, which have unique properties due to quantum physics. Our goal is to discover new ways these materials can be used especially for energy related technologies. This could lead to breakthroughs that support a sustainable society by finding innovative uses for these materials and understanding how they work.

Graduate School of Science

Professor Yoshihito Tanaka

The interaction of X-rays with materials has led to a variety of measurement methods. If X-rays can be transmitted through fiber optics, we will be able to use X-rays much more easily than now, just like fiber-optic cable communication networks. We are developing a method to introduce synchrotron radiation X-rays into a hollow glass fiber to control the irradiation position, and to transmit visible light lasers at the same time to efficiently measure optical properties.

Research Institute of Nursing Care for People and Community

Professor Chisato Hayashi / Institute Director

The study will examine changes in social frailty*2 by dividing people into two groups: those who use health apps as a family and those who use them alone. We will examine whether using health apps together with family members as a health support bubble will have the effect of promoting information sharing and maintaining motivation for health promotion. Based on the research results, we are looking forward to building measures to prevent social frailty through the use of ICT.
*1 Family use of health applications
*2 Decline in physical and mental functions due to a decrease in social connections

Graduate School of Engineering

Professor Yusuke Kikuchi

In Japan, about 50% of electricity is consumed by electric motors. Reducing motor power consumption by inverters using next-generation power semiconductor devices such as SiC will contribute to energy conservation, prevention of global warming, and development of electric vehicles and electric aircraft. This research aims to develop advanced electrical insulation technology for SiC inverters under reduced pressure at aircraft flight altitudes to support higher voltages and frequencies.

Graduate School of Engineering

Associate Professor Kodai Machida

By refining the individual biomolecules that make up human cells and combining only the necessary ones, we have successfully reproduced part of the functions of human cells in test tubes. This simple system will be useful for explaining the mechanisms that cause viruses to proliferate and explain the causes of illnesses caused by protein abnormalities. In this manner, we are advancing research that contributes to healthy living of humans, through the development of technological foundations for preventing various diseases and discovering treatment methods.