Exploring Human Augmentation Technology Part 1: “Mai” Concept
What kind of technology is "Human Augmentation"? And how big is the market?
Human Augmentation is a field of advanced technology that enables new experiences by complementing and improving human abilities in a way that is in harmony with people. The Human Augmentation areas we are considering roughly apply to four domains – motor skills, perception, cognition, and presence – but the field extends the capacity in each of these domains and across multiple domains. The scope of the field of Human Augmentation is very wide and will continue to change. According to a survey conducted by Seed Planning, the Japanese domestic market is expected to exceed 1 trillion yen (approximately $7.5 billion USD) by 2025. We also believe that it could grow even larger in the future.
When did Kyocera start researching Human Augmentation?
In April 2019, we established the Future Design Lab to take a new research direction in Human Augmentation. We have focused R&D mainly related to systems, but Kyocera has been developing many products in related fields such as medical/healthcare, communications, and devices.
What makes Kyocera’s Human Augmentation solutions different from other companies?
Kyocera's goal for Human Augmentation is to contribute to developing a more secure and prosperous society and lifestyle for customers through technology that is in harmony with people and expands their natural abilities. We will use Kyocera's in-house assets in materials, devices, communications, mobility, medical and healthcare, as well as open innovation to open new markets.
How did you come up with Kyocera’s "Mai" concept for Human Augmentation technology?
It is named after how a story develops dynamically in the context of subtle action in "Noh" theater, a traditional Japanese artistic performance. To express the idea of contributing to a more secure and prosperous life through technology that is in harmony with people and expands their abilities, we conceptualize a type of “traditional theater”
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What fields or industries are expected to utilize Human Augmentation in the future? Also, what kind of society do you hope to achieve?
Applications range from general daily life to entertainment, medical healthcare, sports, office, and production sites. More than now ever, we need to build a world where people can live their daily lives with peace of mind and abundance by making technology more accessible. At the same time, with regards to the issue of labor shortages in the future, it will be possible for the elderly to improve their productivity in society.
Kyocera is looking for research partners to further explore Human Augmentation technologies leveraging our expertise in sensors, telecommunications, IoT, and AI.
Learn more below:
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