The Furukawa Group will mobilize the Group’s abilities and contribute to society with its material technology based around the theme of "using technology acquired through our material capabilities to help realize a society that is comfortable for living."
Cultivating New Environmental Businesses
In 2005, Furukawa Electric formulated its "2015 Vision" for research and development, focusing on the theme of "using technology acquired through our material capabilities to help realize a society that is comfortable for living." By maximizing the potential of three materials (metal, polymer and photonics) of the Furukawa Group, we have selected four areas – energy-saving; environmental materials; new alloys; and optical, wireless and high frequency – in which we can contribute to society.
Based on this vision, we have developed our "2012 Medium-Term Management Plan" and set our pillars as: next-generation automobiles, energy and the smart grid, and large-capacity optical communication. These are areas of emphasis for Cultivating New Environmental Businesses.
In next-generation automobiles, in response to the growing demand for lighter weight we have developed thinner-diameter harnesses, aluminum harnesses and forming material for bodies by applying polymer technology. As batteries will become increasingly important components, we also developed battery level sensors to measure the amount of charge.
In energy and smart grids, we will advance development of technology that can store power from photovoltaic and wind power generation, and electric power network technology that links smart meters, as well as development of superconductivity.
In large-capacity optical communications, where speed is transitioning from 40 Gbps to 100 Gbps, we are developing new types of optical fibers, varieties of active and passive optical components, and optical interconnection that can undertake large-capacity communication within servers.
Integrating Group Capabilities
To develop these new materials and new technologies, it will become more necessary than ever to integrate the entire Group’s capabilities.
Our R&D division, to bolster our development capabilities, will concentrate and integrate various technologies now scattered among different departments and subsidiaries and affiliates.
With our research laboratories in the United States and European Union as a base, at Furukawa Electric we will promote the internationalization of our research and development projects.
Kazunori Nakamura
Corporate Senior Vice Presidents & Chief Technology Officer