What do Discman, Tamagotchi, and Game Youngster have in common?
They’re all landmark Japanese inventions from the 1980s and 90s, symbols of an era once the Asian nation was a world leader within tech innovation.
Using the rise associated with Silicon Valley, plus American tech leaders such as Google and Apple, has observed Japan produce less era-defining tech in the last two decades.
That, says Professor Masahiko Tsukamoto, of Kobe University’s Graduate School of Anatomist , is about to improve thanks to a new era of young business owners, an uptick in international collaborations, plus new partnerships along with university scientists.
Japan’s focus this time around is not really on smart cell phones or gaming, yet wearable chairs, clever glasses and dog communication devices.
In short, wacky wearable technology.
Wearable tech within Japan
In 2013, The japanese sold 530, 1000 units of wearable tech devices, according to Yano Research Institute .
That figure can be predicted to leapfrog to 13. 1 million units in 2017.
Perhaps the greatest indication of the increase in this industry was your introduction of Tokyo’s first Wearable Expo in 2015 – on launch, it was the biggest wearable tech reasonable in the world with 103 exhibitors.
It has showcased electronic kimonos, cat communication devices, plus electronic gloves in order to record a pianist’s finger work.
In the next show, through January 18 to 20, 2017, the particular organizers expect a lot more than 200 exhibitors and 19, 000 site visitors.
“With better functionality, lighter components and smaller designs, wearing devices is now no longer a fantasy, ” says show director Yuhi Maezono. “Wearables are gathering attention as the next huge growth market. ”
The dog whisperer
Inupathy is a dog funnel slated to release at the end of this year that will enable pet owners to communicate with their dogs.
As well as a heart monitor, the particular harness features noise-canceling technology which can isolate the animal’s heart beat and track the reactions to stimulus, such as food, games, people and playthings.
With this data, the harness assesses the dog’s mood plus changes color to tell the owners.
Pre-loaded with six LED lamps, the collar glows blue to show relaxed, red for excitement, and displays a rainbow theme intended for happiness.
Joji Yamaguchi, CEO of Inupathy, was inspired simply by his Corgi, Akane, who was an anxious puppy. To better understand the dog’s anxiety, the particular biologist developed Inupathy to monitor his heart rate.
“I always felt like I couldn’t understand Akane very well and I wanted to get end up being closer to him, ” says Yamaguchi.
“Buddhism and old Japan religion says each animals, plants, and also rocks have soul inside. It’s nerve-racking when you can’t solve problems that are distressing them. ”
Yamaguchi expects wearable wellness tracking will have apps for humans, too.
“Personalization, of synthetic intelligence will be a game-changer, ” says Yamaguchi.
“For instance, in case you show a certain behavior before you start feeling despondent, predicting your major depression from that actions are extremely valuable to have an individual. An AI that works personally for you personally will eventually allow. ”
A real life-saver
Archelis – a wearable chair released in Japan this year – is also creating a buzz internationally.
The collaboration between Nitto mold factory, Chiba University, Japan Polymer Technology and Hiroaki Nishimura Design, in Japan, it was at first intended for surgeons, who require to rest their particular legs during long operations.
The chair enables its individual to effectively sit back and stand up at the same time.
“The Archelis concept is very easy, like the simplicity of Columbus’ egg, ” says Dr Hiroshi Kawahira, the surgeon behind the concept. “Long surgeries can result in back pain, neck pain, and knee discomfort – especially for surgeons who are older. ”
Made of 3D-printed panels, Archelis does not require any electrical elements or batteries.
The innovation is in the effective design: versatile carbon panels wrap around the buttocks, hip and legs and feet to offer support and reduce pressure on important joints.
The system stabilizes the particular ankles and legs, so the pressure through being upright is certainly spread evenly across the shins and thighs.
Though the wearer appears to be standing, in fact , these are resting their back and legs while focusing on their feet.
Reach the point
Other wearables take the smaller side.
Measuring about 3 inches long, BIRD is basically a modern thimble that will turns your fingertip into a magic wand.
Using algorithms to decode an user’s intent, the device also functions precise sensors that track direction, velocity, and gestures.
The particular technology enables customers to turn any surface into a smart display, as well as interact with some other smart devices.
Travelling at home, users may project a laptop computer screen onto the wall, switch on the coffee machine, read on any surface, and make online purchases with all the point or swipe of a finger.
The particular developers – Israel-based MUV Interactive and Japan-based Silicon Technology – expect PARROT to be embraced by the education and corporate sectors, thanks to the ability to create collaborative presentations.