[Seminar] Current Status and Future Prospects of Robotaxi Social Implementation

[Speaker] Mr. Takashi Fujita, Economist, Economic Research Department, Meiji Yasuda Research Institute, Inc. [Key Lecture Content] In this lecture, we will explore the social roles that autonomous driving and robot taxis can play, starting from the recent serious shortage of taxis, and systematically address the challenges for their social implementation from multiple perspectives. Considering structural changes such as the decrease and aging of taxi drivers and the increase in demand from foreign visitors to Japan, we will compare the trends of overseas companies like Waymo with the characteristics of demonstration experiments conducted by Japanese automobile manufacturers. Additionally, we will explain the current state of responsibility determination in the event of accidents during Level 4 autonomous driving, the insurance system, and the development of legal frameworks, while looking ahead to the necessary public-private and cross-industry collaboration to enhance social acceptance. [Lecture Items] 1. Structural factors of taxi shortages, increase in foreign visitors, and transportation demand 2. Leading examples from overseas and strengths of Japanese companies 3. Achievements and challenges of domestic demonstration experiments 4. Responsibility determination in the event of accidents 5. Relationship between compulsory insurance, voluntary insurance, and the Product Liability Law 6. Barriers to social acceptance 7. Responses towards social implementation 8. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Speaker] Abe Shinsei, Representative of Abe CN Consultant Director (Outside) of Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. Former Executive Director of Toyota Motor Corporation / Former Director of BluE Nexus Mr. Abe Shinsei [Key Lecture Content] With the European Commission reconsidering the 35-year engine phase-out and the future of electric vehicles becoming increasingly uncertain and diverse in achieving carbon neutrality, China is leading the world in the evolution of automobiles, including the proliferation of electric vehicles and the practical application of autonomous driving. In this lecture, I will explain the direction of automobiles for achieving carbon neutrality, what the added value of automobiles is for users, and touch upon the threats posed by China's evolution in the automotive sector. [Lecture Items] 1. Latest Trends in Electric Mobility 2. The Threat from China 3. Reasons for the Return to HEV and PHEV 4. Future Challenges and Initiatives 5. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Lecturer] Daisuke Shirai, Ph.D. (Media Design), Chief Researcher, Frontier Communication Research Department, NTT Corporation Future Network Research Institute [Key Lecture Content] There is growing anticipation for quantum computers to tackle problems that are difficult to solve even with the latest computer and AI technologies. In this lecture, I will explain the optical quantum approach, which is gaining attention for its energy efficiency and scalability among various methods. I will cover the basic operating principles of optical quantum computers, an overview of measurement-induced operations and continuous-variable quantum bits, and the quantum light source using PPLN optical parametric amplifiers (OPA), which are key components of the optical quantum approach, along with points on miniaturization and energy saving. Additionally, I will present a roadmap for achieving one million quantum bits by 2030 and the prospects for a network-native quantum accelerator in IOWN.

SANDO TECH Co., Ltd. will be exhibiting at "CONVERTECH2026" held at Tokyo Big Sight. It is a comprehensive exhibition of manufacturing where you can see, touch, and feel. Starting from Roll to Roll processing technology, functional materials, films, processing machinery, and technology will come together to propose the realization of high added value and sustainable manufacturing. When you visit, please be sure to stop by our booth.

Mettler Toledo, Inc. will hold the "Japan RXE Forum 2026" at the TKP Akasaka Conference Center. We will invite experts from various fields who are using our automated synthesis devices and PAT tools to give presentations on topics such as automation of lab experiments, safety assessments, scale-up, reaction monitoring, and the implementation of crystallization optimization into actual manufacturing. This seminar is recommended for those involved in process development at pharmaceutical and chemical companies, those conducting crystallization studies, those performing safety assessments, and those interested in lab automation, productivity improvement, digitalization of labs, and data management.