ProjectsDawn Type

Research Overview

To strategically advance NICHe's goal of “social implementation of research results through industry-academia collaboration,” the Center provides a wide range of support for activities from prototype design and production to commercialization conducted by researchers. In addition to understanding the needs of society, NICHe collects technological seeds from across all departments of the university, and maximizes the use of the Prototype Manufacturing Technology Research Collaboration Division (PM Division: Kikuchi Mfg. Co., Ltd.) established at the Center to formulate scenarios and identify and complement issues until practical solutions are realized. Organized collaboration among members of the Development Planning Department are used to formulate scenarios and to identify and supplement issues up to execution of a plan.

Research Features

To provide concrete form to the researcher's requests, ideas, and research results, we first interview the researcher about the concept of the product to be developed, and after fully understanding the issues and possible applications, we create an image of the product using model drawings. Next, we design a prototype including structure and control for actual product manufacturing, and fabricate the prototype through an integrated system from parts procurement to assembly. With this prototype and mass production system as a basis, we provide researchers with a prototype machines that meet their needs for high precision, low cost, and quick delivery, thereby stimulating research.

In addition, to address issues faced by companies, we match the seeds of our in-house researchers and provide support for the development of new products.

Expected Outcomes and Developments

When building a business model with functional prototypes, we clarify the direction of the business, and design and verify mass production feasibility, including manufacturing methods that take shape in a short period of time and include a maintenance schedule. We then conduct mass production prototyping with integrated management of production, including procurement. We also manage all production, including procurement, and conduct mass production prototyping to reduce the burden of arranging and managing subcontracting and parts procurement. We then conduct market research, formulate a sales plan, and simulate or execute early-stage sales performance. In addition, NICHe will make joint proposals for grants and subsidized projects that can use the results of our research for promoting commercialization. Furthermore, NICHe will use its expertise in fostering entrepreneurial human resources and support measures such as investment to nurture and produce ventures originating from the University and provide optimal processes for manufacturing to support rapid introduction of new products into the market.