Health&Environmental-Sensing Device Project

We are working to find ways to apply material and laser technologies that contribute to the realization of safe, secure, and sustainable societies using optical communication device technologies developed thus far at NTT Laboratories. We are developing ways to apply material analysis and laser technologies developed through the R&D of communication devices to realize a safe, secure, and sustainable society. For example, we are applying scientific measurement methods, such as stable isotope ratio measurement using laser beams, in techniques to assess traceability in distribution of goods, and developing ways to streamline infrastructure maintenance and management operations by developing tools for infrastructure maintenance using high-power laser beams.

(1) Gas sensing technology

We are conducting verification experiments aimed at applying NTT’s proprietary analysis technique for scientifically inferring the origin of cashmere wool, a high-grade fiber raw material. In particular, we are testing the effectiveness of using an analysis device that uses a long-wavelength semiconductor laser to determine the stable isotope ratio of elements in cashmere wool and inferring its origin by matching the accumulated stable isotope ratio data with production area data (including geographical and breeding data). Other than ensuring the safe supply of high-quality products to consumers, there is a need for establishing a system that ensures traceability to protect producers through the branding of production areas in cashmere-producing countries. Our goal is to develop a technique that can be applied to solve this problem.

(2) Laser processing technology

We are conducting research and development aimed at the application of technologies developed through the R&D of communication devices and equipment in areas outside communication. High-power lasers are increasingly being used for various purposes in monozukuri. The development of compact, high-performance, and low-cost laser devices is expected to further drive the transformation of the manufacturing field. In this project, we are applying technologies we have developed thus far for controlling laser beams in high-power laser applications to develop laser devices that can be used for maintenance of communication facilities.

(3) Paint evaluation technology

Maintenance of communication facilities is very important in providing safe and secure communication services as a critical lifeline. The NTT Group owns an enormous number of telecommunications towers, which are painted to protect them from corrosion and degradation. Using long-life coating specifications to extend repainting intervals and reduce life cycle cost is very important for the efficient maintenance of a large number of steel towers. We have therefore developed a new accelerated corrosion test method for accurately and quickly screening various long-life paints, and, in cooperation with a paint manufacturer, developed a long-life, low-cost, and simple coating specification that satisfies the test criteria. We are developing technologies that contribute to the efficient operations of communication facilities by leveraging material analysis and evaluation techniques.

Stroke results in the highest need for nursing care among the elderly, so to improve the recovery of stroke patients, we are developing a monitoring system to quantitatively visualize the daily activities, including time spent for activities other than for professional rehabilitation training. Patients put on "hitoe" wear and install "hitoe" transmitters equipped with acceleration sensors on their chests to measure their heart rate and three-axis acceleration. Acquired data are sent from the transmitters to servers through relay devices such as smartphones or IoT gateways. The intensity of exercise is computed from the heart rate, and the state of activity from the three-axis acceleration data. These recovery indices are then shared with both the medical staff and the patient to maintain the patient's motivation for recovery. Another feature of the system is the high reliability of the recovery indices, being computed based on actual data. We are currently collecting data for hundreds of patients through ongoing trials at Fujita Health University Hospital Rehabilitation Center. Going forward, we plan to pursue collaborations with the hospital to conduct medical validation of the recovery indices based on the collected data and develop a system to further reinforce patient behavior.