Corporate R&D Center
The Corporate R&D Center heads up research and development activities at Olympus. Compiled over many years of vast experience, our core competency is in Opto-Digital Technology, a fusion of sophisticated optical technology and the latest digital technologies. To further reinforce this core competence, the Corporate R&D Center is pushing ahead with efforts to develop four platform technologies: optical, precision, digital imaging and living cell technologies. The center is also responsible for the vital missions of developing technologies that go beyond those of existing businesses to create nextgeneration products, as well as creating new business domains with a view toward markets three to five years in the future.
Collaborating with Businesses to Offer Value to the Market
In addition to conducting world-class R&D, the Corporate R&D Center is also engaged in developing technologies for next-generation products that match product strategies in each business organization.
One example is the E-510 digital SLR camera, which features a number of technologies developed by the Corporate R&D Center. Some of these include an actuator for image stabilization, the Live View image sensor, a leading-edge image-processing engine, as well as advanced manufacturing equipment. Olympus will continue to expand initiatives integrating efforts of business groups with those of the Corporate R&D Center in a variety of fields.
Large-diameter aspherical lenses realized through ultra-precise lens processing technology
Mounted into camera bodies, Olympus’ proprietary SWD* actuator is an image stabilizer unit that compensates for precision
*SWD: Supersonic Wave Drive
Simulation model of the zoom mechanism for μ[mju:] series digital cameras
Linking Clinical Medicine with Research by Strengthening Collaboration Between Industry, Academia and Government
In our Medical Systems and Life Science businesses, it is essential that we first grasp the needs in clinical medicine and at research institutes. Olympus actively engages in collaborative research projects between industry, academia and government in these fields, and is advancing with R&D together with some of the world’s top researchers. Industry-academia-government research projects in which Olympus takes part include living cell analysis and operation, technological development such as cell cultivation, as well as projects to achieve very early diagnosis of cancer by applying molecular imaging technologies driven by optical, precision and medical equipment technologies. Early discovery of cancer in particular has become an issue of national priority. Early diagnosis of cancer contributes to a greater survival rate among cancer patients, enables minimally invasive treatment, and is expected to foster tremendous benefits in the quest to conquer cancer.
OSferion artificial bone replacement material using high-purity β-tricalcium phosphate
From Development of New Technologies to Leading New Business Projects
Another role of the Corporate R&D Center is generating and cultivating new businesses not previously undertaken at Olympus. OSferion bone replacement material is an example of a new business that sprang from the Medical New Business Project. OSferion can be implanted to replace a person’s deficient bone. The business is currently expanding under the management of Olympus Terumo Biomaterials Corp.
To rapidly commercialize new technologies, Olympus will continue to focus efforts on developing new business projects and promoting the creation of independent companies from the results of these projects.
High-performance sensor for digital cameras with improved performance in delineation, graded expression and color reproduction
Supporting the Growth of Businesses
Based on nano processing technology, Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are applied in a number of key parts and units to distinguish Olympus products in a variety of fields. We also develop imager technology, system LSI technology, digital image platform technology and other core technologies, applying them in digital cameras for captivating images and diagnostic imaging medical equipment to enable clinical physicians to clearly see areas they want to check.
In addition, we are advancing the development of communication and network technologies to support more comfortable lifestyles in the coming ubiquitous networking society. In areas such as compactness, streamlined design and high performance, we will press ahead with R&D aimed at creating technologies that bring innovations for next-generation optical applications.
High-speed cantilever used in atomic force microscopes
Spectroscopic video endoscopes detect minute changes in cells, contributing to the very early detection of cancer
Global Research of Leading-Edge Technologies
Olympus is engaged in global research of advanced technologies for the creation of new businesses. In addition to launching joint research projects with leading overseas universities, Olympus has opened a base for R&D into communication technologies in San Diego, California. Another base in San Jose, California collects information about the latest technologies and searches for technologies and business partners for the creation of new businesses.
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