OLYMPUS TECHNOZONE

Truly valuable technology evolves from the dreams and hopes of many people

	Shuichi Takayama

The Purpose of OTF85

The purpose of OTF85 was to enhance the value of the Olympus brand. In short, the event was designed to inspire public expectations of Olympus by revealing its future potential. Of course, the technologies selected for display were those that Olympus aims to use in practical applications in the near future.

Display Concept

The corporate slogan "Your Vision, Our Future" expresses Olympus' commitment to the realization of dreams. Each group used this slogan as the framework for the development of its OTF85 concepts. The following key phrases were selected.

Imaging Systems Group: A new world of exciting creativity made possible by the organic fusion of imaging systems
Medical Systems Group: Aiming to conquer cancer with medical care that is gentle on people
Life Science Group: Advancing into next-generation healthcare by unraveling life's secrets
Industrial Systems Group: Creating cutting-edge value for society with partners

Those in the Life Science Group, for example, began by considering what they should be working toward. Their conclusion was that their goal should be the creation of next-generation medical technology in the form of tailor-made therapies. One of the essential steps toward the realization of the tailor-made approach is the analysis of life phenomena.

Once each group had discovered key concepts with which we could feel satisfied, their next step was to decide what to put on display. With each group presenting its own exhibits under a clearly defined chain of direction and command, all felt a heightened sense of ownership toward OTF85.

Over the past five years, changes in business formats and the adoption of the in-house company system have resulted in the emergence of a new Olympus. OTF85 was an excellent opportunity to showcase this new Olympus directly to the public. Of course, we are grateful for the support and cooperation of all Olympus employees, as well as many people outside of the Olympus Group, without which this event would not have been possible.

What did the Visitors Say?

The entrance to OTF85 - Visitors were greeted by an introductory wall panel proclaiming the OTF85 theme: "Your Vision, Our Future."

We were very anxious about the reactions and opinions of visitors, so it was a great relief to read the many positive comments in the questionnaire results. It appears that people understood Olympus' vision and grand strategy. There was great interest in our "dream creation" competition for employees, which was seen as a unique initiative. We were also pleasantly surprised by the level of interest in the exhibit about the Future Creation Laboratory, which consisted simply of a panel display.

One of the most significant events at OTF85 was the perfectly timed announcement of the capsule endoscope. This was extremely encouraging for us. This technology has become the focus of intense expectations, and we are now working steadily to develop practical applications. The technology has even been featured on television and everyone I meet talks about it.

Your Dreams for OTF90?

After the OTF 85 press conference reporters rushed to the section of " the new concept of capsule endoscopes".

Five years from now, OTF90 will have a new organizer who I am sure will create something fresh and vital. I look forward to seeing products on display that will embody the technologies we presented at OTF85, because that is certain to enhance the value of the Olympus brand. I hope that we will be able to showcase business operations based on capsule endoscopes, high fidelity motion picture and tissue engineering. My dream is to make this possible by enhancing and expanding the Corporate R&D Center as the organization responsible for the basic technologies behind Olympus products, so that it can become a value creation center.