Katsuji Horiuchi
	Micro-Packaging Technology Department MEMS Technology Division Corporate R&D Center Olympus Corporation Katsuji Horiuchi is the dynamic leader responsible for the creation of the MEMS World area in the Research and Development Zone. From preparation to opening, the creation of the display took about one year. Horiuchi, an ultrasonic actuator engineer, says he hones his imagination by browsing in toy stores. "I can see the efforts and ideas of the developers." One of the most difficult tasks for Horiuchi was the naming of creations that included a fish robot and a snowman robot.

Masahiko Gondo
	Micro-Packaging Technology Department MEMS Technology Division Corporate R&D Center Olympus Corporation It was Masahiko Gondo's idea to use electrostatic actuators as muscles for the fish robot. He was responsible for the development of this popular exhibit, including the design of the robot, and the arrangement of the tank and drive system. "People turn away from the world of virtual reality to look at the amazing things right in front of them. The excitement of that experience stimulates creativity," says Gondo.

Yasuo Sasaki
	Micro-Packaging Technology Department MEMS Technology Division Corporate R&D Center Olympus Corporation The development of ultrasonic motors is a basic area of technology for Olympus. Yasuo Sasaki, an engineer who loves to read the "Harry Potter" books that he bought for his children, is the father of the numerous small robots that appeared at OTF85. These included a cricket that crawled shakily across the ceiling and a dragonfly that flew alongside a rapidly-moving pond skater. "The challenge was to make them as small as possible and as autonomous as possible."

Jun'ichi Nakano
	MEMS Business Development Department MEMS Technology Division Corporate R&D Center Olympus Corporation Jun'ichi Nakano is involved in the development of systems based on applications of optical MEMS technology, some of which have already been used in Olympus microscopes and medical equipment. There is also potential for applications in the information and telecommunications field. Commercialization is likely in the near future, and Nakano is determined to have products ready for display in five years' time. His first priority is to think about products from the perspective of those who will use them.