Technologies from Fukushima for Developing Medical Devices Attract Worldwide Attention
Interview with Fukushima University Vice President Takahashi, leader of a university research and development team

"Using technologies from Fukushima Prefecture for developing medical devices, we want to show the world that our prefecture is making a steady comeback," said Fukushima University Vice President Takayuki Takahashi. He presented new technology that can be used in advanced endoscopes and other equipment at an exhibition of medical device manufacturing technology held in New York City. This new technology was developed over the past two years in cooperation with local small- and mid-sized businesses. The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred just as they were making the final adjustments in preparation for exhibiting the technology. On top of that, the university was essentially closed for about two months due to the nuclear power plant problems, and research and development were also stopped. Dr. Takahashi said that the impact of the earthquake was great, and he thought for a while of cancelling the exhibit at MD&M East. In the midst of this, countries and regions around the world, especially the US, have been very supportive, and he witnessed that support in Fukushima. "We cannot quit now. We are so thankful for the support of people around the world, and now especially, we want to show that Fukushima can make a comeback. With this in mind, we decided to take part in the exhibition," he said.

The Fukushima University research and development team played a central role in developing a zero-backlash 3D cam with a large range of motion in various directions (international patent pending), a small, zero-backlash reducer with high transmission ability (international patent pending), and the world's thinnest angle sensor (patented in Japan).
To develop the 3D cam and reducer, the team collaborated with Namiki Precision Jewel Co., Ltd. (Tokyo), a manufacturer of industrial jewel parts; Atom Corporation (Bandai-machi), a local Fukushima precision machining parts manufacturer; and Associate Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki of Tsuruoka National College of Technology. The team developed the angle sensor in cooperation with Matsuo Industries, Inc. (Obu City, Aichi Prefecture). In addition, Professor Katsuhiko Yamaguchi of Fukushima University is leading the development of a waterproof angle sensor. Although each technology on its own is a breakthrough that can be applied in fields such as the aerospace and robotics industries, the team has combined the technologies into a prototype endoscope with a diameter of 13 mm, the size generally used in surgery, which they exhibited at MD&M East.
Dr. Takahashi said, "The endoscopes currently used in surgery generally have few degrees of freedom, so treating the opposite sides of internal organs is difficult. In addition, because of the error and backlash caused by the bending parts of endoscopes, they are difficult to operate with precision. Our new technology has overcome these two problems."

The endoscope that was exhibited is a prototype, but Dr. Takahashi said, "We want to commercialize it this year as a 13-mm endoscope. Two to three years after that, we aim to shrink the diameter from 13 to 5 mm and to decrease the endoscope bending space (the length from joint to joint) to 30 mm." The key to this is downsizing the gears, 3D cam, sensors, motors, and other major parts. If this can be done, it will greatly increase the usefulness of this medical device for surgery. Dr. Takahashi explained, "We are currently working with companies to develop the major components."