A strong demand exists for the acceleration of both the process of discovering disease mechanisms and the development of new treatments for serious conditions such as dementia and cancer, as well as for disorders with no effective treatments, including insomnia and migraines. Nikon contributes to drug discovery and new drug development by providing various solutions that utilize our advanced optical, and image processing and analysis technologies.
When used with the NIS-Elements SE imaging software, the ECLIPSE Ji, Nikon's first digital inverted microscope for research use, automates the process from image acquisition to analysis and data display. The Eclipse Ji is equipped with software that utilizes AI-driven deep learning to automate microscope operations, making it easy to use even without expertise in microscopy. Moreover, it enables both the analysis of outliers based on individual cell data and the capture of trends across cell populations, contributing to the efficiency and acceleration of research and development.

Japan's livestock industry is facing a serious shortage of labor due to the declining birthrate, aging population, lack of successors, and a decrease in the number of new workers entering the industry. One of the factors contributing to this lack of new workers is thought to be the industry's harsh working conditions and environment.
The NiLIMo live monitoring system contributes to solving these challenges faced by Japan's livestock industry. The AI analyzes images of cows using multiple cameras installed in the barn to detect characteristic movements prior to calving, sending the the analyzed data as messages and alerts to the smartphones of producers and owners who have downloaded the dedicated application. By implementing this system, producers can reduce the frequency and duration of their rounds, including those made at night. The system also ensures producers will be present at the time of calving, thereby reducing the number of calving-related accidents. Furthermore, centralized management and real-time sharing of information regarding cattle and their behavioral history will also help producers improve their operational efficiency.

A Riblet is a biomimetic technology inspired by the microtextures (repeating ridges and grooves) of shark skin. Applying the riblet shape to moving objects is thought to reduce frictional resistance to water and air, leading to improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO₂ emissions. However, to maximize effectiveness, riblets must be processed to the optimal shape for each object. Nikon's high-precision laser processing technology enables the precise formation of minute three-dimensional shapes, while advanced optical technology enables the processing of a variety of materials, including metals, resins, and fiber-reinforced plastics. Pilot projects are currently underway to apply the riblet processing technology to ship hulls and aircraft surfaces, with the expectation of improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions.

• Highlight: Riblet Processing — A Technological Innovation for Aircraft Leading Toward Achieving Carbon Neutrality