SSUP at ICRA 2024: Showcasing Collaboration and Innovation in Sensing Solutions

We are excited to share highlights from our participation in the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2024) in Yokohama from May 13-17. This marked the first time the Sensing Solution University Collaboration Program (SSUP) exhibited alongside the Sony Research Award Program (RAP).

At ICRA, Sony exhibited its latest robotics-related technologies including the microsurgery assistance robot prototype and surgical simulator, together with the Lunar Excursion Vehicle 2 (LEV-2) jointly developed by Sony/JAXA/TOMY/Doshisha, and Sony Honda Mobility`s EV AFEELA. Notably, the LEV-2, the world's smallest lunar robot, leverages Spresense Microcomputer board, which is widely used in SSUP initiatives, for its camera function and motion control.

At the Sony booth, together with RAP, SSUP also showcased Sony’s extensive industry-academia collaboration efforts, which are vital for addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability and societal issues.

Throughout the event, SSUP and RAP were honored to welcome professors, researchers, and students from universities participating in SSUP. Researchers and students from Amrita University in India visited the Sony booth, sharing their insights and proposing their new ideas based on Sony’s sensing solutions. They also presented their SSUP project, “Smart Livestock Project Cow-kin” in the poster session of the conference.

Dr. Kitano, CTO of Sony Group Corporation, engaged with these enthusiastic participants and commemorated the visit with a group photo.

Moreover, prominent researchers from SSUP-partnered universities visited Sony's booth at the conference. Notable visitors included Professor Nakauchi, Vice President of the University of Tsukuba; Professor Wada of Tokyo Metropolitan University; Professor Okada of Tokyo Information Design Professional University; Professor Hasegawa of Nagoya University; and Professor Ohara of Meijo University. These esteemed academics attentively observed Sony's exhibitions and demonstrations, and they expressed their encouragement and requests for SSUP.

We look forward to continuing our journey of discovery and innovation with our academic partners. Join Us in Creating a Future of Surprise and Excitement through Collaboration!