New Quantum Computing Advance

New Advances? , Considerably technical ..

 Advance Brings Quantum Computing One Step Closer to Implementation

University of Tokyo (Japan), October 24, 2022

Two ion-electronic hybrid systems able to cool and measure the motion of an electron were developed by researchers at Japan's University of Tokyo (UTokyo). Both systems featured a vacuum-trapped electron that interacted with superconducting circuits and a trapped ion; ions and electrons that are trapped together move toward each other due to Coulomb attraction. The electron's light mass yielded a strong attraction in both an electron-superconducting circuit and an electron-ion coupled system, and the researchers could control the electron's temperature using microwave fields and optical lasers. The researchers also measured their calculations via a single-phonon readout and ground-state cooling. "With the feasibility of quantum-level control of the motion of trapped electrons, the trapped electron becomes more promising and attractive for quantum-technology applications, such as quantum computing," said UTokyo's Alto Osada.  ... ' 

A Future for AR

 Like the proposed connection to optimization ...   visualizing the value always useful. 

Intensity Control of Projectors in Parallel—Doorway to an Augmented Reality Future

Tokyo Tech News, March 16, 2022

Scientists at Japan's Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) have developed a method for interacting with dynamic objects in augmented reality (AR), while reducing latency. Dynamic projection mapping combines cameras and projectors that respectively detect and project onto target surfaces, and the researchers' technique can calculate the intensity of each pixel on a target in parallel. This reduces the need for a single large optimization calculation, significantly boosting mapping speed and shortening latency. "The presented high-speed multi-projection is expected to be a major part of important base technologies that will advance spatial AR to derive more practical uses in our daily life," explained Tokyo Tech's Yoshihiro Watanabe. .... ' 

Automating Semiconductor Research with Machine Learning

Concept new to me, as is RHEED

 Automating Semiconductor Research with Machine Learning

Tokyo University of Science (Japan), June 16, 2022

Researchers at Japan's Tokyo University of Science and National Institute for Materials Science found that machine learning techniques can be used to automate the analysis of large amounts of reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) data. RHEED is able to identify structures that form on the surface of thin films at the atomic level and observe real-time structural changes while the thin film is synthesized. The researchers found Ward's method of hierarchical clustering was best able to capture phase transitions in surface superstructures, and also that non-negative matrix factorization can automatically determine optimal deposition times for each superstructure. ....  

Rolling Newspaper Delivery Drones in Tokyo

 More advances in navigating street and sidewalks for automated delivery.  Lifting of restrictions on autonomous systems will also be key.

Japan Post Delivery Robot Debuts in Tokyo   The Japan Times,  October 7, 2020

Japan Post Co., a Japanese post, logistics, and courier services provider, is testing a self-driving mail delivery robot that can maneuver around obstacles and cross intersections with traffic lights in Tokyo. Developed by Tokyo-based robotics firm ZMP Inc., the DeliRo is the size of a wheelchair, features built-in cameras and sensors, and can carry packages weighing up to 30 kilograms (about 13 lbs.) while traveling six kilometers per hour (about 19 mph). Based on the results of test runs through this month, the Japanese government will consider lifting restrictions on autonomous delivery robots, which currently cannot operate on sidewalks or public roads without human monitoring. .... '

Algorithm to Improve Marketing

Seems something we have done for a while.  Is the algorithm more efficient? More numerical?  Note the claim for use of statistical methods and ML.

Algorithm Analyzes Social Media Data to Help Brands Improve Marketng
University of Tokyo
February 4, 2020

Researchers at the University of Tokyo in Japan have created an algorithm that predicts consumer purchases from data on consumers’ social media activity, which brands could use to refine their marketing strategies. The algorithm integrates statistical modeling and machine learning-based image recognition. The researchers assessed the algorithm against purchase history and questionnaires, and learned that credit card or point (loyalty) card companies could accurately forecast customers' past purchasing patterns, while their program could accurately predict customers' willingness to try new brands. Said the university’s Toshihiko Yamasaki, “People might say that professionals already ‘see’ these kinds of patterns, but being able to show the similarity between brands numerically and objectively is a new innovation. Our algorithm is demonstrably more effective than judging these things based on intuition alone.”