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Tokyo (March 22, 2017) - Shoei Yamana, President and CEO of Konica Minolta, Inc. (Konica Minolta), gave a keynote speech at CeBIT 2017, one of the world’s largest international trade fairs for information technology in Hannover, Germany, on March 21.

Highlights of Keynote Speech “Innovation: What’s it all about?”

In recent years Konica Minolta has channeled its innovative resources into creating customer-centric solutions with devices and services for a digital-networking society. Establishment of five regional Business Innovation Centers is one of the efforts in developing new businesses with agile solutions and services in close proximity to the market.

To help empower customers in the digital workplace, we have developed a unique IoT (Internet of Things) strategy with two elements: Building a superior “cyber physical system” and offering a unique mix of cloud and edge IoT technologies to support cost-effective decision-making.

Our cyber physical system turns information from the real world into meaningful cyber analysis and solution provision via superior input devices. Combining our expertise in light, image processing, sensing and materials with cutting-edge IoT technologies, we create devices which compile images, video and data into quantifiable parameters to offer new value. In doing so, we have adopted a unique strategy that combines cloud and intelligent “Edge” IoT. With our devices in over 2 million customer premises worldwide, our Edge IoT model allows high-speed analysis and resolution of problems on site.

Konica Minolta’s IoT Strategy in Action

1. Workplace Hub

Our new Workplace Hub is an IT-enabled platform located inside the workplace, connecting people, devices and space to provide high-value services for the digital era. It can support value-added services by connecting with other IT terminals and devices, wearable devices and intelligent cameras, building an open ecosystem for broader applications.

2. Image Monitoring

We collect real-world information for cyber analysis using advanced devices such as smart IP cameras and 3-D LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Various trial systems are already in place: Konica Minolta works in the field of security with remote supervision system that provides accurate surveillance in all weathers, eliminating the risk of misinformation; another monitoring system sends alert by visualizing potential gas leaks in aging gas plants; image analysis of consumer behavior in vehicle showrooms helps formulate effective sales strategies. Potential applications are limitless.

3. Precision Medicine

Promotion of precision medicine for cancer treatment is another field where our IoT strategy makes a difference. The new fluorescent nanoparticles developed through our diverse expertise can, when combined with deep learning, accurately measure certain proteins that manifest in cancer cells. Assisting better grouping of cancer patients, our innovation will be helpful to increase success rates of clinical trials for new drug development and reduce cost of medical care in society.

Meaningful social innovation requires global cooperation and open ecosystems. In addressing a global social challenge of environmental protection, Konica Minolta openly shares its environmental expertise and work with suppliers and customers to cut down on carbon emissions and promote the shift from mass production to digital-on-demand production, among others.

If the IoT era is to generate truly good outcomes, the inspiration for that innovation must focus on encouraging customer creativity and improving the quality of human society. IoT innovation connects people to intelligently analyzed data to support decisions and resolve problems. A digital connected world offers us a genuine opportunity to combine our wisdom for both industrial development and social good. We can do that if we work collectively as caring, sharing digital innovators.

About CeBIT

CeBIT is one of the world’s largest international trade fairs for information technology. Held with Japan as its official Partner Country, the theme of CeBIT 2017 is “d!conomy – no limits” with the participation of approximately 3,000 corporate exhibitors. The fair is expected to attract 200,000 visitors from around the world.