Contents

Background of Research

To date, humanity has experienced four industrial revolutions:

  1. The first is England in the 19th century. With the invention of the steam engine, work can be done from “manual” to “machine“.
    The point is “mechanization”, and the engine is a typical example.

  2. The second is the United States of the 20th century Electricity can be used and many things can be produced at once.
    The point here is “mass production“, typically a car.

  3. The third stage is from the middle to the second half of the 20th century.
    The computer made the machine move automatically as instructed.
    The point is “automation” as it is, and a robot is a typical example.

  4. And the fourth is Industry 4.0 in the 21st century. With data collection and analysis technology, machines are now thinking and moving on their own. The word “autonomy” may be appropriate.
    The application is wide-ranging, such as support for the elderly, transportation, energy saving, transportation, delivery, and maintenance.

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Introduction to Systems Mechanics

  • The IoT (Internet of Things) that appears in Industry 4.0 connects various devices near us, such as wearable devices, smartphones, personal computers, home appliances, cars, drones, to wireless networks and collects information.
    As a technology that provides us services in various forms while conducting analysis, and enriches our lives, it is permeating every corner of society and will continue to evolve in the future. However, there is no objection to not only pursuing convenience but also system reliability, environmental friendliness, and compatibility with appropriate technologies.

  • The reason Kabuki, one of my favorite, has been able to continue for more than 400 years is largely due to the continuous effort of excellent actors and performers together with the support of theater personnel. However without an excellent screenwriter, like Kawatake Mokuami, continuation of Kabuki may not be achieved.(Please visit Waseda University Theater Museum)

  • Today, when the 4th Industrial Revolution is being called out, those who study mechanical engineering first learn the basics of mechanical design, which are the foundations of mechanical design, thermodynamics, control, optimization, and systems. It is essential to understand the connection. Systems mechanics constitute the connection between these basics and leads to system design. This will help you become a good frontier screenwriter in engineering.

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Research Theme of 2023

In the lab, experimental and theoretical investigation were conducted to predict driver dozing, physical anxiety, sudden changes in physical condition, and the relationship between the psychological situation of occupants and the thermal environment inside the vehicle, which is a problem when driving a vehicle. This research topic is a current subject of learning “systems mechanics“.
This research is based on knowledge of material strength, vibration, fluid, and heat, and connects biological signal experimental data with large variability to mathematical models including psychological states.
To accomplish this task, we use machine learning and AI.
This research topic was supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and conduced through joint research with Hiroshima University School of Medicine (cardiology and physiology), Hiroshima University School of Engineering and Delta Kogyo (sheet manufacturer).
Currently, theoretical work on mathematical modeling part is supported by KAKENHI.

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Topics of Engineering Practice,
Graduation Thesis, and Master Thesis

  • Mathematical model for predicting the driver’s physical condition
  • Mathematical model for reproducing physical condition abnormalities of driver
  • Relationship between thermal environment and arousal level
  • Relationship between sleep state on the previous night and drowsiness on the next day
  • Energy-saving air conditioning technology using partial air conditioning
  • Mechanism of non-invasive bio sensor

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Life in the Laboratory

[Management]
Kaneko Lab is operated in cooperation with Kusaka Lab（Website).
Events such as engineering practices, graduation thesis guidance, seminar camps (Karuizawa Seminar House, Tateyama Seminar House), etc. will be conducted in unison with the Kusaka Laboratory.

[How to spend time in the laboratory]
We hold a research meeting once a week.
We visit car and energy related companies and research institutes.
To learn about the latest social trends, we will brainstorm articles on Nikkei Business and Diamonds. This will help you find a job.
We read books on Machine-learning and AI to catchup recent progress of data handling technology.

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