虎扑电竞

Tohoku University and Rakuten, Inc. have concluded a comprehensive collaboration agreement to leverage their research capabilities, business acumen, talent and assets to create next-level innovation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani described Tohoku University as an "optimal partner" for its interdisciplinary approach to research. He also spoke highly of the university's track record in innovative research, and its large campus which is conducive to various types of tests and experiments.

"Tohoku University has excellent knowledge of fundamental technology and is capable of providing aspects of research and development that Rakuten isn't capable of establishing on its own," he said. "I hope this partnership won't end with just research and development, but will also continue to further the implementation and commercialisation of new ideas."

For the university, this agreement represents an avenue for the practical implementation of its research, and more direct feedback on consumer needs. "We will get valuable information that gives us a better idea of what needs to be done, what sort of science or engineering needs to be developed," said Tohoku University President Hideo Ohno. "So having Rakuten as a partner creates a very nice loop, without which we would not be able to access society as effectively."

In its initial year, collaboration will focus on health and medical care, robotics and human resource development. To accelerate the implementation of the projects, the Rakuten Innovation Laboratory Tohoku - a joint-research hub - will also be established.

Professor Satoshi Tadokoro and his team from the Graduate School of Information Sciences, were on hand at the ceremony to demonstrate several robots currently in development.

"We can create the technology but Rakuten can turn our technology into an actual, real life service," said Tadokoro. "For example, I believe our mobile robot technology, which is among the best in the world, can contribute to Rakuten's plans for a new delivery system using robots and drones."

It's an optimisim shared by Mikitani. "The last mile is always the most difficult one and often bears a lot of problems. We have high hopes and expectations for the robotics technology developed by Tohoku University."

In health and medical care, it is expected that there could be joint-research between the School of Medicine and Rakuten Life Insurance. Another possible collaboration is in sports science. "The Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, like all professional sports teams, are always looking to optimise their performance and find ways to prevent injuries," said Professor Ryoichi Nagatomi. "That is something that the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering can help with."

There are also plans to establish a human resources development program, where Tohoku University students will have the opportunity to learn entrepreneurship and gain a more global mindset.

"Many companies are specialized in one or two areas, but Rakuten has access to everyone through its many interests," said Ohno. "It's a dynamic company with strong vision and leadership, and any collaboration would be a great opportunity for our students and researchers."

Rakuten has long had a strong presence in the Tohoku region. In addition to providing a wide range of services from insurance to e-commerce, it also operates the Rakuten Golden Eagles, Tohoku's highly popular professional baseball team.

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