Alternative seafood sushi
This sushi is modeled through 3D food printing with fish surimi and food powders. The project is under development with a manufacturer specializing in seafood paste products and the chef from a renowned Japanese restaurant.
We aim to create unprecedented food experiences using our proprietary 3D food printers to model foodstuffs.
Enjoyable nursing care food
3D food printing enables the creation of visually appetizing foods for people with swallowing difficulties. In development with a company specializing in meal delivery for medical facilities.
Delightful rice flour sweets
We are working with a rice flour researcher to develop new kinds of sweets made with 3D food printing. We aim to create sweets that can be enjoyed by people with wheat allergies. 3D printing enables us to create visually appealing shapes that can't be realized with conventional molds.
Extinct plants and animals restaurant project
This project uses 3D food printing to reproduce extinct creatures as tasty treats. In development with Soft 3D Co-Creation Consortium partner companies and paleontologists.
We are applying technology for precision modeling of gel to the medical field. Wide-ranging use scenarios include surgical assistance for doctors and organ models for educational purposes.
Nose model (commercialized)
This nasal model reproduces the nasal cavity structure and provides the visuals and sense of touch that are essential for endoscopic sinus surgery training. Joint research with Micron Precision Co.
Tongue model
This tongue model reproduces the firmness of a tongue cancer tumor to facilitate early detection. Under joint development with Yamagata University Hospital.
4D gel printing refers to design and modeling technology that anticipates changes in the gel caused by external stimuli. We aim to create completely new actuators and integrated modeling of machines with wide-ranging functionality.
Deformation due to swelling
Deformation can be controlled by combining gels with different swelling rates. We are also working with companies and other universities to develop gels that change in response to external stimuli like light and temperature and simulators that anticipate change while creating designs.
Mushroom beds
We collaborated with local farmers to create a completely new mushroom bed that streamlines the harvest process. When the cube-shaped bed is crushed, the mushrooms fall for easy harvest.
Artificial jellyfish
These artificial jellyfish look like living creatures as they drift in an aquarium, providing healing and comfort to viewers. The jellyfish are made from gel and formed with a 3D printer. Jointly developed with ND Software Corporation, a developer of software for nursing care.
In order to combine the properties of various gels and achieve the targeted functionality, it is essential to introduce AI at the design stage. We collaborate with experts in materials, software, and mechanical engineering and use agile product development.
GelBiter (food texture analysis AI)
The world's first texture-sensing robot quantifies chewiness and mouth feel by measuring the pressure and vibration of mastication. The model faithfully reproduces the shape and elasticity of human teeth and tongue. The tongue shape and teeth alignment can also be adapted to match an individual's mouth. AI is being trained on a variety of food products to evaluate texture and reproduce desired textures,