Nov 05 (News On Japan) - Based in the ancient capital of Nara, “future implementer” Hiromichi Fujimoto is leading multiple companies that blend technology and imagination to shape the society of tomorrow.
Through his firm Thinker, he develops next-generation robotic arms, while at Shin-jigen he supports future-oriented projects such as exhibiting “flying suits” at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Drawing on his experience as a former Panasonic engineer involved in assistive suit design, Fujimoto has embarked on new challenges after the pandemic, tackling issues in nursing care and fostering social connection through video distribution. “Holding the future first is the starting point to realizing it,” he says.
His office, nestled along a riverside in Nara, is not the typical high-tech workspace one might imagine, but a renovated traditional dyer’s workshop. “The structure is steel, but the roof is river-slate with a Japanese-style design. I love it,” he says with a smile. Fujimoto, now the head of several ventures, carries multiple titles—CEO, founder, and owner—but they all share a single mission: to create the future.
At Thinker, engineers have developed a robotic arm capable of grasping various shapes and textures as gently as human fingers. It can automatically adjust grip strength and handle even slippery or delicate objects with precision. Fujimoto envisions a future where such technology could tidy up a desk after a long day—placing pens back in holders or neatly stacking papers. “That’s the kind of world I’d like to see,” he says.
His other company, Shin-jigen, specializes in mass-producing future technologies. Its “flying suit” showcased at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion during the Osaka-Kansai Expo became a major attraction, allowing visitors to experience virtual flight through VR simulation. Behind the project was a collaboration with Tsukimoto Chain, a global industrial manufacturer that sought to develop human-assist technologies. Fujimoto’s Shin-jigen provided the creative and technological backbone to make it happen.
Shin-jigen acts as a “co-creation” firm, assisting partners through every phase—from concept and R&D to mass production and sales. “When a company says, ‘We can’t handle development,’ we provide that part,” Fujimoto explains. “We built Shin-jigen to help at any stage of innovation.”
Fujimoto’s journey began at Matsushita Electric, now Panasonic, where he worked on water-material engineering before shifting to assistive robotics. In 2003, he helped launch a project that grew into a leading maker of wearable assist suits. But when COVID-19 struck, orders from factories vanished overnight. “We did everything we could,” he recalls. “Even now, I feel maybe we could have done a bit more.” In April 2022, he closed the company—but just a month later, he founded Shin-jigen to pursue his vision of building an ecosystem capable of continuously generating new ventures.
One of his latest collaborations is with Lib Corporation, a maker of adult diapers seeking to use technology to reconnect isolated care facilities with society. “We were experts at making paper products but knew nothing about AI,” says a Lib representative. “We needed someone who could help us bridge that gap.” Fujimoto’s approach starts with mindset: “First, hold the future,” he advises. “Once you define where you want to go, the steps become clear.”
Together they launched a video platform that not only streams content but also integrates community features. Residents’ birthdays and photos are shared across facilities, fostering connection through celebration. The next goal is to open the platform to local communities, transforming it into a hub for interaction.
Looking toward Japan’s Expo-driven future, Fujimoto sees a pivotal shift ahead. “Until now it’s been the era of software,” he says. “But now we’re entering the era of hardware evolution. The societies willing to take on that initial risk will be the ones that secure true innovation.”
Source: Television OSAKA NEWS
