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This article reports on the 4th International Micromachine Symposium and Exhibition Micromachine (1998) which were held in Tokyo, 28‐30 October 1998 and also serves as a supplementary information to the article “Micro sensor developments in Japan” in this special “Micro sensors” issue of the journal. The symposium and exhibition are the annual showcase of the current status of the “Micromachine technology” project which is sponsored by the Japanese Government. Unlike efforts in other countries the Japanese approach is unique in trying to achieve real workable micromachines by establishing micro mechatronics technology. It differs from, for instance, the American MEMS where research is heavily dependent on silicon processing technology to fabricate micro devices on chips. Various kinds of micro sensors are now under development. These initiatives are well worth watching.

A Tokyo based video and image processing equipment manufacturer, For‐A Ltd has been developing a new navigation system for wheelchairs. The new system not only provides navigation information to wheelchair users via cellular phone network but also receives “barrier‐free” information from wheelchairs to automatically create and update the “barrier‐free” map resident in the central computer. Prototypes have been developed and have undergone field‐test to prove their usefulness in the real world. Commercial models will become available next year after successful introduction to a new town project nearby Tokyo International Airport. In the future, this approach would also be useful for automatic navigation for mobile robots such as “seeing‐eye dog” robots, guide robots etc.

Describes recent developments at the Tokyo bi‐annual International Robot Exhibition. More exhibitors were present than in previous years, however very few new innovative technologies /products were observed. In the middle of the depressed economy Japanese industrial robot manufacturers are struggling to reduce cost, reshuffle business structure and try everything to survive. A total solution approach and strategic alliances were evident. On the other hand there is a sign of emerging non‐manufacturing market, especially in the entertainment area.

The Japanese robotic industry has been very silent in medical applications. However, changes in this can now be observed. Above all Hitachi, an electric/machinery giant, is trying to rebuild its robotic business by entering the medical robot market.

The purpose of this paper is to review the International Robot Exhibition (IREX) in Tokyo, Japan 2011, with emphasis on the new trend of the Japanese robot industry.

This paper is based on in‐depth interviews with exhibitors and the reporter's insight into the Japanese robot industry.

A big change is observed in the direction of the Japanese industrial robotics in an attempt to cope with the increasing demand from the emerging nations and to create new business in domestic Japan.

This is the first report describing the change in the Japanese robot industry after the great earthquake and tsunami.

Aims to make an appeal to Japanese robotic community in an attempt to keep global competitivity for the future.

Clarifies the cost structure of the robotic business. Analyses the needs of Japanese society. Leads to suggest the new direction of Japanese robotics.

Specific target robots for the future are suggested.

The new direction in R&D is proposed based on the study on the cost structure of the robotic industry and the needs of Japanese society.

Professor Masatoshi Ishikawa of the University of Tokyo, Japan, has developed a super fast vision sensor and a super quick hand (gripper), and integrated them in an impressive demonstration system in which the vision sensor recognizes a free falling ball and the hand catches it in the air. The secret lies in a super fast vision chip and visual servo technology developed along with the chip. A lot of new applications for this new technology in future robotics are expected.

The purpose of this paper is to describe new walking assist devices Honda is developing.

The exhibition, press release and interview are described. The features of the walking assist devices are presented.

The paper finds that Honda is developing walking assist devices for elderly and disabled people based on its expertise in autonomous walking obtained through the development of Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility.

This paper highlights the value of the walking assist devices.