Mitsubishi Electric and Kobe University Establish Joint Industry-Academia Research Course: 'Smart Sensing Course'
Mitsubishi Electric and Kobe University have launched a joint industry-academia research course aimed at the practical application of battery-less IoT sensors.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and Kobe University announced the establishment of the 'Smart Sensing Course,' a joint industry-academia research program to be launched on April 1, 2026, within the Kobe University College of System Informatics (CSI). The course aims to promote the research and development of next-generation systems that integrate sensing and energy harvesting technologies, with a focus on the practical implementation of battery-less IoT sensors that require no wiring or battery replacement. By enabling continuous data acquisition in fields such as environmental monitoring, disaster prevention, and infrastructure maintenance, this initiative aims to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by promoting digital transformation (DX) and creating new businesses.
To achieve DX, the acquisition and analysis of on-site data are essential. However, power supply constraints—such as the difficulty of wiring in many locations and the inability to frequently replace batteries—have hindered the timely and continuous collection of necessary data. This course seeks to solve these issues by building a new system that integrates autonomous power supply with high-precision sensing.
Kobe University established the CSI in April 2025 as a new academic hub emphasizing research and social implementation. This joint course, the first of its kind between the two organizations, will leverage Kobe University's local network and Mitsubishi Electric's technological expertise to accelerate the social implementation of research outcomes through collaboration with local governments and companies.
By integrating Kobe University's sensing technology with Mitsubishi Electric's energy harvesting technology, the course will develop mechanisms for sensors to secure power autonomously, thereby expanding the areas where sensing can be applied. The research will focus on practical, problem-solving approaches, with rapid Proof of Concept (PoC) testing to facilitate smooth social implementation and the creation of new businesses, such as infrastructure degradation diagnostics.
■ Overview of the Joint Research Course
- Name: Smart Sensing Course
- Location: Kobe University College of System Informatics (CSI), 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo
- Duration: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2029 (planned)
- Research Topic: R&D and social implementation of next-generation systems integrating sensing and energy harvesting
- Research Structure: Led by Professor Futoshi Kobayashi and Professor Hiroyuki Nakamoto (Kobe University), with participation from Mitsubishi Electric's Advanced Technology R&D Center.
■ About Mitsubishi Electric Group
With over 100 years of experience, Mitsubishi Electric Group contributes to a vibrant and sustainable society through continuous technological innovation and creativity. The company operates in diverse fields including social systems, energy, defense, factory automation, and building systems. For more information, visit www.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp.
■ About Kobe University
Originating from the Kobe Higher Commercial School established in 1902, Kobe University is a comprehensive university with 11 faculties and 15 graduate schools. It aims to transform into a global innovation campus by fostering interdisciplinary research and education, and by promoting social implementation through initiatives like the Digital Bio & Life Science Research Park (DBLR).
To achieve DX, the acquisition and analysis of on-site data are essential. However, power supply constraints—such as the difficulty of wiring in many locations and the inability to frequently replace batteries—have hindered the timely and continuous collection of necessary data. This course seeks to solve these issues by building a new system that integrates autonomous power supply with high-precision sensing.
Kobe University established the CSI in April 2025 as a new academic hub emphasizing research and social implementation. This joint course, the first of its kind between the two organizations, will leverage Kobe University's local network and Mitsubishi Electric's technological expertise to accelerate the social implementation of research outcomes through collaboration with local governments and companies.
By integrating Kobe University's sensing technology with Mitsubishi Electric's energy harvesting technology, the course will develop mechanisms for sensors to secure power autonomously, thereby expanding the areas where sensing can be applied. The research will focus on practical, problem-solving approaches, with rapid Proof of Concept (PoC) testing to facilitate smooth social implementation and the creation of new businesses, such as infrastructure degradation diagnostics.
■ Overview of the Joint Research Course
- Name: Smart Sensing Course
- Location: Kobe University College of System Informatics (CSI), 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo
- Duration: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2029 (planned)
- Research Topic: R&D and social implementation of next-generation systems integrating sensing and energy harvesting
- Research Structure: Led by Professor Futoshi Kobayashi and Professor Hiroyuki Nakamoto (Kobe University), with participation from Mitsubishi Electric's Advanced Technology R&D Center.
■ About Mitsubishi Electric Group
With over 100 years of experience, Mitsubishi Electric Group contributes to a vibrant and sustainable society through continuous technological innovation and creativity. The company operates in diverse fields including social systems, energy, defense, factory automation, and building systems. For more information, visit www.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp.
■ About Kobe University
Originating from the Kobe Higher Commercial School established in 1902, Kobe University is a comprehensive university with 11 faculties and 15 graduate schools. It aims to transform into a global innovation campus by fostering interdisciplinary research and education, and by promoting social implementation through initiatives like the Digital Bio & Life Science Research Park (DBLR).