Innovation Management

Approach to Innovation

KDDI is committed to transforming lifestyles in a variety of fields from the perspective of consumers. To this end, KDDI continues to take on the challenge of research and development into cutting-edge technologies in looking ahead to the next-generation communication systems Beyond 5G/6G and promotes technologies (LX Technologies) that will transform lifestyles through collaboration with external partners and open innovation based on industry-academia-government collaboration.

Promotion for R&D and Technology Demonstrations

We have organized a framework to promote both technological demonstrations for grasping technology trends in a timely manner and utilizing the latest technologies for our business, and research and development aimed at creating state-of-the-art technologies over the long term.
In the area of technology demonstration, mainly our technology divisions are engaged in the development and demonstration of technologies that will support future business operations, such as next-generation networks and LX Technologies.
Meanwhile, in the field of R&D, apart from the technology divisions mentioned above, KDDI Research, Inc. is engaged in a wide range of fields, from research analysis for future prediction to advanced research and applied research. In particular, advanced research covers a wide range of areas centered on networks, security, AI, and XR (Cross Reality). 317 researchers are engaged in R&D (as of April 1, 2023).

Change in R&D Expenses

Promoting Open Innovation

KDDI Digital Gate

In September 2018, we launched KDDI Digital Gate, our business development hub for the IoT and 5G era in Toranomon, Tokyo to create new business solutions with our corporate customers. In September 2019, we expanded KDDI Digital Gate to Osaka and Okinawa, which have already been used by over 450 companies in total.
KDDI Digital Gate provides a KDDI development team and a project room where prototypes can be developed rapidly with agile development methodology; co-creation workshops are held to identify potential issues and come up with innovative ideas through design-oriented thinking; and hands-on demonstrations and testing using various telecommunications technology, including 5G and IoT, are conducted. KDDI will work with a professional group made up of highly specialized partners, aiming to speed up the process of identifying needs, creating, learning and improving, helping customers to provide services with high market value to society as quickly as possible.

KDDI Open Innovation Fund

KDDI Open Innovation Fund is a corporate venture capital operated by KDDI and Global Brain Corporation that invests in promising start-ups across the world. We strongly support the growth of our investee companies, using our broad networks with different companies and marketing skills, as well as linking with our services. In April 2018, we launched KDDI Innovation Fund No.3.
We established an investment program to strengthen initiatives in fields of increasing importance for the 5G era, including AI, IoT and big data. Drawing on KDDI's and KDDI Group companies' technological and business insights and networks of venture companies, we support promising new venture companies. KDDI Open Innovation Fund No.3, has invested approximately 20 billion yen in total. The fund program will also make it possible not just for KDDI but also for its group companies to proactively undertake joint development efforts with venture companies.
We have specialist personnel based in San Francisco, the United States, and Singapore, where we are looking to invest in start-ups with the latest technologies or innovative business models. We offer wide-ranging support for business development, marketing and localization for our investee companies when they plan to expand their business in Japan.

KDDI ∞ Labo

In 2011, we launched KDDI∞Labo, a platform that enables start-ups promoting new services to collaborate with partner alliance members that have a wealth of assets and know-how in various industries with the aim of co-creating new businesses that impact society in the era of 5G. This program offers total support to selected teams, including business cooperation, creation of testing opportunities, and discussions about business co-creation with the partner alliance, which comprises over 40 various major companies that support the mission of KDDI∞Labo. The platform also offers a variety of other support, including business matching opportunities through pitching events, 5G testing environments, and the provision of KDDI Digital Gate assets.

KDDI research atelier: A Co-Creative Research Hub to Propose New Lifestyles

In December 2020, KDDI and KDDI Research Inc. established the "KDDI research atelier" in Toranomon, Tokyo as a hub for research and applied research aimed at proposing and demonstrating new lifestyles for 2030. In this KDDI research atelier, we are promoting co-creation with companies, research institutions, local governments, and consumers, including startups from both domestic and international backgrounds.
At the "KDDI research atelier," guided by KDDI's Satellite Growth Strategy, we aim to achieve Life Transformation (LX) through co-creation by identifying early indicators of lifestyle changes from the consumer perspective and working towards solving medium- to long-term consumer and social-related issues.
Furthermore, we launched the 'FUTURE GATEWAY' co-creation initiative in August 2021 with consumers who are practicing advanced lifestyles. Together, we are advancing proposals and demonstrations for new lifestyles.

Striving to create the world's best and the world's first results, "Joint Research Projects with World-Leading Researchers"

To deepen and accelerate basic research on the seven technologies outlined in "KDDI Accelerate 5.0," the Advanced Technology Research Laboratories, KDDI Research, Inc. has initiated a series of joint research projects with university researchers who have proven expertise in each respective research field worldwide. This effort started in 2020 and encompasses the three fields of AI, wireless communications, and XR. The dispatched young researchers have been working together with top-class researchers and students from Europe and the U.S. in a challenging and competitive environment, striving to generate research results that are the best and first in the world. KDDI Research, Inc., based on the results obtained from this joint project, will contribute to the early realization of the creation of a society in which anyone can make their dreams a reality, by enhancing the power to connect.

Activities for Innovation

Network Innovation

Initiative Content
O-band coherent high-density multiplexing transmission We have successfully completed the world's first experiment using ultrawideband optical fiber amplifiers, which simultaneously amplify 9.6 THz in the O-band (wavelength range of 1260 nm to 1360 nm) for use with current optical fibers, i.e., approximately twice that of the C-band (1530 nm to 1565 nm) or L-band (1565 nm to 1625 nm) most commonly used in optical communication. Using an ultrawideband optical fiber amplifier (bismuth-doped fiber amplifier; hereinafter BDFA), the coherent dense wavelength division multiplexing transmission experiment was successfully conducted using signals with a capacity exceeding 40Tbps.
This result enables optical fiber communication to be used for large-capacity communication between data centers, which are often connected over distances of up to 80 km. Moreover, the power consumption of this communication is also expected to be reduced.
User-centric RAN research As digital twin environments become increasingly diverse, we have been conducting research and development of User-centric RAN, which enables every customer to enjoy stable communication services in various environments through base station coordination. From February to May 2023, we successfully conducted an experiment on data communication from base stations to multiple smartphones by constructing an outdoor area using the cell-free method with User-centric RAN.
Simultaneous transmission and reception in the terahertz band among multiple devices. We developed a virtual terminal hardware verification system that combines terahertz band transceivers with a multi-beam lens antenna and successfully achieved simultaneous transmission and reception of wideband digital signals between the transmitter and two receivers.
This achievement enhances the potential of 'virtual devices[1],' and it raises expectations for realizing ultra-high speed and high-capacity communication as required in Beyond 5G/6G.
  1. [1]Virtual devices: The technology that enables user devices like smartphones to cooperate with various devices in their vicinity in the terahertz band, virtually aggregating the antennas installed on each device to operate as a single terminal.

Product Innovation

Initiative Content
Development of amphibious drones In June 2021, we developed the world's first "amphibious drone". While underwater drones have existed in the past, transporting them to the water's surface has required many steps, such as loading them onto a boat. Amphibious drones can transport underwater drones to their target locations in mid-air, enabling them to perform tasks underwater without the need for additional transportation steps. This capability makes it convenient to employ underwater drones for various applications, such as inspecting offshore facilities and monitoring underwater aquaculture farms, thus holding promise for a wide range of fields.
Multimodal Interactive Care Support System "MICSUS" From June 2022 to January 2023, we conducted a demonstration test of care monitoring using MICSUS, an interactive AI system for the elderly. Care monitoring involves care managers visiting the homes of the elderly to assess changes in their health and living conditions. This responsibility constitutes one-quarter of the overall duties of care managers. In this demonstration, we succeeded in reducing the time required for interviews and record-keeping related to monitoring the health and living conditions of the elderly by approximately 70% by utilizing a dedicated stuffed animal terminal equipped with MICSUS and a smartphone to collect information about changes in the health and living conditions of the elderly.

Process Innovation

Initiative Content
Providing agile development education program In addition to using agile development methods on our own, in cooperation with Scrum Inc. and Eiwa System Management, Inc., we established the joint venture Scrum Inc. Japan in March 2019 to bring about innovation. The company holds agile development seminars, and is providing wide-ranging support to Scrum teams from the launch of their agile development teams to the establishment of an agile organization management method. We will continue providing agile development know-hows to support transformation of businesses through digitalization.

Environment Innovation

Social Innovation

Initiative Content
Product delivery using robots in a large-scale apartment complex In March 2023, we conducted a demonstration test targeting the residents of the large-scale apartment complex 'PROUD CITY HIYOSHI' (Developed by: Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and others) to assess the acceptance of robot-assisted product delivery and identify technical issues. In this demonstration test, we received approximately 100 orders from residents of PROUD CITY HIYOSHI through an experimental e-commerce website, and robots delivered the products from the commercial facilities within PROUD CITY HIYOSHI to the front doors of each residence. Based on the results of this demonstration test, we will consider future plans for implementing robots that can automatically coordinate with elevators and are capable of operating in rainy and windy conditions.
Coordinating control of self-driving vehicles and drones to promote unmanned logistics in mountainous areas In March 2023, we successfully conducted a demonstration test where drones took off and landed from self-driving vehicles in the mountainous region of Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, enabling last-mile logistics. This is the first successful case in Japan where drones have achieved takeoff and landing synchronized with the position of a moving self-driving vehicle.
This demonstration was tested based on a scenario where a drone carrying a load took off from a self-driving vehicle, flew over a mountainous area, and then returned to the self-driving vehicle. In the future, with a target timeframe around 2030 when labor shortages become more apparent, we aim to implement future delivery services in society involving self-driving vehicles for large-scale urban deliveries and drones for deliveries in routes where ground transportation is challenging.
Initiatives to prevent road accidents on public roads using smartphone GPS data In February 2023, we conducted a demonstration test using smartphone GPS data on public roads to notify drivers of the presence of vehicles and assist in safe driving. We developed a feature that, based on smartphone GPS data measured using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), automatically notifies the respective drivers' smartphones when bicycles, mopeds, and cars approach the same intersection. Each driver can be aware in advance of the presence of bicycles, mopeds, and cars hidden in the blind spots of the intersection through safety-oriented notifications.
Demonstration using the Apple Watch for the early detection of atrial fibrillation From November 2022 to February 2023, KDDI conducted a demonstration study to detect atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia, at an early stage by combining the health app 'Pocket Health Care' developed by KDDI and the Apple Watch. We will develop a service that contributes to the early detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation, promoting early detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation.
Development of Pay for Success (PFS) in Hamamatsu city From August 2021 to August 2022, we conducted a social verification involving government and the public for the prevention of the exacerbation of lifestyle-related diseases and verified the effectiveness of Pay For Success (PFS)[2]. In this social verification, among the participants who completed the lifestyle improvement program, 84% of the 56 individuals with lifestyle-related disease risk factors showed improvement. Additionally, we conducted simulations on the healthcare expenses to be borne by the municipality over the next three years, enabling us to calculate the amount of cost-effectiveness in healthcare expenditure. Based on the results of this social verification, we will continue to work towards resolving issues such as healthcare cost optimization that municipalities face, by expanding the program to other local governments.
  1. [2]A new approach to government-public collaboration that establishes performance indicators aligned with the resolution of administrative issues and ties commission fee payments to the enhancement of performance indicator values, thereby incentivizing private sector entities to strive for better outcomes.

Main Innovation Awards Received

Award name
ITU-AJ Accomplishment Awards
Award giving organization
The ITU Association of Japan
Awarded research
Promoting research and development as well as standardization activities for operational automation frameworks using Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML).
Award recipient (belonging organization at the time of receiving the award)
Tomohiro Otani (Technology Strategy Division, KDDI)
Date received
May 17, 2023
Award name
68th Maejima Hisoka Award in FY2022
Award giving organization
Tsushinbunka Association
Awarded research
Development of network-interconnected mobile device traffic shaping technology.
Award recipient (belonging organization at the time of receiving the award)
KDDI Research, inc.
Date received
April 6, 2023
Award name
The 31st Grand Prize For The Global Environment Award
Award giving organization
Fujisankei Communications Group
Awarded research
Developing waterborne drones that contribute to achieving a carbon-free society
Award recipient (belonging organization at the time of receiving the award)
KDDI/ KDDI Research, inc.
Date received
March 1, 2023
Award name
The 10th Robot Award
Award giving organization
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, The Japan Machinery Federation, etc.
Awarded research
Amphibious Drone
Award recipient (belonging organization at the time of receiving the award)
KDDI Research, Inc./ KDDI SmartDrone Inc.
Date received
October 12, 2022
Award name
Recognition of the 32nd Radio Achievement Award, the Award of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications
Award giving organization
The Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB)
Awarded research
5G SA System Development and Service Application
Award recipient (belonging organization at the time of receiving the award)
Toshikazu Yokai (Executive Officer, Mobile Technology Division, KDDI)
Awarded research
Demonstration and Implementation of Dynamic Spectrum Access System in the 2.3GHz band
Award recipient (belonging organization at the time of receiving the award)
Takahiro Hayashi (KDDI Research, Inc.)
Date received
June 28, 2022
Award name
FY2022 Information and Communication Technology Award, TTC Chairman's Prize
Award giving organization
Telecommunication Technology Committee
Awarded research
Contributions to research, development, standardization, and practical applications of video encoding
Award recipient (belonging organization at the time of receiving the award)
Yasuhiro Takishima (KDDI Research, Inc.)
Date received
June 14, 2022
Award name
FY2022 The Council for Info-Communications Promotion Month Chairman's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Information and Communication
Award giving organization
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, The Council for Info-Communications Promotion Month
Award recipient (belonging organization at the time of receiving the award)
Yutaka Miyake (KDDI Research, Inc.)
Date received
June 1, 2022
Award name
ITU-AJ Accomplishment Awards 2022
Award giving organization
The ITU Association of Japan
Awarded research
At ITU-T SG3 (Rates and Policy), leading the creation of recommendations related to operator interconnection and rate negotiations, as well as economic policy discussions
Award recipient (belonging organization at the time of receiving the award)
Eriko Hondo (Technology Strategy & Standards Office, KDDI)
Date received
May 17, 2022
Award name
67th Maejima Hisoka Award in FY2021
Award giving organization
The ITU Association of Japan
Awarded research
Research and development of ultra-high-capacity space-division multiplexing optical fiber transmission systems
Award recipient (belonging organization at the time of receiving the award)
KDDI Research, Inc.
Date received
April 7, 2022

Others

  • Innovative Major Companies Ranking 2023 (sponsored by the Innovation Leaders Summit Action Committee and the Ministry of the Economy, Trade and Industry): No.1 (six years running)
Society