This project develops microthermofluidic devices for life science research by the integration of microfluidic devices, which have been developed from the standpoint of bioengineering and bioMEMS, and micro-optical detection systems, which have been developed from the standpoint of thermal engineering and optical MEMS.

Degeneration of adipocyte causes obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases. To treat these diseases, an effective in vitro evaluation and drug-screening system culture is required. We will introduce our novel real-time monitoring system for lipid accumulation in adipocyte-culture model.

Scanning probe microscopy allows us to see the material surfaces at the atomic and single-molecular scale. We introduce the design concept of our new instrument applicable to nano-materials, and recent results of the observation of nano-size organic molecular films.

Recent studies have clarified that cells actively sense the surrounding microstructure and control their function. To pursue the mechanism how cells recognize the geometrical properties of the surrounding environment, a new cell culture microdevice that can spatiotemporally control the curvature of the cell-adhering plane was developed.

We are developing ultrasmall optical spectrometer, which could be used for optical communication network monitoring, and food analysis.

The promotion of exercises is effective for the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases and disuse syndrome. A new smart wellness home that we suggest gives the appropriate physical load for each resident in each situation by changing the designs of furniture and floor plans.

System development using general-purpose robots takes a lot of time. If the intelligent software is incorporated, cost (human, monetary, time) will be even higher. Therefore, in order to facilitate the development of the intelligent system using a robot, we perform research and development for building tools and intellectual software.

A dedicated interface is required for each communication service, and in recent years the demand for services has been rapidly changing, so additional investment such as replacement of hardware is required. Therefore, we are researching “Reconfigurable Communication Processor”, which is a “resource pool” type router that dynamically allocates the required functions and performance according to the demand for services.