OUR VISION
Japan is now the world’s most ‘Super-aged’ society, facing to declining birthrate, and aging population. The world keeps their eye on how Japan is dealing with these problems as it is certain that the other developed countries will experience aging society. Japan has long been regarded as a model of technology-based national development. We have many leading global manufacturers. It is expected for us to take actions based on engineering technology and manufacturing.
Under these circumstances, we see our life, which is changing due to social transformation, from the viewpoint of quality of life. We are trying to gather comprehensive knowledge about life. The scope of our research is wide; from the development of innovative assistive technology to the research on social system or town planning. Our goal is not only to make academic progress but also to contribute to society.
Specifically, our research includes design theory about assistive technology, analysis or modeling, and design or development of assistive equipment, moreover, social implementation of new concept mobility, and town planning. We are conducting research on human behavior, exercise, cognition, physiology, psychological characteristics and human interaction. These research is not confined in laboratory. We value so-called ‘field-based research’ or ‘action research’. Students need to go outside to see how the technology apply to real world. Particularly, we aim at academic systemization and practice of science that is useful for society.
We cope with many kinds of institute on research; for example, IOG (Institute of Gerontology, which belongs to the University of Tokyo) or Gerontology Network in the institution, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, AIST (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology), and JARI (Japan Automobile Research Institution). Joint researches with leading companies such as Toyota and Nissan, and cooperation or exchange program with oversea organizations are also remarkable.
Life support engineering is involved in many aspects of human life. Practicing its research and development will greatly changes the world. Students with enthusiasm are always welcomed.