MASS MANAGEMENT

Further reducing the weight of vehicles is critically important for reducing tailpipe CO₂ emissions and increasing the range of electric vehicles. We are pursuing the following three important research themes to realize ultra-lightweight safe, comfortable, and low-cost vehicles.
(1) The identification of optimum structures factoring in vehicle performance and manufacturing processes
(2) The realization of highly efficient manufacturing (machining) processes for high-strength parts using materials such as aluminum and steel
(3) The realization of low-cost, high-quality manufacturing processes from strength prediction to the bonding of dissimilar materials, starting from the synthesis of fibers, to enable the construction of high-strength CFRP* parts
*CFRP : carbon fiber reinforced plastic