An open collaboration with ROHM, a semiconductor and electronic parts manufacturer in Kyoto

Not only just announcing on website about the project. but also had some meet-ups and workshops for engineers/creators. Community was build to have real contact points with ROHM Co., Ltd. so that they can directly touch with the products suitable for open solutions.

A program to experience the four device kits which were used for the open competition was held at FabCafe MTRL Tokyo and ROHM OPEN SOLUTIONS LAB in Kyoto.  Plenty of time was available to get hands-on experience with the devices, test prototypes, and exchange opinions with the engineers.

Product documentation submitted from across the country was examined. We received a large number of entries from a wide range of people, from middle and high school students to engineers and veterans with decades of experience. Many attractive ideas and a variety of teams made judge quite difficult, but in the end there were screams of joy as 12 works passed the first examination.

The teams that passed the initial examination received support and advice from Rohm engineers as they improved upon their prototypes in preparation for the final examination.

The project concept and examination criteria were designed and disclosed to applicants in advance. Those who passed the initial screening were offered technical support by Rohm engineers during the prototype production period leading up to the final screening, and this succeeded in aligning Rohm’s vision of the future with user output.

The final judging was held as an “open presentation” event. The judges were Ms. Ayaka Ikezawa of engineering/talent, Representative Director of ABBALab Co., Ltd. and Fellow of Sakura Internet Co., Ltd. Mr. Akira Ogasawara, Professor of Information Science and Art Graduate School [IAMAS] Professor Shigeru Kobayashi, and Representative Director of Makers Boot Camp, Mr. Naruo Makino. Judging was conducted by watching applicants actually use their prototypes. An important element of the event design was to observe the point of physical contact with the prototypes and to gauge user reactions.

Five of the award-winning products were displayed at the Rohm booth at CEATEC JAPAN 2017. The visitors who experienced the innovative prototypes using Rohm devices were fascinated. On the final day, contest judge Ms. Ayaka Ikesawa took to the stage at the Rohm booth to talk about the winning prototypes.