R&D Organization

The business area of the HDS Group is providing the value of total motion control in the precision control field. Toward this objective of providing customers with optimal motion control, we are engaged in the development not only of speed reducers but also of mechatronics products combing these speed reducers with motors, sensors, drivers, controllers, and other system elements.

RSF-3 AC servo actuator (in back)
Compact 13mm HarmonicDrive®CSF-3 (front)

In the speed reducer field we conduct on-going theoretical research, materials development, structural analysis, and repeated endurance testing in pursuit of smaller and lighter mechanisms with high precision and high torque capacity.
In the field of mechatronics products, meanwhile, by applying the results gained in the speed reducer field and our original technologies of motors, sensors, and control systems to new product development , we are devoting R&D efforts to devising various actuators with distinctive shapes and superior performance as well as controllers designed to maximize their performance.

In addition, making use of the I.K KAN research annex on the Hotaka Plant site, we are working on developing the ultra-high-precision processing essential to next-generation products as well as the production technologies and improved skills for their measurement.

Perspective drawing
of I.K KAN research annex

Interior of I.K KAN research annex

Exterior of I.K KAN research annex

While most HDS Group R&D still takes place in Japan, recent years have seen an increase in development by subsidiary company in the United States and affiliated company in Germany reflecting the market needs in those regions.

Research & Development Organization

Our research and development organization is structured around four pillars, the New Mechanism Principle Laboratory conducting R&D on brand new concepts, independent of existing products and technologies; the Product Development Division carrying out advanced research and product development based on forecasts of the future and centering on cultivating and expanding fundamental technologies; the Engineering Division for development and design in line with customer demands; and the Production Technique Division engaged in R&D on the engineering methods and equipment necessary for product manufacturing.

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Product development Next-generation technologies New Mechanism Principle Laboratory R&D of brand new concepts independent of existing products and technologies Harmonic Drive Gearing Laboratory Advanced research and product development based on forecasts of the future and centering on cultivating and expanding fundamental technologies Meeting customer needs Development Enginnering Division Development and design in line with customer demands Manufacturing and production know-how Production Technology and Supply Chain Division R&D on the engineering methods and equipment necessary for product manufacturing

This organization enables us not only to meet the current demands of various customers but to carry out pioneering research and development aimed at the future and to pursue the fundamental technologies on which all our R&D is based. It also lets us engage actively in research on new principles and new mechanisms so that we can offer customers innovative value in the future, and keep up with the fast pace of the times.
In addition, in order to provide timely and flexible response to the needs of customers and speed up technology development, we are carrying out projects as integrated efforts by marketing, development, and production divisions and carrying out development aimed at establishing new technologies through cooperation with industry, government, and academia.

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R&D Investments(Consolidated basis) Millions of yen FY ended Mar.31, 2016 FY ended Mar.31, 2017 FY ended Mar.31, 2018 FY ended Mar.31, 2019 FY ended Mar.31, 2020 R&D Expenditure Percentage of Net Sales 5-year average

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Number of R&D Persons (Consolidated basis)
  FY ended Mar.31, 2016 FY ended Mar.31, 2017 FY ended Mar.31, 2018 FY ended Mar.31, 2019 FY ended Mar.31, 2020
Number of R&D Persons 86 111 129 139 144
Share of total employees (%) 9.9 11.5 11.6 12.7 13.0

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