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Local Children Got a Taste of What Engineers Do for a Living!
Participating in Out of KidZania in Tsuruga
On March 8 and 9, 2025, Panasonic Automotive Systems participated in Out of KidZania in Tsuruga, which was held for the first time in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture. The goal of the event is to promote the retention and mobility of talent in the local community, as well as to raise awareness of businesses operating in Tsuruga City, strengthen public relations capabilities, and promote the understanding of employment among elementary and junior high school students.
Under the supervision of KidZania, a facility where children can experience various professions, 26 companies from Tsuruga City set up booths, and a total of 950 students from elementary school to junior high school (first through ninth grades) participated in the event. 25 children visited our booth to experience what engineers do at work.
The children began by learning about how our rear and corner sensors (sonar) work to detect obstacles around the car. Using the example of bats and their interaction with the environment, the children learned how ultrasonic waves detect obstacles and how a functioning sonar system plays a key role in creating a safe, reliable and accident-free mobile society.
The children then experienced three processes in the sonar production line: assembly, inspection, and color vision testing.
During the assembly process, the children did more than just assemble the components. As they manually assembled the sonar, they also learned about the role of each component that makes up the sonar, such as the circuit board that drives the piezoelectric element and converts the detected ultrasonic waves into electrical signals. Despite the details involved, the children assembled the sonar with deft hands.
During the inspection process, the children tried their hand at using an oscilloscope (a measuring instrument) to measure the waveform of electrical signals, and to measure the distance to obstacles in order to verify that the sonar was working properly.
Finally, the children tried their hand at color vision testing, which is required for process inspectors to ensure that the color of the sonar matches the car’s exterior. The test involves sorting kits painted in slightly different shades, arranged to form a color gradient. Many of the subtle color differences were barely noticeable, so the children struggled and sorted until allotted time ran out.
At the end of the program, the children shared their thoughts and received 200 tsunuka as payment, which they could spend at the venue’s shops.
We sincerely hope that the children who participated in this activity will appreciate the joy and importance of the work we do at our company and will be inspired to join us as colleagues in the future.