When safety is ensured, passengers experience reassurance and comfort. At Panasonic Automotive Systems, we are dedicated to developing technologies that enhance safety and reduce travel anxiety. Our team of experts in cutting-edge device development comes together to share ideas and shape our vision: to become the world’s leading "Joy in Motion" design company.
Technology to address various driving anxieties
First, could you introduce yourself and the products you work on?
Hada
I’m Takato Hada, responsible for the design and development of Head-Up Displays (HUD). This device projects vehicle speed and navigation information onto the windshield, minimizing eye movement while driving and enhancing safety.
Morimoto
I'm Nazuna Morimoto and I handle electronic mirrors. This product can be used as both a regular mirror and a display, showing camera images on the display to ensure rear visibility. In vehicles like vans, rear visibility can often be obstructed by passengers or cargo, but with this product, a clear rear view is achievable.
Mitsui
I’m Kentaro Mitsui, and I’m responsible for in-car cameras. Right now, I’m developing cameras for electronic mirrors and surround-view systems. By integrating multiple cameras, we enhance safety checks for parking and lane changes. In vehicles with significant blind spots, these cameras serve as the “eyes of the car,” providing drivers with greater confidence and peace of mind.
"Joy in Motion" starts with reducing driving anxiety
What is your approach to alleviating driving anxiety?
Hada
Honestly, I’m not very confident in my driving skills, so there are times when I choose not to drive. If cars could help reduce the stress of driving, I’d probably feel more comfortable going out more often. I think it’s important to support people like me who find driving challenging.
Morimoto
Absolutely. Making driving more enjoyable for those who struggle with it is a key part of "Joy in Motion." I have to drive regularly for my children, so safety is a top priority. I'm driving my car equipped with the electronic mirror my company developed, and it provides a clear, bright rear view — even at night. I can see things I couldn’t before, which makes me feel much safer driving at night or in snowy conditions.
Mitsui
I like cars, but in urban areas, I often avoid driving since there are plenty of alternative transportation options. Driving always comes with risks, so it’s crucial to create a safe driving environment by ensuring clear visibility with camera technology. Recently, we’ve also been developing technology to clean dirt from lenses to maintain visibility, which I believe is another way to provide reassurance in different driving conditions.
The advantage of a diverse technical background
Can you tell us about your commitment to technology and what makes it unique?
Hada
My biggest focus is image quality. Since the HUD is designed for quick information recognition, it must be displayed clearly and sharply. However, the front windshield of a car is not designed for projecting images, resulting in a complex curved shape, makes it challenging to project images without distortion. To achieve a crisp, distortion-free display, we leverage Panasonic Group’s expertise in optical design and component manufacturing — knowledge gained through years of developing digital cameras.
Morimoto
Our technical strength lies in image processing technology and our ability to bring a designer’s vision to life. Like the HUD, we prioritize image quality and use high-resolution LCDs. While a traditional mirror only reflects headlights at night, our electronic mirror applies digital image processing to prevent headlights from appearing too bright while enhancing visibility in darker areas. From a design perspective, we balance safety and aesthetics by using frameless, ultra-thin glass with R (curved) processing, in compliance with regulations. Additionally, reducing weight to contribute to fuel efficiency is also an important point for in-vehicle products.
Hada
It is indeed challenging to maintain a clear display amidst changing brightness levels.
Morimoto
That’s absolutely true. Another challenge is working closely with car manufacturers. The reliability requirements are incredibly high, and we evaluate our developments across various scenarios. We also conduct multiple joint evaluations with our products installed in actual vehicles to refine performance and ultimately meet end-user expectations. I believe this plays a key role in enhancing “Joy in Motion.”
Mitsui
One example of our joint development with car manufacturers is the surround-view camera. Initially, technology existed to convert rear camera views into a top-down perspective. However, in response to requests for better visibility of diagonal rear blind spots and the elimination of other blind spots, we developed a 360-degree surround-view system. Additionally, we continuously enhance image quality to ensure clear visibility even in low-light conditions—all to improve safety. I believe this collaborative approach with car manufacturers helps enhance "Joy in Motion."
Commitment to delivering reassurance
as a company and as employees
What vision do you have for the future of "Joy in Motion?"
Mitsui
I believe the “Joy in Motion” design aims to create a traffic environment where everyone—drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians—feels safe and secure. Car manufacturers often have strict requirements, such as ensuring visibility in areas without streetlights or minimizing the number of components. However, our ultimate goal is to enhance the end user’s sense of reassurance and comfort.
Hada
Our goal is to reduce barriers to driving and create an environment where mobility is never a limitation. The ultimate vision is fully autonomous driving, but there is still a long road ahead. As we move forward, the requirements for HUD performance and the type of information displayed will continue to evolve. We strive to contribute to society by consistently delivering products that align with the needs of the current times.
Morimoto
There is a growing demand to further improve rear visibility for safety, and we are working on that while keeping costs in mind. Additionally, as autonomous driving becomes a reality, the role of electronic mirrors will continue to evolve. I aim to create a safer, more reassuring, and stress-free driving environment by leveraging AI technology.
Mitsui
We aim to support driving automation by leveraging camera technology to detect pedestrians, road markings, traffic signals, and signage. At the same time, it’s important to keep options open for those who enjoy driving themselves.
“Joy in Motion” design will continue to focus on people first.
Mitsui
I believe a customer-first culture has been at the core of our ethos since the beginning. How well can we empathize and turn demands into reality? The requests from car manufacturers ultimately reflect the needs of end users, driving the realization of “Joy in Motion.”
Morimoto
Our founder’s words highlight the importance of putting the customer first. As a trusted partner, we will continue to work closely with car manufacturers while always keeping the end user’s needs in mind. I believe this commitment to responsiveness plays a key role in achieving “Joy in Motion.”
Hada
I believe a sincere and honest company culture naturally fosters an atmosphere of empathy for people.
※ The content of the article is at the time of publication.
Takato Hada
Joined the company in 2017 and was assigned to the department responsible for the design and development of HUD. Since then, he has primarily been in charge of the optical design of HUDs. His goal is to contribute to a society where mobility is not a barrier.
What brings him comfort?
When playing tennis, which is his hobby.
Nazuna Morimoto
Joined the company in 2011 and has worked in the direct division of the sales headquarters, engaging in planning and promoting new products. Currently, she is the project manager (PM) for the electronic mirror and dashcam business, overseeing project promotion, financial management, and improving profitability. Her goal is to contribute to the creation of more comfortable and reassuring mobility spaces.
What brings her comfort?
When she is cooking while enjoying a beer.
Kentaro Mitsui
Joined the company in 2007 and has been engaged in the development of automotive cameras since 2013. He is responsible for a wide range of camera system products, collaborating with car manufacturers to ensure and establish video specifications, and has developed a safe and reliable image quality. His goal is to contribute to a society with zero traffic accidents by delivering products to the market that satisfy both car manufacturers and end users in terms of quality and refinement.
What brings him comfort?
When focused on his hobby of music.