Research Area｜ISUZU ADVANCED ENGINEERING CENTER, LTD

Future insight activities

The changes in the business environment that surround companies are accelerating on a daily basis, and we believe that it is difficult to respond to such changes with just linear predictions of the future based on extensions of the current situation. At the Isuzu Advanced Engineering Center, we employ a 'future insight' approach to anticipate a non-linear future. Utilizing backcasting, we draw insights from these future projections to inform our strategic directions and research themes.

Battery

In recent times, the move towards vehicle electrification has gained momentum. Batteries, especially, stand out as a crucial component of electric vehicles. Recent breakthroughs in materials and construction techniques have significantly enhanced the energy density of lithium-ion secondary batteries, paving the way for the evolution of next-generation batteries like all-solid-state variants. However, to harness these batteries for commercial vehicles, advancements in control technology and degradation prevention are essential. At Isuzu, we approach batteries as integrated systems, aiming to achieve performance and longevity tailored for commercial vehicles by amalgamating various technologies.

Fuel cell trucks

In advancing the technology for fuel cell trucks that support a hydrogen society, key challenges include integrating fuel cell systems (FCS) with batteries, intelligently managing power, and enhancing the lifespan of trucks through meticulous heat management. By partnering with academic institutions, we are striving to rapidly address these issues. In future, we aim to harness cloud data to monitor the use and wear status of fuel cell trucks in real-time during operations. This will allow us to adjust control values accordingly, ensuring further lifespan extension and greater automation.

Electric truck energy
management system

In our research on energy management systems for electric trucks that operate around the clock, we are devising service tools grounded in simulations of electric truck power costs and degradation. Additionally, we are exploring operational and business models for electric trucks and swappable batteries that capitalize on renewable energy. In the future, as charging methods and electric power infrastructure evolve, we plan to collaborate with research institutions to repurpose and recycle the distinctive energy management systems of electric trucks, ensuring the maximization of societal profits.

Autonomous driving

At the Isuzu Advanced Engineering Center, we are focused on research and development related to autonomous driving, which promises to reduce labor costs for commercial vehicles. Our commitment is centered on revolutionizing the transportation of goods and people, a societal challenge and core mission of Isuzu Motors. We are addressing the unique technical challenges posed by trucks, such as weight, vehicle length, and diverse vehicle types. Simultaneously, we are expanding our application spectrum, approaching it from both perspectives of basic research exploration and practical research applicable to real-world scenarios.

AI driver judgment / Operation model

Unlike passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles have a larger size and their weight fluctuates based on the load they transport. In practice, drivers of these vehicles factor in these attributes, always ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo. Our goal is to develop an AI-driven assessment and operational model that fully accounts for these commercial vehicle attributes, ensuring safety and efficiency even when the system takes over for autonomous driving.

Virtual development environment

Computer-simulated virtual driving tests are critical for the research and development of autonomous vehicles and driver assistance devices. Given the immense number of driving scenarios that must be evaluated, especially in safety assessments of autonomous driving, we are focused on constructing a robust virtual development environment.

Driver status detection

Accidents involving large trucks can turn especially severe when caused by sudden driver health issues or other abnormalities. The risk intensifies when the driver exhibits erratic behaviors such as drowsiness or distraction. Hence, we are dedicated to developing technologies that accurately monitor and detect a driver's condition.

AI utilization

We are harnessing IoT solutions designed to capture data on truck loading, paired with AI algorithms that leverage this data to optimize deliveries. Our primary objective is to enhance logistics efficiency and introduce transformative value into the logistics sector. Additionally, our ongoing R&D initiatives are broad in scope, tapping into the forefront of technology. This includes AI systems for predicting worker movements and innovations in robotics aiming to automate cargo handling, all with the goals of bolstering safety during cargo loading and unloading, and alleviating labor-intensive tasks.

Data utilization

We are working towards harnessing connected data gathered from tens of thousands of vehicles. Our goal is to develop techniques to assess the wear and tear of parts and bodywork, as well as to predict energy consumption. We aim to integrate this technology into various services, including "MIMAMORI", "PREISM", and "EVision". A noteworthy outcome of our endeavors has been research on estimating the wear of exhaust gas purification catalysts through connected data. This research was honored with the Best Paper Award by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan.

Service life prediction technology

To realize a circular economy, we must enhance the lifespan of vehicles and repurpose individual components. This involves bolstering the durability of parts and employing technologies that forecast the lifespan of components based on their load and vibration history. Our approach is to grasp the lifespan of every vehicle component, ensuring timely replacement before its end of life. This strategy is geared towards prolonging the vehicle's overall service life and ensuring its longevity.