Yasuhide Yokoi

Generative Design & Web3 Technologies Combined with Historic Japanese Samurai Sword Craftsmanship

An art piece, “TACHI” combines the latest technologies of AI-powered generative design and Web3 with traditional Japanese katana swords craftsmanship.

The katana sword is crafted by Kunihira Kawachi, the 15th-generation swordsmith Kunisuke Kawachinokami with more than 400 years of inherited traditions in the Osaka and Nara region.

By combining it with the innovative AI-powered generative design and Web3 technologies, the final art piece realized the distinctive design and re-imagined the style of displaying the katana sword.

The title “TACHI” comes from a combination of a Japanese word: “太刀 (tachi),” meaning a sword, and “立ち(tachi),” meaning to stand up.

Optimum Shape Modeled by AI-powered Generative Design

Generative design is a cloud-based automated design exploration and 3D modeling technology powered by artificial intelligence that allows designers to input parameters such as design goals, materials, manufacturing methods, and cost.

Thanks to these latest technologies, the design achieved functionality such as grip ergonomics, product strength, suitable material selection, and minor consumption.

Furthermore, not just its functional achievements, this innovative approach generated a breathtaking organic look that resembles the skeleton of an animal or the veins of a leaf, adding an energetic vital impression to the sword made by the craftsman’s whole heart and soul.

Authenticating The Value of Design by Web3 Technologies

The design created is managed and protected by a Web3 platform for design and digital manufacturing, “Final Chain,” developed by Final Aim.

The platform integrates decentralized and distributed systems like blockchain, smart contracts, and IPFS. Through this comprehensive web3 platform, original master design files are stored and shared by IPFS technology.

Read more about the Web3 platform: https://final-aim.com/final-chain-beta-launch

A blockchain record has certified every generated design file to prove its originality and integrity. Furthermore, this certificate record is physically engraved on every model.

As a result, this becomes proof of authenticity and uniqueness, allowing the project owner to create and share design files with partners and collaborators without worrying about underlying digital risks and further fulfilling the buyer’s desire for possession.

Project partner: Studio Shikumi

Autonomous Delivery Robot for Singaporean Residents

Awarded: SINGAPORE GOOD DESIGN 2022

Collaborated with Singaporean robotics startup, OTSAW Digital PTE LTD by design to develop Camello, the revolutionary autonomous delivery robot that disrupts and transforms the last-mile delivery service.

Similar to other countries, Singapore faces inefficiency in the last mile of the logistics chain, which accounts for a large proportion of shipment costs and the complexity of operations.

The autonomous delivery robot Camello challenges this issue with many design features such as compact dimensions that are perfectly optimized to the Singapore urban environment, easy-to-use cargo space, and user-friendly interface & styling.

Under the partnership with the industrial key players, the robots are planned to be installed by the delivery companies and retailers in Singapore.

And ultimately, it is expected to build an ecosystem that provides a new delivery chain to improve customer experience and help businesses gain better efficiency and profitability over time.

Client: OTSAW Digital PTE LTD

Designing Plastic Waste into Memorable Model Kit

A brand new model kit made from collected plastic waste was produced in collaboration with Specified Nonprofit Corporation, “Green Bird,” an organization that has been organizing cleanup activities all over Japan and worldwide.

A special website is now available for details and purchase: https://replamo.jp

In recent years, the awareness of environmental measures is becoming higher from global policies like ESG criteria to local activities such as banning plastic straws and extra charging on shopping bags. However, the improvement of the global environment and ecosystem is yet limited.

Since its establishment, Green Bird has been challenging the issue of plastic waste for more than 19 years by collecting litter from cities, rivers, and oceans. To further push forward its vision of “Creating the opportunity for kids who will build a future to think about plastic waste in a positive and fun way,” Green Bird stood up to launch a new project “RePLAMO,” in collaboration with supporting organizations and members.

Inspired by Green Bird’s strong ambition toward the new environmental and sustainable challenge, joined forces as an industrial designer and turned project ideas into reality – a plastic model kit made from collected plastic waste.

The material is waste plastic collected through litter collection activities in cities and beaches. The model is carefully crafted and manufactured through litter washing, milling, molding, and post-processing.

The sea turtle color comes in three themes: green, blue, and random. Since the material is made from collected waste, every turtle is unique as no single texture and pattern are the same as others. Part of the sales will be donated to the Green Bird activity.

Client: Green Bird

In collaboration with:
- CHERRY (Business produce)
- RABBIT (Creative & Art direction)

Mass Customized 3D Printed Vehicle for a Beloved Sweets Company

Awarded: CEATEC INNOVATION AWARD

Developed with Honda a mass customized single seater electric vehicle that utilizes 3D printing technology, providing comprehensive car design, engineering and on-demand manufacturing through Kabuku factory network.

The car was fully customized for a sweets company Toshimaya which is nationally famous for its adorable pigeon shaped cookie brand "Hato Sabure". The company particularly faced a problem of finding a delivery vehicle that could be used for local deliveries and also for advertisement.

The location of the head office of Toshimaya is in Kamakura where there is the challenge of super narrow roads in the area for their home delivery business. Also, as a long-established local company and a maker of highly popular cookie brand "Hato Sabure", they were seeking for a fully original car design that would be loved by the local people and represent its strong brand image for promotion. The project was able to provide a mass customized original vehicle by responding to their individual needs.

Autonomous Scooter for On-Campus Commute

An autonomous electric scooter was developed together with The University of Tokyo. The scooter is fully autonomous powered by opensource software “Autoware“ and is used to commute on-campus.

The sleek and simple design is optimized for rider comfort with the wide base platform, plenty of room, and user-friendly ring-styled handle. Together with the intelligent software, the mobility is equipped with powerful motors, wheels, and batteries, making it possible to easily drive through rough conditions including pavement and dirt surfaces.

Client: University of Tokyo

Autonomous Electric Vehicle for Short-Range Traveling

As a first-ever hardware product to be released by a leading autonomous mobility software startup "Tier IV", it was crucial that the vehicle represents its own cutting-edge software technology and create a new design language for driverless cars. The aesthetic and the detail was strategically designed so that it would stand out completely out of the context of a traditional car styling, and evoke feelings and expectation of the new era of mobility.

The final production applied various kinds of manufacturing methods including 3D printing technology through Kabuku's on-demand factory network.

Client: TierIV

Mass Customized Body Parts for Personal Mobility

From a business model development, service & product design and final execution, partnered with TOYOTA and launched Mass-customization & Open-innovation service of its latest EV "i-ROAD".

The product customization enable consumers to customize their own vehicle parts in terms of surface texture, color, and finishing through web. The ordered parts will be 3D printed on-demand through Kabuku 3D printing factory network, which supports Toyota producing from 1 piece of product without keeping any stock.

More detail is available from here.

Read project interview article from here.

A Joint Development Project for Creating A Series of Tools for Daily Life, Using 3D Printers

Together with KOKUYO, a stationery company, launched a design series of 3D printed office accessories. The project builds on the concept of "trans tools," a hybrid of "transformation and" tools" that goes beyond the common practice of simply replicating existing items through 3D printing and adding some 3D-print-like flavor.

We combined the 3D printing technology used in KOKUYO's stationery and furniture, which have built up a lot of user loyalty over the years, and evolved them into new tools and expanded their functions. We developed new tool-storage spaces, and came up with new usages for items while still keeping their existing functions.

For example, we picked up paper clips and file binder parts that make up KOKUYO’s classic core items and applied them to a completely different design: storage boxes. It's essentially a proposal for the future of office accessories, and it only could have been achieved with 3D printing technology.

The final production applied various kinds of manufacturing method including 3D printing technology through Kabuku on-demand factory network.

Realize Driverless Taxi in Japan by Design

Supported Tier IV – the top leading tech startups in autonomous driving – by design to launch the AI PXX, a roof package with LIDAR sensors and image cameras for long-range sensing, intended for the use case of medium-to-high speed autonomous driving.

Tier IV have been installing the package to the vehicle JPN TAXI and organize a driverless taxi service trial in many areas in Japan such as the Tokyo, Nishi-Shinjuku area.

The design concept and principles inherit the core value of Tier IV that has evolved over the years of new ventures, which Yasuhide Yokoi has been design supporting from early startup phase. Similar to other designs developed, AI PXX’s aesthetics such as form, colors, and textures convey the value of simplicity, friendly, and delightful.

Especially for AI PXX, it is important to keep the design simple since the package will be loaded to different vehicles from different car companies. Because each car has its design styling, the package needs to be harmonious without conflict of aesthetics.

With the new AI PXX, the company’s advanced technology, and strong industry knowhow, Tier IV aims to accelerate further development of autonomous driving technology, and continue to advance its vision, “Intelligent Vehicles for Everyone.”

Fight Against COVID-19 – Autonomous UV-C Disinfection Robot

Collaborated with a Singaporean robotics startup, OTSAW Digital PTE LTD by design to develop O-RX, the revolutionary UV-C LED disinfection autonomous robot.

As an emergency project, to correspond with the threat against the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborated intensively by industrial design with OTSAW and supported its rapid development of the disinfection robot O-RX.

The robot is the first revolutionary UV-C LED disinfection autonomous robot in the world. With a disinfection rate of 99.9%, the innovative UV-C LED technology emits only UV-C light, which is effective in killing microbes, including viruses such as COVID-19.

By using UV-C LED technology, it is 70% more energy-efficient as compared to conventional mercury lamps. Also, it is friendly to humans as it is much safer and non-cancerous to human skin as compared to conventional mercury lamps that emit harmful UV-A and UV-B radiation.

On top of that, it is equipped with state-of-the-art heat management and cooling systems to help counter the heat that is being emitted from the high intensity LED modules in the robot.

Within a super tight development lead time, the industrial design realized above severe functional criteria in a compact dimension that can be rapidly prototyped and produced. Furthermore the design leveraged form, materials, and colors for the safe ergonomics and user interface that will be critical to the harsh environment.

The robots are installed in indoor facilities in Singapore, helping to keep people safe and lessen the spread of the virus.

Autonomous Micro Mobility for Logistics

Designed a completely new form and application of autonomous mobility technology developed by a leading software startup "Tier IV".

When talking about driverless cars and its technology, as is often the case, the main agenda is focused on the impact on current cars and their use cases. However, the operating system technology that Tier IV develops, is highly flexible that it can be applied to various products and categories. To showcase this technology, the design sought for conventional and customizable mobility, and the aesthetic that would convey the innovative application.

Logiee consists of a lower base part and an upper customizable part. By changing extensions on the upper part, it can be used in areas such as logistics, delivery, vendition and shopping.

The final production applied various kinds of manufacturing method including 3D printing technology through Kabuku on-demand factory network.

Designing The Super Basic of Desktop PCs

A main-stream desktop PC, designed for “iiyama“ a Japanese PC brand nationally well known for over 40 years of history and Made-in-Japan quality.

From the project’s goal to illustrate the “New Standard Design" of desktop PCs that fits to every scene and user, the product consists of simple round form and lines with no complexity whatsoever.

To add sophisticated touch that endures the long-lasting usage, various finishes and coatings were applied to the surfaces and details.

Autonomous Electric Vehicle for Driverless Postal Service

Released by a leading autonomous mobility software startup "Tier IV", the mobility aims to innovate the existing postal service industry.

From the above aim, the vehicle not only represents completely new design icon–the aesthetic that would stand out completely out of the context of traditional postal car styling–, but also embraces the existing social identity at the same time in order to smoothly fit in with the people and the society. Based on the complete symmetrical exterior, the hatches are placed on every sides to maximize the usability and the posting experience.

The final production applied various kinds of manufacturing method including 3D printing technology through Kabuku on-demand factory network.

Convert Any Vehicle into an Autonomous Mobility

A device package by an autonomous mobility software startup "Tier IV" that supports the integration of a LiDAR sensor, cameras and embedded computing. With this, anyone can convert any vehicle into an autonomous mode to test and verify unmanned driving.

The final production applied various kinds of manufacturing method including 3D printing technology through Kabuku on-demand factory network.

R&D Project of CMF for 3D Printing with Olympus

The previous finishing of 3D printed products was no more than adding single color. Together with Olympus, challenged to this by developing further surface finishing process – digital CMF (Color/Material/Finish) technology – of visual impression and tactile.

The parts are finished with: a metallic paint and an aging process that gives the impression of steampunk style, a flocking finish that provides soft skin touch like moquette fabric, a color paint with ordinary looks but has elastic touch thanks to special resin and additive, a Sunny-color process that changes its color by projecting sun light (UV light), a copper plating on nylon material, and a part filmed with pattern applying TOM forming process.

More detail is available from here.

Project partner: FEEL GOOD CREATION

Gaming Desktop PC with 3D Printing Customizable Part

A small size gaming desktop PC, designed for a high-spec PC brand "LEVEL∞". The form and colors combine elegant and strength in a compact size, with a high-impact air outlet design – Air Vent – on the front panel achieving super-efficient cooling performance.

The design of the Air Vent part is also tuned for 3D printing, and the 3D data is opened for free download at Rinkak: an online marketplace for 3D printing products. Based on the open data users can custom design and 3D print to enjoy the only one PC in the world.

To promote and further engage fan users, not only provided product design but further produced and executed an online "LEVEL∞ AIR VENT HACK DESIGN CONTEST" in which creative custom designs were submitted from creators all over the world.

Innovation Starts with Children: Producing & Conducting 3D Printing & Programming workshops in Schools

With Microsoft, a tutorial project to introduce students about basic coding and 3D printing within the fun environment of Minecraft game. This project is a model case of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Dream School Council of The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan.

To truly transform education, developed a course of “Digital House Making” and provided to grade six students of the Sarugaku Elementary School in Tokyo by 10 sessions with 45-minutes each. By Minecraft game and 3D printing technology, encouraged the students to learn about basic coding and 3D printing to achieve the project goal of gaining problem solving skill.

Details by Microsoft (JP): https://news.microsoft.com/ja-jp/2016/03/31/blog-minecraft-programming-education/

Affinity Project for Free Format 3D Data & Custom Hacked Designs

READY-MADE HACK is an affinity project combining free format 3D data & custom hacked designs by 3D printing technology. By providing free download service of 3D data of conventional PET bottle caps, the project will free designer's time to create 3D data from scratch and let designer enjoy more of 3D printing design.

Japanese Traditional Indigo-dyeing Meets 3D Printing

A new fashion accessory brand that integrates cutting-edge 3D printing technologies and Japanese traditional dyeing technique. The brand's line of accessories include rings, necklaces and earrings for ladies.

The process was newly developed in collaboration with 'Urakami Senryoten', a dyeing factory located in Kojima area in Okayama prefecture, the birthplace of Japanese jeans.  ''Aizome" – Indigo-dyeing – is hand-dyed one by one which gives random shade and blur, leading to the collection brand image of blue sky and clouds after rain storm.

More info and online purchase is available from here.

Japanese Katana Sword Craftsmanship Meets 3D Printing

The world’s first art product integrating traditional Japanese katana swords craftsmanship with more than 400 years of history and innovative design with the latest 3D printing technology. The product consists of a Japanese katana sword made by a craftsman who inherit traditional technique with more than 400 years of history in Kansai region, and a 3D print designed katana sword case “SUMISAYA” which reflects the sword’s aesthetics.

The design focused on “Hamon”, an elegant distinct swerving line down the center of the sword, and sharp cross sections of the sword giving a feeling of tense. Though those elements are hidden in the traditional wooden cases, the product was designed to reflect them by using transparent 3D printing materials, creating a completely new way of katana appreciation.

More info is available from here.

Project partner: Studio Shikumi

The Flagship of All DSLR Cameras

Awarded: iF Design Award / Red Dot Design Award / GOOD DESIGN AWARD

Nikon's flagship DSLR camera, the D4 and D4S shatters many barriers that professionals face. All the latest technologies and maximized ergonomic design offers ultimate shooting experience, allowing professionals to capture decisive moments at any extreme situations.

In the hyper-digital age, as equipments become complex and delivery demand gets higher, it is crucial for photographers to operate and shoot seamlessly. To achieve distinctive evolution from existing cameras, defined the product design concept as “Seamless Unity of Shooting Experience,” as if the camera feels like a natural extension of user’s body. From an ergonomic grip to 3D-angled buttons and intuitive layout, every shape, materials and user flows are designed to heighten the photographer’s concentration. 

Evolutionary High Resolution DSLR Camera

For photographers including landscape, studio, wedding and portrait pros, D810 will ignite creativity and help capture images that astound. Enormous 36.3-megapixels full frame sensor is paired with Nikon's innovative image processing for flawless detail retention from snow white to pitch black, beautiful noise-free images, an extremely wide dynamic range, flattering well-saturated skin tones and much more.

D810 features durable and ergonomic body design such as a deeper grip form that ensures stable handling, finely tuned even for small hands. Built with rugged magnesium alloy and featuring dust and water-drop resistance, every photographer will have peace of mind even when shooting in extreme environments.

Your Go-To DSLR Camera

Awarded: Red Dot Design Award

The D5300 is for entry-level users looking for a camera that makes it easy to preserve full-scale images of memories and impressive scenes, as well as those looking for the ability to immediately share high-quality photos. A firm grip and intuitive operation that reflect Nikon's experience with professional cameras, enable certain capture of beautiful images. A built-in Wi-Fi/GPS antenna enables simple sharing of images via SNSs, camera control from a smart device, and attachment of map data to photos. This, along with the large vari-angle monitor, makes for an even more authentic imaging experience.

The body is designed with a monocoque structure made of a new carbon-fiber material, making it significantly smaller and lighter than ever before. The compact size and tough design embody these advances.

In addition to the conventional black, the camera is also available in metallic red and gray – very unique but stylish colors in DSLR category. Particular attention was paid to the material used and color applied to smaller components such as anodized dials and controls to achieve the elegant appearance that appeals to new users.

Professional DSLR Camera Experience in Compact Dimension

Awarded: Red Dot Design Award

Nikon D7000's high integration of compact, magnesium alloy, dust and moisture proof body and inspiring advanced technology provides professional shooting experience, and frees users to wherever photography takes.

For such high-conscious amateur photographers, it is essential that the camera to clearly look trustworthy. The D7000 applies form that gives strongly-condensed impression and robust materials such as co-molded rubber.

Regarding usability, each and every control has been strategically placed for streamlined operation. To further communicate its intended concept, visual details have been carefully designed, for example, large circular buttons and knobs with brightly printed icons.

Interchangeable Lenses for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Every photographer is unique and NIKKOR lenses will draw each potential to maximum. Each product in the lineup represents the pride and craftsmanship that only an optical manufacturer can understand, delivering a high level of clarity and reliability.

The proportion, shapes to every minute corner, knurling on zoom and focus rings, materials and finishes – every lens has been finely designed so that it brings a joy of ownership without sacrificing usability based on ergonomics and universal design.

Best-Selling Entry Model Binoculars

ACULON is a Nikon's standard Porro binoculars featuring high versatility, a perfect use for nature observation, hunting, sailing and watching sports.

Integrating aggressive and muscular form, the rubber armoring and strategically-thought detail make the binoculars exceptionally natural and comfortable to grip. Together with easy-to-adjust focusing wheels and zoom lever, it ensures smooth imaging in any situation, providing high visual experience.

Market Leader of Hi-Zoom Compact Digital Camera

Zoom beyond anticipation – For active photographers, the COOLPIX P90 puts you where you need to be. With a high optical zoom lens, a staggering world of optical power and versatility awaits you. It propels you into action when you can't get closer, like at a concert or a sports arena, and it is perfect for snapping wildlife.

Given the versatile reach, you are bound to find yourself wanting to shoot from various angle. That is why, in addition to its electronic viewfinder, the camera features a tiltable LCD. Combined with the staggering lens and display, you are free to explore exciting new perspectives all around you.

As a Nikon lead-off model at the dawn of emerging ‘hi-zoom camera’ category, the camera holds new Nikon design identity in form, colors and materials; establishing higher brand presence and fulfilling customer satisfaction. The identity established at this model, has been inherited ever since, leading the Nikon brand as No.1 in the category thereafter.

Laser Range Finder for Sports Optics

Awarded: Red Dot Design Award

PROSTAFF 5 is a light-weight laser range finder for distances of up to 550 meters, optimized for diverse activities such as hunting, sailing, golfing and forestry surveying.

Its ergonomically shaped body as well as selected soft materials enables it to be held with a firm grip and facilitates easy operation. The distinctive, dynamic line running across the body – naturally arose from ergonomic factor – gives new Nikon laser range finders brand identity.

Leather Case for Nikon Compact Digital Cameras

Pursuing function and style, the leather case for Nikon compact digital cameras will expand photo taking experience to all scenes from daily activity to special occasion.

Fine-tuned outer leather and inner textile will hold and protect the camera safe and clean. Variation in colors with meticulously coordinated stitches, edge finishing and fine texturing, will perfectly match to each personal style.

Research Stereo Microscope with World's Largest Zoom Range & Highest Resolution

Awarded: GOOD DESIGN AWARD

An all-new stereo microscope that features world's largest zoom ratio of 25:1, highest resolution and exceptional fluorescence transmission capability to respond to increasing demand for imaging systems that span spatial scales from single cells to whole organisms.

“Absolute Form of Optical Axis” – The product design theme was newly defined to promote new era of the evolutionary stereo microscope. The body layout and color combination implies high reliability of Nikon optical technology, and organic smooth form of the arm appeals the new evolution.

Industry Standard of Stereo Microscope

SMZ1270 offers wide view-field at low magnification, enabling easy confirmation of observation targets, while its cutting-edge optics provide bright and sharp images through the entire view field.

With a meticulously designed ergonomic eyepiece tube, the observation angle can adjust from 0-30 degrees, allowing for comfortable observation postures for each user, even if combined with intermediate modules such as illuminators or teaching heads.

A Cocoon – Mayu – for Smartphone Protection

Self design study of an ideal smartphone case design pursuing both emotion and function. Inspired from cocoons, the shape is structured from a single wire-loop form securing the device. In combination with the material, the case blurs the screen, notifying users and avoiding private information to be seen at the same time.

A Home for Name Stamps

Awarded: 1st Prize Winner of SHACHIHATA New Product Design Competition

Instead of signature, pre-inked name stamp ‘Shachihata’ is used frequently in Japanese daily business. However, contrary to the items’ official characteristic, unexpectedly, they are treated and placed roughly just like other daily stationery such as pens and scissors.

Proposal of a found place – Home – for a name stamp, where it harmonizes to other daily stationery and provides natural quick access when needed.