The Challenge of Solving Social Issues as Demonstrated by "Seeds of the Future"

At the Sumitomo Electric Group booth, under the theme of "the convergence of mobility, energy, and information & communications," large panels showcased initiatives aimed at solving societal issues by viewing vehicles not merely as a means of transport, but as an integral part of social infrastructure.

In addition, the Sumitomo Electric Group's cutting-edge technologies and R&D initiatives were showcased in the "Seeds of the Future" zone; our "self-healing rubber" was among them and attracted the interest of many visitors.
This technology, currently being developed through joint research with RIKEN, is characterized by its ability to repair itself quickly even if damaged or severed.
Furthermore, comparative durability tests have confirmed superior durability and the potential for a longer service life compared to conventional rubber.
If practical application proceeds, significant benefits are expected in terms of both the environment and costs, such as extended product lifespans, reduced waste, and a lighter maintenance burden.
In addition, the technology is expected to be utilized in a wide range of fields, such as automotive parts and infrastructure products used in locations where replacement is difficult.

Surprise and Expectation from Live Demonstration: Reaffirming the Importance of Real-World Implementation at the Exhibition

At the venue, visitors were invited to cut the self-healing rubber with scissors and witness firsthand how it repaired itself in approximately 5 to 10 seconds.
Visitors expressed reactions such as "Is such technology really possible?" and "It would be fascinating if this were put to practical use," and the line remained constant throughout the day.
With so many people eager to see and try out the technology firsthand, I truly realized the high potential for innovations like self-healing rubber—"seeds of the future"—to become essential to the society of tomorrow.
A look across the venue revealed numerous exhibits showcasing AI search and AI applications.
At the same time, I got the impression that challenges remain regarding infrastructure development and operational aspects necessary for real-world implementation.
I reaffirmed the need to advance both technological development and social implementation in tandem, while keeping end-user needs and usability in mind.
Even within a limited timeframe, our staff actively engaged with technologies from other companies and found the experience highly stimulating.
I myself reaffirmed the importance of the "actual place, actual object, and actual situation" (Genchi, Genbutsu, Genjitsu).
I truly appreciated the immense value of the insights and lessons gained only by visiting the site in person, experiencing the products and technologies firsthand, and engaging in direct dialogue.

Future Outlook and a Message to Everyone

During the exhibition, representatives from various Sumitomo Electric Group companies engaged in a more active exchange of views than in previous years—both among themselves and with external stakeholders—making it a valuable opportunity to gain exposure to diverse perspectives and insights.
While this exhibition focused on mobility-related businesses, we believe that the insights and observations gained will be shared across the entire Sumitomo Electric Group—transcending specific business domains—and lead to the creation of synergies.
At the same time, further enhancing these synergies requires, first and foremost, strengthening collaboration across our Group.
To successfully commercialize technologies like the "self-healing rubber" that has recently garnered significant attention, it is crucial for the entire Group—spanning not only R&D but also manufacturing, sales, and corporate functions—to work together as one.
To realize our Group Vision (2029V)—"Creating Value for a Sustainable Society"—and in line with the "Sustainable Growth through Challenge and Creation" policy of our Medium-Term Management Plan 2029 (2029M), it is essential that every individual—regardless of their affiliation or role—embraces change positively and continues to take on new challenges.
To ensure that the "seeds of the future" grow into future businesses, let us continue to actively share our individual insights, strengthen our Group's organizational capabilities, and boldly take on the challenge of creating new value.

2026.08