On July 8, 2024, NEXTY Electronics presented the results of its joint research with The Ritsumeikan Trust (hereinafter referred to as Ritsumeikan University) on "agile governance"* at MPSoC 2024, an International forum of experts in hardware and software related to next-generation computers. The presentation included guidelines on the deployment of autonomous robots and drones on the campus of Ritsumeikan University, as well as a simulation platform for efficient verification.

Photo from the joint presentation with Ritsumeikan University at the MPSoC2024 International forum

As a pioneer in the use of autonomous robots and drones for on-campus deliveries and security, Ritsumeikan University recognized the need to establish guidelines that address issues such as accidents and responsibility-sharing. There was also a need to conduct detailed simulations in order to avoid accidents during actual field operation.

In response, NEXTY Electronics and Ritsumeikan University joined forces to conduct joint research from FY2022 to the end of FY2024 as part of a project funded by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Throughout the research, this joint research used "agile governance," a flexible governance model that constantly evaluates and improves systems and rules in order to respond to social changes. On the other hand, it used its proprietary "moderix" for simulations, a model distribution platform developed by NEXTY Electronics, to build a simulation platform that enables co-simulation without disclosing each company's intellectual property.

NEXTY Electronics will continue to promote industry-academia collaboration through joint research with Ritsumeikan University to help realize a world where technology and people can coexist more safely.

* What is Agile Governance?

Agile governance is a new governance model for today's complex society that enables diverse stakeholders such as governments, businesses, individuals, and communities to collaborate while maintaining flexibility. Its goal is the constant pursuit of optimal conditions through the process of analyzing social conditions, setting goals, designing governance systems, and evaluating and improving them.