Teijin and Australian company AEV Robotics have signed a joint development agreement in which the two parties will develop basic technologies for the envisaged vehicles in the first two years of this initiative. The main purpose of this agreement is to create lightweight components and solutions for the next generation of vehicles to realize new forms of transportation in an aging society.
These components will use Teijin's advanced materials for innovative structural design, such as polycarbonate resins, carbon fibers and aramid fibers, as well as composite technology owned by Teijin and its subsidiaries, including Continental Structural Plastics.
Teijin will also provide expertise in thermal management (to optimize weight loss and insulation) and sound absorption, and will use its expertise developed to support the solar team of the Japan Institute of Technology in participating in the world's largest solar car competition.
AEV Robotics' modular vehicle system will form the basis of practical standards for next-generation vehicles to meet the “zero emissions from oil wells to wheels” target set by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
AEV Robotics is also developing an efficient electric vehicle platform and autonomous driving systems that enable low-speed electric vehicles to be used in various fields, such as medical, logistics and industrial, and general transportation.
Through this joint development project, Teijin hopes to continue its efforts to become a company that can support the society of the future, especially to provide new solutions for automotive applications based on advanced materials and the structural design required for the next generation of electric vehicles.
In recent years, the concept of next-generation vehicles based on networking, autonomy, sharing, and electric has made electric vehicles develop rapidly as a practical solution that reduces the environmental load.
In addition, the concept of mobility as a service (think of transportation as a holistic service) is changing the role of cars.
At the same time, a rapidly aging society is facing more and more problems, including traffic accidents caused by urban elderly and vulnerable pedestrians in rural areas, and problems caused by traffic congestion, environmental degradation and the promotion of urbanization.
To this end, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan has launched the New Automotive Era Strategy Committee, which aims to enhance the global competitiveness of the Japanese automotive industry.
The department has adopted "zero emissions from oil wells to wheels" as a long-term national strategy to ensure that Japan achieves the world's highest level of environmental performance by 2050, including green processes for producing gasoline and power sources for automobiles.
AEV Robotics plans to use universal machine base in its cars
AEV Robotics has introduced innovative ideas and manufacturing methods that mainstream OEMs have not yet provided. Its unique engineering capabilities will enable the development of simple, lightweight chassis, suspension and steering system solutions.
According to the data, Teijin is a group company that develops high-performance fibers, chemicals, composite molding materials, pharmaceuticals, home medical care, and IT worldwide.