Coolest innovations on display at Japan’s CEATEC tech show
CEATEC is one of Japan’s largest technology shows, and this year’s theme is “Innovation for All.”
Show organizers brought me to Tokyo to check it out!
At NEC, I saw an AI-powered camera that recognizes faces even in challenging lighting conditions.
“We innovate every business process with AI,” said Masayuki Ueno with NEC.
The company also showed off a system that uses AI to analyze and grade your driving. Let’s just say I had some fun with that… and didn’t score so well.
At TDK, I tried on a new laser optical module that projects images directly onto the retina - a feature they promised me is completely safe.
“You can decrease the power consumption significantly. So because of that, the smart glasses can be more stylish than the conventional one,” said Hideaki Fukuzawa with TDK.
Over at IPA, a government agency promoting Japan’s digital future, visitors got a glimpse of life in the year 2050 thanks to an exhibit powered by Apple Vision Pro.
The immersive experience explores how the physical and virtual worlds could one day merge completely.
“It’s not a science fiction. It’s a society just one or three steps forward,” said Chiemi Watanabe with IPA.
At Mitsubishi, a small device called Emoco uses AI and sensors to monitor office workers’ attention. It then adjusts lighting or even air conditioning as necessary. I thought it was cool how it might even send over a robot with a coffee.
JVC KENWOOD showed off AI-powered earbuds with a built-in camera that can help you remember names - and more.
“It’s very useful because you can ask the name, like who’s this person’s name, and then the earphone is going to give you the audible response,” said Hiromi Akutsu with JVC KENWOOD.
And the cutest gadget of the show? That award goes to Sharp’s Poketomo, which means “pocket-sized friend.”
The palm-sized companion has a camera, mic and speaker so it can chat with you. It can remember conversations, places, because of built-in GPS, and even the little moments you share together.
After walking the CEATEC halls, it’s clear that technology is no longer just about gadgets, but about ideas that connect us and make life better - especially with a little AI mixed in.