Development of network cameras (Axis)
Canon contributes to a better future, a sustainable society through innovation
To realize a sustainable future, society has many challenges yet to overcome. Many of these issues, such as the aging population in developed countries, the improvement of standards of living in emerging countries, and the security problem accompanying the advancement of IT, cannot be solved without the cooperative sharing of expertise in the global society. Meanwhile, understanding the connection between the expansion of business activities that contribute to solving such social problems and business opportunities is spreading to corporations. For Canon as well, keeping close to social issues in each region of our global operations and contributing to solutions through business will fulfill our social responsibilities and increase the sustainability of Canon and society.
With a corporate philosophy of kyosei, Canon is committed to creating new value through diversified products and services based on advanced technologies and platforms while creating good relationships with customers, business partners, communities and the global environment. We have developed new businesses that are already helping to address social issues with many innovative products, including network cameras that support safe and efficient social infrastructure, medical diagnostic equipment that supports advanced medical treatment, and industrial equipment that supports activities of daily living and IT with advanced technologies.
Canon is now moving ahead with major strategic changes aimed at sustainable growth, positioning network cameras, healthcare, industrial equipment, and commercial printing as four new pillars of business in addition to such existing businesses as cameras, office multifunction devices, and printers. Utilizing the advanced technological expertise we have cultivated so far, we will deepen collaboration with Group companies newly acquired by M&A, namely Canon Tokki, Canon ANELVA, Canon Machinery, Océ, Axis, Milestone Systems and Canon Medical Systems, and create new value. In addition, we will promote joint development and open innovation with leading research institutions, such as universities, and other companies in Japan and overseas, and provide products and services suited to various needs.
In collaboration with Axis and Milestone Systems, we will respond to diverse needs for “security and safety” with network visual solutions, including image analysis technology. In 2017, we expanded our product lineup of network cameras and launched AXIS Q1659, the first joint development product by Canon and Axis.
In 2017, Canon Medical Systems released a high-resolution Aquilion Precision CT scanner capable of resolving features 0.15mm in size, contributing to greater clinical value through earlier and more accurate cancer diagnoses. In the future, we plan to concentrate on the fields of “imaging diagnosis”, “healthcare IT”, and “in vitro diagnosis”, and develop business activities offering support to medical institutions and patients.
In 2017, Canon delivered the semiconductor lithography equipment that utilizes proprietary nanoimprint lithography (NIL) technology, to Toshiba Memory Corporation, a leading provider of semiconductor memory solutions. The provision of this equipment for verification represents significant progress toward mass production of a semiconductor device that employs NIL technology.
In addition, we have worked to increase the production of Canon Tokki’s organic EL display manufacturing equipment by putting the entire strength of the Canon Group into it.
Through its new businesses, Canon aims to contribute especially to the achievement of:
SDG 3 “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”
SDG 9 “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”
SDG 11 “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”
SDG 17 “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development”
