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Sony has long been developing technologies that create Kando (emotion).
And we have discovered new value that no one has ever experienced before.
That is why, in order to continue to share joy and wonder with people in the future, we are taking the Earth and society seriously, not only to demonstrate responsible corporate behavior, but also to contribute to solving social issues.

Sony has been promoting "Road to Zero," an environmental plan to achieve a zero environmental footprint since 2010. We have set targets for four key environmental perspectives for each stage of the product lifecycle, and are working to achieve a zero environmental footprint.
In the area of climate change, we are accelerating our environmental impact reduction activities and have set 2040 as the year in which we will achieve our net zero target for the entire value chain, including Scope 1 through 3, 10 years ahead of our initial target year.
The Road to Zero symbolizes Sony's responsibility to the global environment. Furthemore, Sony is committed to creating new technologies and R&D that will significantly change lifestyles, social systems and manufacturing in the future.

"Sony's Story on the Environment" is now open to the public at Sony headquarters. Comprised of examples of various technologies that Sony is currently working on that contribute to reducing or improving environmental impact, the exhibit is presented on three different scales: THE PLANET, SOCIETY and PEOPLE.
Through this exhibit, we hope to showcase the Earth that humanity needs to protect, and to encourage everyone to think together about how we, who inhabit the Earth, can together fulfill our responsibilities and contribute its protection.
Now, let us introduce you to eleven of our initiatives.

THE PLANET: Understand more about the Earth

What is happening on the Earth right now?
What does this planet look like from space?
We use various methods to explore the Earth, which is familiar to us all and yet difficult to grasp as a whole.

STAR SPHERE

STAR SPHERE is taking on the challenge of releasing the perspective of space to people through the power of technology and to deliver inspiring space experiences across the globe through the power of entertainment.
We cherish the perspective of space. That means perceiving and thinking about things from the perspective of space in addition to simply looking at the Earth from space.
Considering the global environment is also one of these perspectives.
We are developing a microsatellite equipped with a Sony-developed camera together with the University of Tokyo and JAXA, with aims for launch this winter.
We will take on challenges aiming for a world in which the values of people, society and the global environment all change for the better. We will accomplish this through satellites that allow anyone to freely operate and shoot their own videos and photos from the perspective of space, and in doing so develop a connection with space itself.

After the satellite is launched, we are planning a service that will enable users to take videos and photos using a photography simulator. Not only can users confirm when and where the satellite is flying, but they can also test out the shooting angle and camera settings of the satellite in advance.

In this demonstration Space Shooting Lab, visitors can experience the operation of an experimental simulator that proposes a "place" for experiential space photography to discover the perspective of space prior to the launch of the service.

Through the experience of connecting with space using a photography simulator, you may gain new insights into the Earth, the universe and the society around you that you have never thought of before.

Sony's Earth MIMAMORI platform

Sony's Earth MIMAMORI platform aims to make it possible to sense every location on Earth. Detecting signs of anomalies and providing feedback with Sony's technology, the platform urges humanity to act with sustainability in mind.
By utilizing the predictive information to think about a sustainable future and take concrete action, we also hope to contribute to preventing natural disasters, as well as improving productivity in the agricultural and livestock sectors.

Three key technologies are embedded in the platform: Advanced Sensing for identifying change, Sensing Network for conveying change, and AI processing for comprehending change.

We are engaged in a variety of fieldwork to implement this platform.
Aiming to achieve advanced agricultural DX (digital transformation), Sony and Hokkaido University are working jointly to apply sensing and AI technologies to smart agriculture such as through unmanned tractors and other equipment.
The project will also lead to potential solutions for issues such as food scarcity arising from global warming and the increase in the world's population, as well as the aging and shrinking of the working population in the agricultural sector.

SOCIETY: Rethink social systems

The time has come to change systems that have become accepted as social norms.
We are developing technologies to realize new foundations that are widely involved in daily social life, such as infrastructure, energy and agricultural methods.

Virtual Production

"Virtual Production" is a filming technique that combines a large LED display, camera tracking and a real-time engine.
By shooting objects and people in front of a virtual background displayed on a large display, video production combining CG and live-action images can be realized without post-processing.

Sony combines camera technologies, such as the VENICE digital cinema camera, with display technologies, such as Crystal LED displays that faithfully reproduce reality, to achieve higher quality video production.
It frees creators from the constraints of time and place and greatly increases the freedom of visual expression.

By utilizing this filming method, which makes it possible to produce images in a studio as if they were shot in a real location, there is no need for staff to travel to the location for filming.
The use of on-site generators and the energy required to move staff and sets are no longer necessary, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
It also allows for the re-use of sets and props, thus reducing the use of resources.

VISION-S

In 2020, Sony announced VISION-S, an initiative aimed at contributing to the evolution of mobility. We have continued its aim of evolving mobility even closer to people, while developing technologies centered on safety and security, entertainment, and adaptability.
That led us to announce the VISION-S 02 prototype SUV at CES2022.

Electric vehicles (EVs) play the role of a high-capacity battery in microgrids. In addition, while VISION-S is equipped with a network connectivity function including 5G network, it is possible to update the system with Over-the-Air to continuously evolve the vehicle. Sony considers EVs and cloud platform as technologies that can contribute to the environment.

For parts such as seats, door trims and consoles, we use materials with low environmental impact such as bamboo and microfiber partially made from recycled materials.
For floor mats, we adopt Triporous™ as part of its material. This is useful for improving the air quality in mobility spaces.

Furthermore, EV batteries can play an important role in the effective use of renewable energy.
We will contribute to the realization of a low-carbon society by incorporating VISION-S initiatives as an element of local microgrids.

Intelligent Vision Sensor "IMX500"

The IMX500 is the world's first image sensor that uses a stacked structure that overlays a pixel chip and a logic chip, and incorporates AI-based image analysis and processing functionality in the logic chip.
AI processing of signals acquired by the pixel chip in the sensor enables edge computing without the need for a high-performance processor or external memory.

By processing data within the image sensor, the IMX500 can output only metadata, which is semantic information inherent to the captured data.

Not only does the stacking technology improve the power efficiency of the image sensor itself, but it also significantly reduces the amount of data flowing into the cloud, thereby reducing IP traffic and data center load. This reduces power consumption and CO2 emissions.

AI cameras equipped with the IMX500 are also being used to solve social issues such as reducing traffic congestion in the city of Rome, and to provide solutions to reduce power consumption for intelligent air conditioning systems in buildings by Nomad Go in the United States.

Open Energy System™

The Open Energy System™(OES) is a new, decentralized energy system that uses renewable energy by Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc.
By connecting dispersed renewable power generation facilities such as solar panel arrays with dispersed storage batteries and using Sony's proprietary power-interchange management software, we will be able to implement regional power interchanges within communities.
By reducing reliance on centralized electric power systems that use fossil fuels, OES will also contribute to curbing climate change and preserving and restoring biodiversity.

A consortium of industry, academic, and government groups are working together to build and trial an Open Energy System in the Umaba district of Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture (the UMABA Project).
In this pilot project, the system automatically formulates a charging schedule based on weather forecasts and the reservation status at local accommodation facilities, and development is progressing toward enabling the system to autonomously carry out the most efficient power interchange according to usage conditions, so that as much of the solar-generated power as possible can be consumed locally.
The project is also looking into using electric vehicles to transport energy, as well as the possibility of integrating them with local transport and delivery services.

This will not only contribute to the revitalization of the region, but also to realizing a decarbonized society and strengthening local resilience.

PEOPLE: Take actions

What are the things we select and use every day actually made of?
While providing opportunities to think about the impact on the environment, we are creating new options for people one by one wherever possible.

Triporous™

"Triporous™" is a naturally occurring porous carbon material made from rice husks. Its unique patented microstructure is expected to find a wide range of applications, including water and air purification.
Rice husks, the raw material for Triporous™, are surplus biomass, approx. 2 million tons per year of which are generated in Japan, and more than 100 million tons per year worldwide.

By recycling and utilizing surplus resources, we will create the next breakthrough in the world while contributing to a recycling-oriented society and reducing global environmental impact.

Triporous™ is now used in a wide range of products, from apparel and interior design to cosmetics.

Taking advantage of the deodorizing and antibacterial properties of Triporous for use in fabrics, Sony submitted the idea for a clothing line, "Triporous: Space QOL Series" (loungewear, undergarments, towels, bags), to JAXA's second call for solicitation for new ideas in daily necessities that will help meet the challenges faced in both living in space as well as on Earth, and this submission was selected as an idea of daily necessities aiming to be installed on the International Space Station (ISS).
Development of the loungewear from the range has now been completed, and the clothing is scheduled to be sent to the ISS from 2023 onwards.

SORPLAS™

SORPLAS™, a flame-retardant recycled plastic that utilizes used water bottles and discarded optical discs as materials and achieves up to 99% recycled content.
Development began about 20 years ago.
In the course of research for the effective use of waste plastics discharged from our business sites, we have commercialized a proprietary flame - retardant that exhibits high flame resistance to polycarbonate resin in trace amount. By blending the flame - retardant and various additives with raw materials recycled from waste plastics, we have achieved a balance of fluidity (moldability) and strength while maintaining a high recycled material utilization rate.

SORPLAS™ has achieved high durability as a flame-retardant polycarbonate resin with almost no degradation caused by additives even in tests assuming multiple recycling cycles. In addition, despite being a recycled plastic, SORPLAS maintains a beautiful finish without extra coatings for glossiness.

SORPLAS™ is used as a material for a variety of everyday products. The BRAVIA A95K/A80K (65" Class and 55" Class) /A90K series of 4K OLED TVs shown here use SORPLAS for the rear cover, which is the largest area on a TV, to achieve a beautiful finish.

Original Blended Material

Original Blended Material, a paper material made from bamboo, sugarcane, and Post-consumer recycled paper.
Raw materials are limited to those identified by Sony as "having a specific origin from an environmental and sustainable perspective".

This material is used in packaging for the wireless headphones "WF-1000XM4"*1 and "WH-1000XM5." *2

Original Blended Material has also been used for the fixtures in this "Sony's Story on the Environment" exhibit.

Original Blended Material aims to tell customers the story of "where," "what," "in what way," and "to what end" so that they can empathize with the product and take concrete action.

The design also utilizes a texture that conveys the story concept, while also focusing on the blend of three different raw materials.
We will continue to adopt this technology in our product packaging and use it as an opportunity to think about environmental initiatives together with our customers.

Superb Acoustic Performance with Recycled Plastics

Sony has been involved in the development of biomass plastics and recycled materials for more than 10 years and has developed recycled plastics that enables to reproduce superb acoustic performance, which have been introduced into a variety of audio products.
We have improved the acoustic performance comparable to virgin plastic and have devised it to be used mainly for internal components.

First used in home audio in 2019, it is also used in some of our soundbars and wireless speakers, which are more sensitive to sound resonance depending on the material.
In the SRS-XE200 and SRS-XE300 wireless portable speakers shown here.
This plastic material is used in these internal components.
In addition, the subwoofer in this "HT-S400" soundbar uses this plastic for the rear panel and achieve superb acoustic performance.

The introduction of recycled plastic is also extending to other parts of headphone exteriors.

Foamed Paper Material

Sony takes the growing problem of ocean pollution caused by plastic waste around the world very seriously,and has been promoting the "One Blue Ocean Project" to reduce the amount of plastic waste and actively use recycled materials in its products since 2019.

Foamed styrol has been used as an inexpensive shock-absorbing cushioning material, especially for large products, but we have now developed a new cushioning material which is made from foamed paper.

Formed Paper Material is made from crushed paper materials such as recovered used paper chips.

By adding chemicals to this material and placing it in a foam gun machine, paper foam material containing air bubbles can be produced.

We have developed paper foam materials that achieve cushioning properties that can be used for heavy and large products by combining them with other paper materials such as pulp mold and corrugated board in a hybrid manner based on our proprietary recipe.

Since paper is the raw material, it is easy to process and can be formed into thin sheets as a protective material for lightweight products.

With further improvements, we aim to adopt it as a cushioning material for use in various types of packaging.

Ending

That's it for Sony's Story on the Environment. How was it?
Sony will exhibit at CEATEC 2022, which will be held from October 18 this year, under the theme of "Continue to Share Kando (emotion) on the Earth," where we plan to introduce a variety of environmentally conscious technologies that Sony is working on, including those shown in this exhibit.
We look forward to seeing you at the Sony booth.