“Engineers who join our company will experience the excitement of developing new technologies, working globally.”

Kota

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Kota, Senior Engineer, Autonomous Driving Development, Japan

What do you do in your senior engineering position at the Advanced Mobility Development Center, in Japan?

I am responsible for sensing technology development at the Advanced Mobility Development Center. Our team is focused on sensor fusion and camera-based sensing technologies, which are important for autonomous driving systems. By developing the sensor technology required for advanced driving support systems, we are reducing traffic accidents and contributing to a safer society. With fully autonomous driving systems, we aim to create a traffic-equal society in which all people, including the elderly and the physically challenged, can move freely.

“ An automobile is a collection of many technologies. As a global systems supplier, Hitachi Astemo offers its customers a wide variety of technologies. As an engineer, you will be able to select what you want to do from a broad range of technical fields. Engineers who join our company will experience the excitement of developing new technologies, working globally, and sharing in the challenges and fun with many people. ”

Tell us about the award you won from Hitachi Group

Each year Hitachi asks all of its global group companies to submit activities that have contributed to a sustainable society in a variety of categories. The project team I led was selected for the Grand Prix “Inspiration of the Year Global Award” in the Americas region.

Our team was responsible for creating an autonomous mobility vehicle to test and demonstrate our autonomous technology to current and potential customers. I was in the United States for five years, working at our technical center in Michigan, during the project’s development. Our team collaborated with Hitachi’s research and development group in Japan. We conducted demonstrations for our customers and the public, including at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Our participation at these programs was widely covered by the media and on the web, which helped to improve awareness for our mobility technologies throughout the world.

Harmony, Sincerity and a Pioneering Spirit are Hitachi’s three founding values – which one do you feel the most affinity for within your role?

While all the founding values are important to the success of any Hitachi project, harmony is the most needed value in my role. Autonomous mobility technology encompasses automotive systems as well as connectivity and data mining.

It is important to assemble a strong team to tackle the various technical domains. A key element of success is to understand the customers’ needs and to hear their voice. Their “needs” and “voice” are region-specific. It is important that we maintain regular contact with each customer. I have worked on many projects with global team members and customers. Through these experiences, I have learned that language barriers and cultural differences can be overcome if we share a clear purpose.

What would you say to encourage others to pursue an engineering career at Hitachi Astemo?

An automobile is a collection of many technologies. As a global systems supplier, Hitachi Astemo offers its customers a wide variety of technologies. As an engineer, you will be able to select what you want to do from a broad range of technical fields. Engineers who join our company will experience the excitement of developing new technologies, working globally, and sharing in the challenges and fun with many people.