The motion-assist workwear “e.z.UP®” (Patent No. 6527629), developed through a joint research effort between Professor Eiichiro Tanaka from the Production Systems Field of the Graduate School of Information Production Systems and a research team led by President Kenji Kodama of Asahicho Co., Ltd. (formerly Asahicho Textile Co., Ltd.), has been awarded the Japan Patent Attorneys Association President’s Award at the Chugoku Regional Invention Commendation for the 2024 fiscal year.
The Regional Invention and Innovation Commendation, established in 1921, aims to contribute to the advancement of science and technology and the promotion of regional industries. It recognizes outstanding inventions, utility models, or designs created by engineers and researchers across eight regions in Japan: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu, encouraging and fostering innovation in each region.
The award ceremony was held on November 12 at the Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima.
Award and Recipients
<Japan Patent Attorneys Association President’s Award>
Professor Eiichiro, TANAKA (Graduate School of Information Production Systems, Waseda University)
President Kenji, KODAMA (Asahicho Co., Ltd.)
Dr. Yunting, LIAO, (Ph.D. graduate, Graduate School of Information Production Systems, Waseda University)
Mr. Toshifumi, ISHIOKA (Asahicho Co., Ltd.)
Ms. Chiaki, KANDA (Asahicho Co., Ltd.)
Ms. Kazuko, MISHIMA (Former employee of Asahicho Co., Ltd.)
<Meritorious Achievement Award for Implementation of Inventions>
President Aiji, TANAKA (Waseda University)
About the Invention
This invention relates to motion-assist workwear designed to comprehensively support the arms, knees, waist, back, and legs during prolonged work in postures such as bending forward, crouching, lowering the waist, or raising the arms, thereby reducing the physical burden of such tasks.
The invention achieves a simple, lightweight, and cost-effective motion-assist workwear that does not require power, offering an economical solution. It is versatile and can be used in various settings, including transporting goods in warehouses, assembling products in factories, assisting residents in care facilities, and planting or harvesting crops in agricultural fields. This workwear contributes to reducing the workload and enhancing productivity across diverse work environments.
For more details, please click here. (The details are available in Japanese only.)
From the left: Professor Eiichiro TANAKA, President Kenji, KODAMA of Asahicho Co., Ltd., and Mr. Toshifumi, ISHIOKA, Asahicho Co., Ltd.
