How does a corporation justify creating an 'Autonomous Concept Vehicle of the Future' to shareholders?

Kyocera Corporation is a ceramics and electronics manufacturer that offers a variety of solution in the B2B and B2C technology space i.e. Ceramic packages, optical devices, jewels, mobile devices, utensils + many more…

Ceramic package for automotive sensors.

Kyocera has continued to diversify their material technologies through R&D and strategic M&A. Since 1959, Kyocera has publicly reported 53 consecutive years of profitability. Like most large manufacturing organizations, Kyocera’s culture is influenced by Japanese lean theory.

Although, unlike many successful manufacturers, a key driver of Kyocera’s growth is due to an internally developed principle called — Amoeba — which has created an extremely decentralized culture over the years. “The use of the word ‘amoeba’ is meant to capture the concept of an entity at its smallest, most elemental level, as well as to describe its ability to multiply and change shape in response to the environment. In other words, amoeba is intended to offer a spontaneous, homeostatic response to a business world characterized by rapid, dynamic change.” (MIT Sloan, 2012)

The Amoeba Management system, allows employees to be independent owners and partners, when interfacing with other business functions of the company. “The system makes it easier for employees without operations or finance backgrounds to see how they can contribute to the success of the business.” (MIT Sloan, 2012)

 

What does decentralization look like?

From a design point of view, HoshinCloud allows you to build both a centralized or decentralized structure. Available and easily accessible for your local or global network of team members. (Image below)

 

Digital Amoeba, is in conjunction with HoshinCloud’s Ideacenter, which is integrated in a newly developed Roadmap functionality. A capability allowing teams across all business functions to make contributions at a — team, business unit or organization wide — level. Offering enterprise leadership teams the agility to capture & select the best ideas — to immediately turn Ideas into actionable steps for a future Roadmap.

Idea Center in HoshinCloud

Roadmap in HoshinCloud

Speaking of Kyocera’s roadmap for the future…

Kyocera most recently unveiled the Kyocera Concept Car II ‘Moeye’. A concept which is designed for the continued advances in autonomous driving. The ‘Moeye’ concept optimizes the entire driving experience by integrating new technologies to enhance the human senses of — sight, sound, touch and smell. (images below)

Moeye exterior .

Passenger optical camouflage technology.

“Kyoto Opal” jewelry used in the interior door panels. Other lab-grown gemstone used in center console.

Kyocera’s character “Mobisuke” realistically emerges from the space above the dashboard to explain navigation instructions, etc. to passengers.