Fujitsu and TOTO Collaborate on Privacy-Focused Sensing Tech Trial for Safer Public Restrooms

Jan 24, 2024: Fujitsu Limited and TOTO LTD. have joined forces to conduct a trial utilizing privacy-conscious millimeter-wave sensing technology aimed at enhancing the safety of public restrooms, particularly for elderly individuals and those with disabilities in commercial spaces and train stations. The innovative solution integrates Fujitsu’s Actlyzer, an AI-based analysis technology, to offer users a safer, barrier-free restroom experience while prioritizing privacy.

Innovative Solution for Diverse User Safety:

In a bid to ensure the safety and comfort of diverse users, Fujitsu and TOTO are leveraging cutting-edge technology to address the unique needs of elderly and disabled individuals. TOTO, with its history of accommodating disability needs since the 1960s, collaborates with Fujitsu’s proprietary human-centric AI technology to analyze data from millimeter-wave sensing technology accurately.

Key Features of the Trial:

1. Monitoring Technology Trial:

• Implementation Period: January 15, 2024, to the end of December 2024.
• Locations: TOTO UD Laboratory (R&D Center) in Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Fujitsu F3rdLab in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
• Trial Content: The millimeter-wave sensor in a barrier-free toilet will sense user status through reflected wave information and point cloud data. The trial aims to verify the effectiveness of detecting extended stays, falls, etc., to enhance restroom safety.

2. Roles of the Companies:

TOTO: Utilizing extensive knowledge of barrier-free restroom design to evaluate technology and propose directions for improvement.

Fujitsu: Providing sensing technology, conducting data collection and analysis, and enhancing technology based on assessments.

Future Plans:

Upon evaluating trial results, the companies plan to improve their privacy-friendly technology further. The goal is to create and offer safe public restrooms for users of barrier-free facilities, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with small children or infants. TOTO aims to continue proposing solutions that address societal issues, collaborating with various companies, while Fujitsu plans to develop a privacy-friendly monitoring technology service in Japan by the end of fiscal 2024.

This collaborative initiative signifies a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and safety in public facilities, aligning with the principles of universal design and user-centric technology.