Yoshiyuki Watanabe, CEO Piezo-ceramics is a mature product category with a diverse array of applications including buzzers and ultrasonic sensors. Utilizing these products is straightforward and manual, catering to the ease of use for customers. However, emerging technologies like multilayered and lead-free piezoelectric ceramics hold significant potential. Unfortunately, their capabilities remain largely obscure to the general public, presenting a challenge for innovation in this domain.
At the forefront of advancing piezoelectric technology stands o2aid.
The company champions the development of materials and device technology while pioneering applications under the leadership of its CEO, Yoshiyuki Watanabe. Leveraging an illustrious 38-year tenure dedicated to piezoelectric ceramics, he ensures that o2aid is committed to carving new paths in this field.
Watanabe’s pivotal role in crafting the world’s inaugural multilayer ceramic speaker in 2000 at Taiyo Yuden underscores the groundbreaking designs and utilization of piezoelectric ceramic actuators for acoustic applications.
“Throughout my forty-year journey in the realm of piezoelectric ceramics research and development, I’ve witnessed a myriad of challenges. This has helped me discover priceless insights, refining my grasp of piezoelectric ceramics and their applications to their core essence,” says Watanabe. “Today, through o2aid, we can make practical and novel proposals to customers who are planning to apply piezoelectric ceramics.”
Unique Perspective And Innovative Spirit
The company name is a reflection of its innovative spirit. Derived from the word “Piezo” flipped 180°, it encapsulates the commitment to approaching piezo-ceramics technology from an entirely fresh angle.
“We acknowledge the specialized and niche characteristics of this market, nurturing a conviction that it harbors untapped potential ripe for exploration,” says Watanabe.
o2aid’s approach involves not only leveraging established technologies but also boldly venturing into uncharted territories. The company pushes the envelope of what is known and embraces the challenge of pioneering advancements in both familiar and unfamiliar realms. o2aid’s management decisions reflect the commitment to exploring the vast possibilities within the dynamic field of piezoelectric ceramics. The approach begins with a thorough understanding of client’s needs, followed by tailored recommendations of the most fitting materials, devices, and structures through personalized consultations.
Watanabe says, “In cases where piezoelectric ceramics may not serve the customer optimally, we advocate for alternative materials to ensure the best outcomes for our clients.”
Guiding Manufacturers in The Production Process
o2aid’s consulting services encompass two primary categories: helping companies engaged in piezoelectric ceramics production and supporting businesses that employ piezoelectric devices, including original design manufacturing (ODM) and original equipment manufacturing (OEM) for earphones, exemplifying its consulting portfolio.
While o2aid lacks an in-house production line for piezoelectric ceramics, it collaborates with manufacturers, guiding them in the production process and introducing novel technologies. The company’s ceramic tweeter, an embodiment of its CEO’s expertise in material composition, structural design, and acoustic engineering, is a testament to this collaborative approach.
We have some potential for new technology in our company, says Watanabe. But it is always in collaboration with our clients, with whom we are constantly advising and collaborating, that we will realize them. Conversely, it is the customer’s requests that lead to the creation of new technologies.
We’re dedicated to expanding the applications of piezoelectric ceramics. Collaborating closely with advisory customers, we’re actively engaged in developing diverse applications as well as exploring new products in MEMS technology
Meeting The Customer’s Aesthetic Demands
In the earphone business, o2aid specializes in providing ODM, OEM, and other collaborative products tailored to clients’ specifications. All its products feature proprietary piezoelectric tweeters. The Radius HP-W series earphones, renowned for their Japanese craftsmanship, have garnered high acclaim. The Namco Bandai Idol-master U149 series earphones, despite their limited production size, also enjoyed widespread popularity due to their vibrant multi-colored in-ear monitor (IEM) design.
Both of the products incorporate cutting-edge piezoelectric ceramics technology and are crafted in Japan. In the case of the Radius, o2aid applied an intricate blend of vibration analysis, stress analysis, and acoustic analysis technologies to tailor the acoustic design to customers’ specifications. This not only provided quantitative support for the customer’s sound preferences but also showcased o2aid’s technological prowess.
“A significant achievement was meeting the customer’s aesthetic demands for the metal housing. Leveraging the diverse processing and assembly technologies of Japanese craftsmen allowed us to seamlessly satisfy both functional and design requirements,” says Watanabe.
Last year, o2aid’s collaboration with Japan’s premier e-sports team, ‘Crazy Raccoon’, resulted in the development of the CR Phone. Through extensive interviews with world e-sports champions and top players, the company tailored earphones to meet their specific needs.
The insights gained into sound production within the unconventional realm of e-sports audio represent a valuable new asset for the company, positioning o2aid with a unique advantage in the industry.
Powerful Association With ‘Made In Japan’
o2aid’s unique value proposition stems from its expertise in piezoelectric ceramics and its powerful association with ‘Made in Japan.’ Specifically in earphone production, the company has achieved a breakthrough by incorporating piezoelectric ceramics, resulting in unparalleled quality and sound.
“If this concept resonates with consumers, a transformative impact is anticipated,” says Watanabe. “We envision a redirection of production sites from China and Southeast Asia to Japan.” o2aid is already receiving ODM requests from earphone manufacturers in China. This suggests a growing recognition of its high-quality acoustic technology leveraging piezoelectric ceramics.
Dedicated To Expanding The Applications Of Piezoelectric Ceramics
Since its establishment in 2016, o2aid has successfully introduced two distinctive brands, ‘intime’ in 2017 and ‘Maestraudio’ in 2022. These brands are widely recognized for their innovative use of functional ceramics in acoustic design.
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Throughout my forty-year journey in the realm of piezoelectric ceramics research and development, I’ve witnessed a myriad of challenges. This has helped me discover priceless insights, refining my grasp of piezoelectric ceramics and their applications to their core essence
Over the past eight years, the company has diligently cultivated its technological prowess, resulting in key advancements such as earphone design technology, high-resolution sound quality, spatial audio experience, and lead-free piezoelectric ceramics. Especially for lead-free piezoelectric ceramics, o2aid developed piezoelectric ceramic tweeters in collaboration with Shandong Hualing Electronics Co., Ltd. of which o2aid is an advisor, and sold the world’s first “heart” earphones using lead-free piezoelectric tweeters through crowd funding, achieving sales of approximately. The product achieved sales of about 10 million yen in 5 minutes.
In the coming year, o2aid’s focus remains on leveraging these technological advantages to continue creating cutting-edge products. The company plans to explore new avenues through OEM and collaborative models, building upon the success of last year’s U149.
“We’re dedicated to expanding the applications of piezoelectric ceramics. Collaborating closely with advisory customers, we’re actively engaged in developing diverse applications as well as exploring new products in MEMS technology,” says Watanabe.
An exciting highlight for the upcoming year is the launch of a groundbreaking hearing aid product. This product integrates o2aid’s acoustic, piezoelectric, and head-related transfer function technologies to their fullest extent. While detailed technical specifications are currently confidential, Watanabe firmly believes that this product, with its unique functions and features, will serve as a pivotal indicator of the company’s future direction.
