What new movement will help make society work more smoothly?

NSK marked its 100th anniversary in 2016. In our search for what direction to take in the next 100 years, we first formulated NSK Vision 2026, which conveys our aspirations as a company for the next 10 years. NSK is focused on creating new movement.

Bearings made by NSK are said to be “the rice of the industrial world,” supporting a wide range of fields around the globe. Without bearings, the movement found in all types of machines around the world—from automobiles and bullet trains to home appliances like air conditioners, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners—would no longer be smooth. This would, in turn, lead to energy loss and malfunction.

The contributions of bearings to the industry world began long ago in the West as well. Modern bearing manufacturers were established in the United States and Europe at the end of the 19th century. The development of bearings as industrial products that enabled smooth rotation led to dramatic growth in the industrial world.

For example, the axles on wagons were once lubricated to make rotation smoother. However, once bearings were created as an industrial product, axles rotated more smoothly, and transportation efficiency and safety improved dramatically.

Our lives would be disrupted immediately if there were no bearings. On the other hand, when asked what they think of NSK, customers say that NSK is a trustworthy company providing high-quality products, but that NSK is also passive, conservative, and unassertive. The word “bearing” means “tolerance”; bearings are unsung heroes. Not being visible, it may be impossible to dispel those conceptions people might have. That is why we aim to propose new value that will surprise our customers over the next 100 years. We aim to create new movement using the technologies we have developed through our work with bearings.

Today, innovation is changing the world. Bearings are critical parts of all advanced products and services, including electric vehicles, self-driving vehicle technology, IT technology and home appliances that are changing with 5G, the operation of unmanned machines, and seismic vibration control devices for high-rise buildings. Even crypto assets (virtual currencies) see bearings used to help cool blockchain computer servers more efficiently.

All things moving smoothly saves energy and reduces the impact on the environment. Moves toward unmanned and labor-saving operations are consistent with work-style reforms. Connecting via the IoT and sharing data helps realize automation and labor saving. Bearings play a major role in this process, providing people with safety, security, and comfort.

Here is where I have question for you, the reader. What is a “new movement” to help make society work more smoothly? I hope you will share your ideas. What kind of movement will make our daily lives richer, more convenient, and make us happier? I hope you will try to create new movement with your imagination.

【From the Editorial Committee】
In the interview with President Uchiyama, the most striking part was his statement, “there will always be friction in the world.” This is true; as long as things move, there will always be friction. But if this friction can be reduced and movement made smoother, various things can proceed more smoothly and more easily. Bearings help do this.

No other vehicle, machine, or computer product is as widely used as bearings. On the other hand, nothing is more inconspicuous than bearings. For 100 years, NSK has supported industry and daily life in Japan and around the world discreetly. Over the next 100 years, I hope they will show their face more front and center.

Friction is generated not only by the movement of things but also by the movement of people. The friction found in human relationships may be able to be reduced through the smoother movement of things used in daily life. What are the new roles for bearings and what new movements will they create? We look forward to hearing your ideas.

(Ryo Suzuki, Nikkei staff writer)

“Vision of the Future” is a section that Nikkei Inc. creates through close consultations with our readers on various challenges. The latest issue focuses on ideas that can change the world. We invite everyone to offer suggestions.

Top executives of Japan's leading companies will select some of the most promising submissions.