Where Knowledge Intersects, Seeds of the Future Take Root
ANTech’s Role in Developing the Neural Network for Next-Generation Mobility
Evolution from Wire Harness to Next-Generation Mobility
Research and development in the automotive business of the Sumitomo Electric Group is led by ANTech, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025. Established as a specialized research laboratory for automotive electrical parts, primarily wire harnesses, the organization is now dramatically evolving its role.
“The research scope has expanded to encompass the entire vehicle infrastructure, and even mobility itself.”
Hiroki Hirai, Deputy General Manager of the Automotive Business Unit and President of ANTech, reflects on the organization’s journey so far. Today, ANTech serves as a crossroads of knowledge, integrating the diverse technologies of Sumitomo Electric and Sumitomo Wiring Systems—including materials, mechatronics, and information and communications technologies—and transforming the Group’s synergies into technological value.
Harvesting for 2030 and Sowing Seeds for the Future
To succeed in the fierce competition driven by the advancement of CASE, the speed of bringing development results to market and advancing our next steps is crucial.
“We are currently working on two important phases simultaneously. One is the commercialization of technologies aimed at the Sumitomo Electric Group’s 2030 VISION—in other words, harvesting. Busbar modules for efficient power distribution, connectors for the EV integrated drive unit e-Axle, and wire harnesses for high-speed communication are being brought to market as planned. The other is sowing seeds, looking even further ahead. We view wiring harnesses as a nerve network that circulates information within the automotive system and aim to evolve them into next-generation in-vehicle infrastructure equipped with sensor and security functions. This is our strategy for long-term sustainability.” (Hirai)
L-Shaped Process Behind Harvesting Fruits and Sowing Seeds for the Future
To put this strategy through practice into products, Hirai introduced the L-shaped process. This development system features two intersecting axes forming an L-shape. The vertical axis focuses on accurately identifying needs and driving projects forward, while the horizontal axis emphasizes deeply pursuing and implementing technology. By advancing along these two axes simultaneously, progress is being made in building intelligent in-vehicle infrastructure.
The L-shaped process is driven by human power. Hirai is particularly focused on nurturing individuals who can uncover latent needs unknown even to customers. One symbolic example of this is the prototype project for an electric motorcycle by young engineers.
“The automotive electrification project I previously worked on was, in a sense, a practical opportunity to learn about development from a manufacturer’s perspective. This electric motorcycle development project is a challenge aimed at discovering the true value sought by end users. Our goal wasn’t simply to create a high-performance vehicle but to embody the fun, enjoyment, and comfort that the rider experiences— qualities that might be overlooked when focusing solely on specifications.” (Hirai)
In this project, the true thrill of motorcycle riding—the engine’s sense of acceleration—was recreated by switching the motor’s windings.
“When I discussed the completed electric motorcycle with engineers from a car manufacturer, young engineers’ eyes lit up. I truly experienced the core essence of development when the customer resonated with the value they had discovered.” (Hirai)
Creating Value in In-Vehicle Infrastructure for a Future of Hardware and Data Integration
Let us take a closer look at the unique strategies of ANTech for the era of SDV, where automobiles are defined by software.
“Our role is not just to make electrical and signal connections but to ensure their reliable operation. As data traffic and power consumption increase, noise and heat effects inside the vehicle intensify. Our mission is to solve this complex challenge and establish an environment where the system can function properly. In addition, we have begun the challenge of transforming the data obtained through wire harnesses into value that can improve safety and reliability.
If you encounter any challenges with mobility solutions such as cars, flying cars, or robots, turn to ANTech first. To earn such recognition, we are determined to fulfill our role as the intersection of the Sumitomo Electric Group’s synergies.” (Hirai)
Building on Ogata’s synergy strategy, ANTech will create seeds for the future.
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