The Purpose of Neuroscience Research at Daikin Industries: Air That Combats Fatigue
What value does air offer beyond heating and cooling?
Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Content Production: TOYO KEIZAI BRAND STUDIO
Recently, air quality has garnered significant attention. This is because the potential of air extends far beyond merely providing comfort through heating and cooling. By manipulating elements within the air, entirely new values can be created—such as developing “air that makes food taste more delicious,” “air that enhances concentration while working,” and even “air that helps reduce fatigue.”
So, how can our lives improve by focusing on air quality? We interviewed two researchers from Daikin Industries who have been conducting studies to deliver this new value from air to our customers.
HOW AIR IMPACTS FATIGUE, PRODUCTIVITY, AND TASTE
Approximately 20 kilograms. Do you know what this number means? It represents the amount of air humans breathe in daily. Water intake is around 1.2 kilograms, and food intake is about 1.3 kilograms, meaning our daily consumption of air far exceeds that of food and water. Understanding this makes it clear that air quality is just as critical as the quality of our food and water.
-1920w.jpg)
Air affects our bodies in numerous ways. When asked about it, factors like airborne viral infections or allergies triggered by allergens such as mold and pollen might immediately come to mind. However, these are only a fraction of the ways atmospheric elements can influence human health and condition.
“Air quality can affect a person’s perceived level of fatigue, work productivity, and even how they perceive taste.”
Kiyoshi Kuroi
Leader, IAQ Technologies Group, Technology and Innovation Center, Daikin Industries, Ltd.
This insight was shared by Kiyoshi Kuroi, leader of the IAQ Technologies Group at Daikin Industries, a manufacturer focused on air conditioning systems. IAQ stands for “indoor air quality,” a concept that is now gaining increasing global attention.
The group’s research theme is “Everything but heating and cooling.” For example, to deliver high-value-added air, the team conducts studies measuring how air influences humans during various daily activities, such as “concentrating, relaxing, sleeping, and eating.”
At the forefront of this research, Kuroi aims to evolve air conditioners—which are already deeply integrated into our lives—from mere products that “condition air” to those that actively “create air.”
“The traditional value of an AC unit lies in transforming a ‘negative environment’—a room that is too hot or cold—into a comfortable ‘neutral’ state. Our next goal is to shift that ‘neutral’ into a ‘positive’ one. For instance, we aim to add value through air by delivering benefits such as improved work efficiency and enhanced relaxation.”
-1920w.jpg)
When asked what is specifically required to achieve this, Kuroi replied:
“Air acts like a sheath enveloping our bodies and minds, yet it remains invisible to the naked eye. This is why we strive to analyze and measure it scientifically. We want to visualize it. Visualizing air holds immense value for us in crafting better air and enhancing environments. Our daily research is driven by a firm belief in the vast potential of air.”
HOW AIR AFFECTS FATIGUE AND OUR PERCEPTION OF TASTE
The IAQ Technologies Group conducts daily research to deliver high-value-added air. Here, diverse professionals play active roles, including biology researchers, air component engineers, and advanced information analysis specialists utilizing AI. One key expert within the group is a neuroscience specialist, Shota Hori.
The involvement of a neuroscience expert is highly relevant as the focus shifts from “heating and cooling” to the next stage: creating new value from air that delivers “optimal air to support all of human daily activities.”
Previously, Hori was involved in research at Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine. He later explained his reasons for joining Daikin Industries.
Shota Hori
IAQ Technologies Group, Technology and Innovation Center, Daikin Industries, Ltd.
-1920w.jpg)
“At that time, I had just learned that Kyoto University and Daikin Industries had formed a comprehensive partnership aimed at creating new value, and that Daikin was developing technology to measure human brain activity. I wondered, ‘Why would an AC manufacturer like Daikin get involved in this field?’ The broad scope of Daikin’s research intrigued me, and I wanted to contribute to it.
The unique advantage of air is its ability to exert a positive impact on humans over extended periods. Therefore, I wanted to measure air’s influence on people and propose specific air conditions that hold value for enhancing human life, behavior, and comfort.”
So, what exactly does Shota Hori mean by “air potential”? He provides two specific examples:
“The first is ‘air that reduces fatigue.’ In collaboration with RIKEN, we successfully quantified the ‘indoor air quality (IAQ) and ambient environment (AE) conditions that can reduce fatigue’ by measuring human fatigue levels across various temperature and humidity settings. We found that comfort can still be enhanced even at 28°C if humidity is maintained at 55% or lower, and fatigue can be significantly reduced when humidity drops to 40% or below.”
This means that if you use an AC unit equipped with humidity control functions, you can create a comfortable and refreshing indoor ambient environment (AE) even during peak summer heat. If humidity cannot be controlled, lowering the room temperature to 26°C can also enhance comfort while reducing fatigue.
“‘Air that makes food taste more delicious’ is another key potential. For instance, adjusting the environment by raising the temperature during the main course and lowering it for dessert can enhance flavor profiles. At a previous event, Daikin hosted an exhibition where room temperature was precisely controlled, allowing visitors to experience how different ambient conditions alter the taste of wine.”
By focusing on air quality, we not only elevate everyday comfort but also enrich a wide range of experiences.
AN AIR ENVIRONMENT THAT PROMOTES WELL-BEING
Air quality can enhance daily behaviors and human comfort. To expand the potential of air, researchers from the IAQ Technologies Group continue to explore “air” every day.
In recent years, the concept of well-being has gained substantial global attention, and the IAQ Technologies Group has quickly adopted it as a central keyword in their discussions. Their goal is to create air value that contributes not only to physical health but also to “social health, inner richness, and happiness.” Kiyoshi Kuroi, as the leader of the IAQ Technologies Group, explains this vision.
“An indoor environment consists not only of air, but of everything that occupies the space. Therefore, we must consider various aspects, not just air conditioning, to deliver added value from air to humans. Moving forward, I aim to think about the entire space holistically through collaborations with various companies.”
Furthermore, Kuroi also emphasizes the importance of exploring air:
“Air quality is deeply connected to human happiness and well-being, and striving to improve air quality is crucial for achieving greater overall happiness.”
Delivering human happiness through air—that is what is made possible by Daikin Industries as a manufacturer focused on air conditioning systems. This corporate initiative is likely to become increasingly significant for society in the future.
---
*Data based on Daikin Industries research.
*This page was first published on September 30, 2021, with additions and revisions made on June 20, 2022.
*Further revisions were made on December 13, 2023.
