Sojitz Corporation (“Sojitz”) has acquired stake in wireless communications service startup PicoCELA Inc. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hiroshi Furukawa; “PicoCELA”) via third-party allotment of shares, and aims to accelerate the digital transformation (DX) of Sojitz Group’s businesses.

The PicoCELA Backhaul Engine^＊1 developed in-house by PicoCELA enables the formation of a high-speed and stable wireless network with a low rate of throughput degradation even with multi-hop relays, allowing for the rapid and inexpensive deployment of a Wi-Fi environment that can also cooperate with next-generation 5G wireless technology. Additionally, PicoCELA’s Wi-Fi devices have edge computing functionality,^＊2 which enables data collected by devices on the network to be processed with AI and linked with a cloud management system developed by PicoCELA.

Previously, Sojitz has pursued digital transformation using wireless technology through the development of the IoT network “Sigfox”, an existing wireless communication standard that uses low power wide area (LPWA) technology.^＊3 Now,  Sojitz plans to combine its accumulated digital transformation expertise and know-how with PicoCELA’s technology to accelerate the digital transformation of its businesses in three target areas: 1) Digitalization/real-time operation of factory and warehouse operations and analysis of monitoring done by IoT sensors and cameras; 2) Cost-reduction of Wi-Fi implementation and marketing analysis in airports, commercial facilities, and buildings; and 3) Digitalization of equipment and devices in healthcare facilities and technology applications for telehealth.

【Digital transformation using PicoCELA’s technology】

Sojitz will leverage Sojitz Group’s international base of operations to promote the global expansion of PicoCELA’s wireless technology to bring about a digital transformation. Through the transition to smart factories in industry and smart cities in society brought about by this digital transformation, Sojitz will contribute to realizing a society where everyone can enjoy convenient digital services.

*１）PicoCELA Backhaul Engine: A wireless technology for communication between Wi-Fi devices developed in-house by PicoCELA. It offers a low rate of throughput degradation compared with competing wireless technologies. Unlike existing technologies, by forwarding the signal in an innovative way through a fixed relay path, it is possible to offer a high-speed and stable wireless network with a low rate of throughput degradation, even with multi-hop wireless relays of 10 hops or more. This produces various benefits, such as reducing the use of LAN cables by 90% and installation costs by up to one-seventh. The technology has been adopted at over 200 sites, and the company has shipped over 5,000 devices in total.
*２）Edge computing functionality: The Wi-Fi devices are equipped with a high-performance CPU and can perform computation, enabling them to analyze various kinds of data from devices on the network.
*３）“Sojitz, i-Cynap, and Kyocera Communication Systems Form Partnership to Enter Logistics IoT Service using “Sigfox” Network.” Sojitz Corp. Press Release, August 28, 2017.

[Related Information]

Company Overview – PicoCELA Inc.

Established	August 2008
Located	2-34-5 Ningyocho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo SANOS Nihonbashi, 4F
Representative Director	Hiroshi Furukawa, Director & CEO
Main Business	Sales of wireless communication products utilizing patented wireless communication technology, provision of solution licenses, and sales of cloud monitoring systems.
Total Capitalization	JPY 796,599,900 (as of August 18, 2020）