Planning in Passenger Transportation: From the perspective of reducing passenger travel time and improving convenience for rail users, we are investigating the application of mathematical optimization methods based on graph theory and extensions of dynamic programming to support operation planning and operation management computers for rail passenger transportation, in cooperation with research institutes specializing in rail technology and rail operators in Japan and abroad. We are developing a next-generation train control system, communication-based train control: "intelligent train control" with high stability in train control based on radio communication. We are also conducting research on how to build a system to support train dispatchers and how to improve the quality of public transportation services by providing IT-based information to passengers with diverse needs.

Research on energy-saving operation and power management of electric trains: We are studying the relationship between operation planning and electric power control, while deepening cooperation with external organizations and conducting experiments. We have proposed an energy-saving operation method as a solution to the optimization problem and applied it not only to theoretical papers but also to the operation of light railways and subways with automatic train operation in Japan, confirming energy savings of more than 10% compared with conventional methods. At present, we are actively promoting the practical application of the energy-saving operation method proposed by our laboratory by proposing automatic train operation to society. We also hope to expand our perspective to the discussion of energy-saving operation in railway power supply for exchange through international information exchange with Swiss Federal Railways and Spanish research institutes.

Performance Improvement of Electromechanical Energy Conversion by Intelligent Design of Magnetic Circuits and Controllers： For the design of high performance electromagnetic actuators, it is important to configure three-dimensional magnetic circuits, which requires us to perform very time-consuming and labor-intensive three-dimensional numerical calculations. The optimization of complex geometries requires the exploration of numerous design parameters, and efficient design optimization methods are critical. We have developed a method for designing and manufacturing a new linear synchronous motor. We are also investigating control methods to stabilize the electromagnetic suction levitation it supports, and linear motor control to improve position control performance by combining it with magnetic levitation.