A.I.: Imagination, innovation and sustainability top of mind during Japan Business Mission

A.I.: Imagination, innovation and sustainability top of mind during Japan Business Mission

While at Honda Motor world headquarters in Tokyo, Mayor Frank Scarpitti and the Markham delegation met with an executive team from Honda led by Mr. Takashi Sekiguchi, Managing Officer & Chief Operating Officer of Automobile Operations.

Asimo, stole the show. The world’s most advanced humanoid robot is a product of years of research in many scientific fields like mathematics and physics.

“It’s great to see the future at the corporate headquarters for Honda,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “There will be ample applications for Asimo in the future, including helping seniors live at home independently and helping humans do dangerous work.”

Asimo was created by Honda in 2000 and is a remarkable feet of engineering. An innovative leader, Honda is one of Markham’s top employers and biggest investors. It employs 740 associates and has a 451, 000 square foot state-of-the-art LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold facility.

Honda is one of Canada’s 50 Most Socially Responsible Corporations and has contributed to many community charitable causes including the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation.

“I want to congratulate Honda on how much they’ve advanced robotics,” says Mayor Scarpitti, “and for making the future become a reality.”

Some of topics of discussion include future prospects for hydrogen powered vehicles, Honda's leadership in robotics and innovation, the challenges of cold weather on battery powered vehicles.

Mayor Scarpitti and the Markham delegation also met with another key Japanese investor, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MEC). Mitsubishi’s world headquarters is located in Shizouka, outside of Yokohama. They were greeted by Mr. Satoshi Matsushita, Executive Officer & Group President and Mr. Takeshi Terada, President, Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada.

Councillor Colin Campbell, Mayor Frank Scarpitti,
Mr. Satoshi Matsushita (Mitsubishi Executive Officer & Group President), Councillor Alex Chiu

Mitsubishi is interested in Markham’s move toward becoming a more sustainable community with a target of net zero energy, water, waste and emissions by 2050. Markham is thinking and acting green and Mitsubishi has a strong commitment to become a global leading green company.

Markham is Canada’s high tech capital, anchored by 1000 high-tech and life sciences companies that generate 37, 000 jobs. Markham has been active in Asia for over two decades and is actively involved in promoting and supporting stronger Canada-Asia connections through organizations such as the Asia Pacific Foundation.