Photos and images spoke plenty at the Canon Expo 2016. The imaging company showed why it remains to be at the forefront of best-in-class technologies through the milestone exhibition of its rich history, expansive product line-up, and cutting-edge innovations.
Technologies put on display include a camera that allowed diagnosis of hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes–illnesses that that plague millions of people all over the world—simply by taking a photo of a patient’s eye and printing it, all within 5-7 minutes. Portable, working x-rays, each one no bigger than a food tray, promised a world wherein the medical procedure can become accessible to even the most remote areas.
The possibility of building and test driving one’s own dream car, marrying customizability and practicality in one seamless, immersive experience, came to life in the Mixed Reality exhibit. A high-resolution, 120-megapixel camera flaunted its ability to capture even the minutest detail. Coupled with Canon’s processes that record and print three-dimensional surfaces, genuine, detailed surface textures can effectively be reproduced. These are just few of the plethora of technologies showcased by Canon in the recently concluded expo in Shanghai.
Following last year’s New York, Paris and Tokyo EXPOs, the Shanghai EXPO marked the last jewel in the Canon EXPO 2015/2016 crown. Over 7,000 m2 of products and solutions showcased contributions from Canon’s numerous technology hubs across the globe such as the United States, Japan, Mainland China, Hong Kong and South Korea.
The event commenced with an opening ceremony hosted by Canon Inc. Chairman and CEO Fujio Mitarai, Canon Inc. President and COO Masaya Maeda, and Canon China President and CEO Hideki Ozawa, who were joined by Chinese government officials and regional distributors. Later on the first day, Mr. Mitarai and Mr. Ozawa delivered keynote speeches to an audience of approximately 1,000 attendees.
During his speech, Mr. Mitarai discussed the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), stressing that Canon possesses key IoT technologies: lenses, sensors and processors. He said, “These technologies are going to be the foundation on which Canon takes its prime position against the competition in the IoT.”
Taking the stage next, Mr. Ozawa said that to achieve the ideal of “Closer and Connect,” Canon must cultivate new markets with new customers and develop new business through such endeavors as elevating the Canon brand image in Asia. Continuing, he said “By 2020, I want the Canon Asia Marketing Group to become a US$10 billion company.”
The 2016 Shangai EXPO recorded an attendance of roughly 44,000 visitors from 19 Asian countries and regions, surpassing the previous attendance record of around 30,000 visitors.