Boeing Opens research and technology centre in Japan

Boeing last month opened a Boeing Research and Technology (BR&T) Centre in Nagoya, Japan, which will focus on innovation to help the commercial aviation industry to meet its goal of ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050. Focus areas will include: incorporating the latest digital simulation toolset into every aspect of design and production; producing lightweight composites at higher rate with less environmental impact and finding novel ways to recycle composite material; further advancing Boeing’s global commitment to ensure its commercial aircraft will be compatible with 100% SAF by 2030 (and supporting Japan in establishing a ‘thriving local SAF ecosystem’); and exploring the feasibility of integrating hydrogen fuel-cell systems into an aeroplane.

The Nagoya BR&T Centre also features a robotics lab where engineers can explore ways to help improve worker safety, ergonomics and quality in Boeing production. Boeing Japan’s Supply Chain and Supplier Quality teams are co-located in the facility and are helping the BR&T team in ‘developing innovative solutions’.

Will Shaffer, president of Boeing Japan, said: “This development underscores our commitment to growing our presence in Japan, which already has our largest supplier base outside of the USA. Together with our Japanese partners we will continue to: support production and sustainment across our portfolio of commercial and defence aircraft; invest in digital engineering and advanced manufacturing capabilities to create a more resilient and competitive industry; and together drive sustainability and innovation, forge new partnerships, and find new ways to collaborate.

“This is the 12th BR&T Centre internationally that leverages global source technology. Our global centres improve the yield of Boeing research and development investments. As the advanced central research and development organisation of the Boeing Company, BR&T provides innovative technologies that enable the development of future aerospace solutions while improving the cycle time, cost, quality and performance of existing Boeing products and services.”