Han Ximin ximhan@126.com MURATA Boy, a self-balancing robot riding a bicycle, surprised a curious crowd by climbing up a slope to meet his younger sister, Murata Girl, on the other side of a stage in Hall 2 of Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. The 9-year-old, 50-cm-tall robot, an innovation of Murata, a worldwide leader in components, is equipped with a range of sensors for stability, redressing, impact and velocity detection, temperature monitoring, Wi-Fi and energy-efficient Bluetooth modules. It is the eighth year for Murata to attend the fair, showcasing a wide range of sensors, advanced electronic materials and cutting-edge, multi-functional modules. Aside from the stage show, visitors to the booth can also see the latest technologies that are used in wearables and health care products, computers and smart houses. “We are exhibiting film thermal sensors, air pressure sensors and light sensors for use in wearable devices, as well as combined wireless communication modules for use in heart rate monitors,” Xia Haiyan, senior market communication representative of Murata (China) Investment Co., said yesterday. The mobile zone features film keyboards employing piezoelectric film technology and surface-mount ultrasonic sensors, according to Xia. “Wearable devices and intelligent mobile phones are very popular now. A mobile phone generally has about 500 to 600 components. The modules and sensors embedded in these devices and phones dictate their functions and sizes. The smaller the modules and sensors, the more functions a mobile phone or a wearable device will have,” said Xia. Established nearly 70 years ago in Japan, Murata now is a global leader in the design, manufacturing and supply of advanced electronic materials, cutting-edge electronic components, and multi-functional, high-density modules. Murata innovations can be found in a wide range of applications from mobile phones to home appliances, automotive applications to energy management systems and health care devices. | 