In addition to the declining number of students due to the declining birthrate, the serious situation of young people losing interest in science in recent years could lead to a decline in the future international competitiveness and corporate competitiveness of Japan's automobile industry, and a shortage of talented engineers. . In addition, recent engineering universities have reduced the number of curricula such as practical training, design, and drafting, and there is a lack of opportunities for manufacturing compared to Europe and the United States.
On the other hand, in the United States, students are provided with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and knowledge through actual manufacturing, such as by holding "Formula SAE®," and with the cooperation of industry, academia, and government, we are creating a foundation for human resource development. is deeply rooted. However, in Japan, while there are solar car competitions and robot competitions as national manufacturing contests, for students aiming to succeed in the automotive technology field, there are no design contests in which they can demonstrate the specialized skills they have acquired.
By actually interacting with things and creating things, students deepen their understanding of technology, develop practical abilities, and are motivated to work on higher levels. We aim to develop engineers full of creativity by creating an environment where students can learn about the essence of manufacturing and its processes, as well as experience the rigors, fun, and joy of team activities and manufacturing.
US Formula SAE®
The United States was quick to realize that excellent engineers could not be cultivated in the classroom alone, and in 1981 (the year after Japan overtook the United States to become the world's number one producer of four-wheeled vehicles), it launched a ``practical student education program through manufacturing''. Formula SAE® (sponsored by SAE International) was held as Recently, the Big 3 and SAE International have formed a consortium to create a grand and international tournament in which more than 100 university teams participate. More than 80% of universities accept this as a credit. The venue also functions as a recruiting ground for students who want to work as engineers in the automotive industry in the future, working with many supporting companies. Competitions with similar rules were held in the United Kingdom in 1998 and in Australia in 2000.Purpose～Purpose～
- 1. Purpose
- Students, who play the leading roles, compete on their comprehensive manufacturing capabilities using vehicles that they themselves conceived, designed, and manufactured.With support from industry, academia, and the public and private sectors, we foster human resources who can contribute to the development and promotion of automobile technology and industry.
- 2. Basic policy
- By providing students with opportunities for manufacturing as an academic society,
- 1. Develop students' comprehensive ability in independent manufacturing.
- 2. Increase the educational value of the school as a practical learning space that links with school education.
- 3. Management guidelines
-
- 1. Make it a place for manufacturing verification, with safety as the top priority.
- 2. It will be operated through collaboration between industry, academia, and the public and private sectors.
- 3. It will be managed by a wide range of volunteers from individuals and corporations.
- 4. Operate as a public utility.
- 5. Build a network of Formula SAE Japan participants to contribute to the exchange of engineers beyond the boundaries of companies.
Idea～tournament philosophy～
By providing opportunities for manufacturing, we will contribute to the revitalization of engineering education at universities, technical colleges, etc.
- By forming teams and developing and producing small formula-style racing cars over the course of about a year, students learn the essence of manufacturing and its process, and experience the rigor, fun, and joy of manufacturing.
- In the competition, vehicles compete not only on driving performance, but also on overall manufacturing capabilities such as vehicle marketing, planning, design, production, and cost.
- We provide students with a place to improve their abilities, and companies with a place to discover talented people who will lead the future.