At the recent CES 2025 held from January 8 to 11, Murata Manufacturing showcased its commitment to innovation and long-term planning with the discussion of its long-term vision, "Vision2030." The event took place against the backdrop of Las Vegas' vibrant exhibition floors, where Murata displayed cutting-edge technology including small passive components, wireless modules, and advanced power management solutions.
Murata Manufacturing, well-known for its role as an integrated device manufacturer (IDM), has made significant strides since the 1970s when it discovered its proprietary titanium barium oxide, which eliminated the need for expensive precious metal electrodes in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). This pivotal moment allowed Murata to expand its share of the passive components market significantly.
With over 73,000 employees globally, Murata is anticipating impressive revenues, projected to reach 1.64 trillion yen for the fiscal year ending March 2024, roughly half of which is attributed to markets within the Asia-Pacific region. This influx of revenue reflects the rising global demand for electronic components, highlighting the pressing need for reputable manufacturers as companies increasingly rely on stable capacitor performance.
During the CES 2025 event, EE Times had the opportunity to interview President Norikazu Nakajima about Murata's aspirations and strategies going forward. With the current shortage of MLCCs being faced globally, Nakajima acknowledged the competitive challenge of gaining market share. He expressed confidence, noting Murata's expertise extends beyond just capacitors to include filters, inductors, and even lithium-ion batteries, creating comprehensive solutions for customers.
"The emergence of AI technology plays a pivotal role as we advance our operational strategies," commented Nakajima. He detailed Murata's use of digital twins to refine manufacturing processes, stating, "While MLCC production inevitably encounters some defects, AI has helped categorize these issues based on their protocols. Previously, operators would manually adjust production parameters to rectify defects. Soon, we plan to shift to full automation for these adjustments."
Integrative systems using machine vision are also being leveraged by Murata, providing feedback to control automation processes through the labeling and categorization of surface deformations. Nakajima's insights emphasized the unique vertical integration of Murata’s business model. "Typically, MLCC suppliers source materials and equipment externally, but every aspect of our production is sourced internally. This framework is instrumental to our continuing yield improvements and part performance advancements, " he stated.
To achieve the precise control required for advanced manufacturing, Nakajima noted, controlling individual particles within components is imperative. He spoke to the necessity of maintaining consistent ceramic particle sizes, outlining how this is achieved through the development of proprietary materials and heating furnaces developed internally.
Murata's efforts at CES 2025 highlight its position on the cutting edge of technology and innovation within the electronic components sector. The company's long-term plans are set against the realities of supply chain challenges worldwide, particularly the demand for MLCC technology which has emerged as one of the key enablers of modern electronic devices.
With ambition and strategic planning, Murata Manufacturing is steadfastly paving its path forward, banking on its iconic manufacturing capabilities and innovative methodologies to meet the future's growing electronic needs. The company’s focus on its long-term vision 2030 suggests it is not just reacting to market conditions, but actively shaping the future of electronics at every turn, consistently seeking to improve quality and availability for its global customers.