The television set may be the first thing that stands out in a living room, but who is the real hero here?

Whether it’s something intriguing on the news, a hilarious comedy, or a nail-biting action show, semiconductors are hard at work inside your TV set. And these semiconductors come from machinery made by Tokyo Electron, meaning that our job is just as important as the TV talents and announcers.

Who is it that keeps coming up with smartphones even cooler than the ones before? Is it just the work of the designers, or…?

Whether you’re phoning, texting, or looking something up on the web, smartphone now offer a myriad of functions that make life so much easier. The semiconductor chips inside our smartphone are becoming ever more compact and complex. These semiconductors, the driving force behind the amazing evolution in the shape and function of smartphones, come from Tokyo Electron’s semiconductor production equipment.

Semiconductor chips inside the computers are eco-friendly. But who is the “mother” of their invention?

Semiconductor chips inside the PCs and tablets work much harder to save energy than they used to. These chips are made by dedicated production equipment from Tokyo Electron. Our products are the unsung heroes, ensuring that our limited resources are used as wisely as possible.

Who bears the responsibility for maintaining the quality of IC cards?

IC cards monitor the clocking in and out of all authorized personnel, once the job of human resources departments, blocking access to anyone unauthorized. The semiconductors inside IC cards, made by equipment from Tokyo Electron, accurately monitor each cardholder’s activity and gather data, functioning as “guardian angels” in our world of increased security and identity management.

Hmm, what should I make for dinner tonight?

Whether heating crisp pizzas, creamy au gratin dishes, or puffy Chinese steamed dumplings, modern microwave ovens work so well that they seem to be operating through a team of master chefs. In reality, it is the semiconductors produced by Tokyo Electron’s semiconductor production equipment that now function as the master chef’s own recipe. Microwave ovens can now cook mouth-watering meals thanks to semiconductors, having earned the name “the ‘bread’ of industry.”

Can the semiconductors in air conditioners read minds?

No more overly chilly rooms in the summer or oddly hot ones in the winter; air conditioners that limit their activity to places where there are people. Thanks to sensors and inverters, they can now maintain comfortable room temperature as well as save energy, thanks to semiconductors made with Tokyo Electron’s dedicated production equipment. These chips work night and day throughout the year to help minimize the impact of global warming, while allowing us to live in comfort.

Engines that make cars even more attractive…?

Semiconductors are there to smooth out the bumps in the road. They help balance the ride over snowy or muddy roads. Plus, they ensure the optimum fuel injection per driving conditions. It goes without saying that semiconductor chips have become essential components for all cars, not only hybrid or electric ones. And these are all produced by Tokyo Electron’s semiconductor production equipment. They are the “engines” that accelerate a car’s performance and comfort.

What is it that makes the train run on time?

Semiconductor chips have become indispensable to trains nowadays. We can depend on them to keep schedule even during rush hour, or to brake automatically when they detect someone or something on the rails ahead. These chips are produced on Tokyo Electron’s semiconductor production equipment. They are the shining light that provides systems that help keep our trains running on schedule.

Semiconductors keep the traffic moving.

Sensing a buildup of waiting cars, the light turns green. Time spent waiting for a traffic signal – that is, one that uses LED -- to change seems to be a little different according to time of day; almost as if the signals have minds of their own. The semiconductors that keep the sensors and programs working, and that in turn help the signals function smoothly, come from Tokyo Electron’s semiconductor production equipment. Without them, life on the streets would be one “red light” after another.

What is the one thing we can’t bypass when talking about automated ticket gates?

Let’s say you forgot your wallet; the automated toll function is a lifesaver. Or, you forgot that your commuter ticket is almost past its expiration date: no worries, it will be clearly displayed to remind you! The functions of an automated ticket gate — a lowly machine that signals the start of many a person’s day — rely completely on semiconductors made on Tokyo Electron’s dedicated production equipment, and let you pass through the gate in a touch and the blink of an eye.

Chips that work to give the escalator a rest

These days, you will often find escalators in department stores, train stations, office blocks, hotels and even amusement parks that stop when not being used. This function saves energy by detecting the presence of people with a semiconductor-controlled sensor, made on Tokyo Electron’s production equipment. Semiconductors are indeed the first step in making escalators that save energy rather than waste it.

Could there be an invisible attendant on this elevator?

“Such a smooth ride and we never have to wait very long.” “I can leave the building in no time, even though I work on the top floor.” Such efficient elevators are made possible by semiconductors, which are in turn made possible by Tokyo Electron’s semiconductor production equipment, and these gave birth to the “invisible elevator attendant.”

Signboard technology goes digital.

“That display’s changed since we passed just a minute ago!” “Look, the ad here is different from just a few days ago” Today, digital signage is an innovative advertising medium. This technology uses semiconductors produced on dedicated production equipment made by Tokyo Electron. You won’t notice the chips, but you will surely remember what they are advertising!

What is the starting point of “smart grid” technology?

Smart grids save energy in the evening when demand is lower and channel it from elsewhere when demand exceeds supply. Smart grids that feature both artificial intelligence and communication functions are the very gift of semiconductors from Tokyo Electron’s production equipment; making smart power grids possible.

A factory that runs the factories manned by robots?

Robots perform dangerous and difficult manufacturing tasks in place of humans without so much as a complaint. Semiconductors help to make their movement almost human. Even factories that produce semiconductors cannot operate without semiconductors, produced with equipment from Tokyo Electron. That’s right, Tokyo Electron is the factory that makes other factories what they are.

Nano-space: expanding our creativity in space stations?

Communicating with Planet Earth, performing experiments, and of course keeping the lights on: a space station utilizes the properties of semiconductors to generate its own electric power with solar cells, using the abundantly available sunlight. These semiconductors come from dedicated production equipment made by Tokyo Electron and are essential in realizing the space station’s full potential.