MMS Series Inline Moisture Monitor System Receives Best 10 New Products Awards—Nippon Brand Award

From left: Satoshi Kuno, who led development; Masahiko Tanaka, Division General Manager; and Naoki Yoshioka, General Manager of the Research & Development Department. All are from the Industrial Machinery Division at Shimadzu Corporation

The MMS series inline moisture monitor system developed by the Industrial Machinery Division at Shimadzu Corporation has been selected for the Nippon Brand Award of the 2025 Best 10 New Products Awards, organized by the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Ltd.

About the Best 10 New Products Awards

The Best 10 New Products Awards were established in 1958 by the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Ltd. Each year, the awards recognize products developed during the year that demonstrate originality, superior performance, and contributions to the development of the manufacturing industry and to Japan’s international competitiveness. This year, from nearly 50 entries, the selection included the 10 Main Awards, along with 3 Nippon Brand Awards, 3 Monozukuri Awards, and 1 Special Award. Shimadzu first received the award at the 3rd awards in 1960 for the GV-200 vacuum quantorecorder. This marks the 25th time Shimadzu has received the honor.

Masahiko Tanaka (General Manager, Industrial Machinery Division) receives the certificate from Taku Kosaka, President of the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Ltd. (Photo provided by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Ltd.)

The award ceremony was held on January 27 in Tokyo. Upon receiving the award, Masahiko Tanaka, General Manager of the Industrial Machinery Division, commented on the outlook ahead, “We hope to contribute to DX, automation, and quality improvement in food manufacturing.”

The Challenge of the Industrial Machinery Division: Supporting Industry from behind the Scenes

Front row center: Satoshi Kuno, who led the development. Back row, from left: Naoki Yoshioka, Atsufumi Ogishi, Soichiro Kitamura, Sogo Miura, Haruhiko Sakai. The equipment above the platform simulating a production line is the MMS series

The MMS series inline moisture monitor system measures the moisture content of foods using an electromagnetic wave. By simply installing a compact sensor above an existing food production line, the system can measure the moisture content of food in the very brief time that it passes through. The technology* for easily measuring moisture content using an electromagnetic wave was developed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and later commercialized by Shimadzu Corporation.

*For details on this technology, refer to the AIST press release “Development of technique for easily measuring moisture content of agricultural products using an electromagnetic wave.”

The Division is currently focusing on introducing this technology into the drying and baking processes for confectionery, as well as into production lines for packaging rice. The moisture content in these foods affects product texture and flavor, so measuring it using this system helps stabilize quality and supports the supply of safe, reliable food products.

Satoshi Kuno, who led the development, enthusiastically shared his vision: “Generally, the main method for moisture content measurement is the dry weight method, which calculates moisture content from the difference in weight before and after drying. While it is simple and easy to understand, it has disadvantages. Because the sampling test is destructive, it is impossible to measure every item, and it requires time to perform drying, meaning results take time to obtain. Electromagnetic moisture measurement solves these disadvantages. At the beginning of development, we lacked knowledge about food production lines, which made the process challenging. However, by giving demonstrations and holding interviews with multiple companies, we deepened our understanding and were able to develop a product that meets customers’ needs. We are determined to continue working closely with our customers and building a track record moving forward.”

The Industrial Machinery Division operates in a wide range of fields, including semiconductors, displays, mobility (EV), energy, metal processing, and marine-related industries. Underpinning this diversified business expansion is the conviction that the division should become the “unsung heroes” supporting manufacturing. Even as times and the nature of manufacturing change, the division’s business approach remains constant: continuing to supply key components essential for industry and technological innovation. The MMS series is a product that embodies the challenges undertaken by the Division.