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Canon's Adastra Series Triumphs at IDEA 2023

In an impressive feat of engineering and design, Canon's Adastra series of semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing equipment has been awarded the highest honor, the Minister of Economy Award, during the 55th Mechanical Industry Design Award (IDEA), hosted by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun. Set to launch in October 2024, Adastra stands out for its excellence in performance, design, and adaptability to the varying needs of the semiconductor market.

Innovation Behind Adastra

The Adastra series was designed with the rapidly evolving demands of semiconductor manufacturing in mind. It integrates diverse deposition technologies into a single platform capable of responding to market needs, ensuring flexibility for manufacturers. This feature allows users to customize the configuration of processing chambers according to the scale of production and the specific requirements of the semiconductors or electronic components being produced.

One of the standout features of Adastra is its unique design, featuring pentagonal processing chambers arranged around an octagonal transport chamber, effectively eliminating dead space. This innovative structure has led to a significant reduction in installation area—about 42% smaller than the previous model, the NC7900. Such space-saving designs not only enhance production efficiency but also improve overall productivity on the manufacturing floor.

Focus on Safety and Usability

Safety and ergonomics were also key priorities in the design of the Adastra series. The sharp structures of the processing chambers are covered with protective casings, minimizing the risk of accidents during maintenance. Additionally, the user experience is significantly enhanced with an intuitive UI that utilizes color and animation effectively, making it easier for operators to navigate through the machine’s features.

International Recognition

Beyond the Minister of Economy Award, Adastra has also garnered prestigious accolades, including a Gold Award at the Good Design Award 2024 in Japan and the highest Gold Award at the iF Design Award 2025 in Germany. These honors reflect the product's commitment to high-quality design and underscore the global recognition Canon has achieved in the semiconductor equipment industry.

Canon's success in the IDEA award is notable; this marks the 18th time the company has been recognized and the second time it has claimed the Minister of Economy Award since 1981. This achievement serves as motivation for Canon to continue merging performance with exceptional design in future products.

About the IDEA Awards

Founded in 1970, the IDEA Awards are aimed at promoting and developing design within Japanese industrial products. The awards evaluate designs not only based on functionality and aesthetics but also consider market viability, corporate responsibility, and safety. The judging panel comprises experts from government agencies, universities, and various industrial associations, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the evaluations. The awards have been an influential platform for recognizing outstanding industrial design for over five decades.

In conclusion, Canon's Adastra series represents a significant step forward in semiconductor manufacturing technology, setting new standards for efficiency, safety, and usability. As the industry evolves, Canon remains committed to innovating and providing solutions that meet the future of semiconductor production.