August 13, 2003,Vol. 14, No. 9 ISSN 1346-5317

In order to encourage sustainable social development throughthe ICT revolution, it is indispensable to further advance informationand communications technologies (ICT).  In recent years, as an effectiveapproach, strategic use of testbed networks has become a focus of attention.
Since testbed networks have higher functions in comparisonwith ordinary/conventional networks and are imposed comparatively relaxedrestrictions when using thereof, leading projects such as development/verificationof diversified technologies are enabled over the testbed networks. As a result, such networks will play a leading role in forecasting/demonstratinga future ICT society in five or 10 years ahead for the society and peoplein Japan.  Furthermore, R&D process will be accelerated throughfeedbacks of opinions from the society and people to the R&D process,thereby R&D fruits thereof will swiftly penetrate in to the societyand greatly contribute to the realization of intended ICT society.
Testbed networks have become a focus of attention, asexemplified by the "e-Japan Strategy II" clearly stating necessity forsuch networks.  Networks comprising a key infrastructure for ICT developmentis anticipated to head toward "ubiquitous networks" which will bring aboutdrastic improvements in terms of convenience and reliability, through deploymentof broadband platforms having versatile connectivity with any equipment/networkat any time from anywhere, utilizing optical technologies, high-speed wirelesstechnologies, full-scale shift to IPv6-ready networks, combination withconsumer electronics with ICT functions, ultrasmall chips, etc.
Toward realization of the ubiquitous networks, it isessential to further enhance network-related technologies and to realizemultifaceted applications.  To this end, construction and utilizationof the next-generation testbed networks equipped with new functions, etc.are a key to accelerating the realization thereof.
Against these backdrops, this report proposes requirementsof necessary functions for testbed networks toward the ubiquitous networkage and promotional measures, etc.
MPHPT will, paying due respect to this report, preparethe leading-edge testbed networks toward a new ICT society originatingfrom Japan and R&D thereon.

Toward realizing a vision of Network-Robots, MPHPT heldthe "Study Group on Network-Robot Technology" (Chair: Prof. TOKUDA Hideyuki,Keio University) from December 2002 to July 2003, with the purpose of deliberatingupon approaches for realizing network robots at the earliest possible stage. The Study Group has compiled its findings as a report.
In response to changes in the social structure accompanyingaging in society and declining birthrate, environmental/energy issues,changes in industrial structure along with rapidly advancing ICT, globalization,etc., it is strongly anticipated to realize an invigorated society whilemaintaining industrial competitiveness.  Considering these backgrounds,it is required to prepare an environment in which people can live in peaceand to improve living standards such as a comfortable and affluent life. Namely, a "vigorous/safe/impressive/convenient" society suitable for the21st century should be realized. 
To this end, driving forces are to realize ubiquitousnetworks at an early stage as well as to create new values under the newICT environment, or the ubiquitous networks.  For instance, one suchdriving force is the realization of "network robots."
The realization of network robots can be said to be fusionof two Japan's flagship technologies, that is, ubiquitous networks androbotic technologies.  This is anticipated to bring about new lifestylesand solutions for various social issues, such as the aging society andmedical care, and contribute to construction of a new ICT society in the21st century through Japan's original technologies.
Keys to the realization are R&D on the network technologieslinking ubiquitous networks and robots, and standardization thereof. In Europe and the U.S., various R&D projects are being carried outthrough concerted efforts of industry, academia and governments. Considering these trends, in order to ensure Japan's international competitivenessand encourage strategic R&D on network robots, there is a need to deliberateupon comprehensive promotional measures for network robots at an earlystage.
Thus, MPHPT held the "Study Group on Network-Robot Technology"from December 2002 to July 2003.  The Study Group i) studied/analyzedR&D trends on network robot in Japan and overseas, ii) offered futureperspectives on network robots, and iii) taking into consideration progressin study on network robots at the "Council for Science and Technology Policy"and the "IT Strategic Headquarters," deliberate upon R&D themes/standardizationissues to be carried out, R&D promotion strategies and promotion measuresfor widespread use thereof for realizing a vision of network robots.
The Study Group has compiled its findings as this report. It is anticipated that this report will i) enable the realization of newICT "network robots" at an early stage through Japan's original technologies,ii) bring about socioeconomic synergy in many fields through implementationof various efforts, iii) thereby help network robots penetrate into ourdaily lives and social structure, and iv) thus, greatly contribute to constructionof a new ICT society in the 21st century through Japan's original technologies.

Since March 2003, MPHPT has been holding the "Roundtableon Info-Communications Software" (Chair: Prof. NAGAO Makoto, Kyoto University),an advisory group to Director-General for Policy Planning (in charge ofinfo-communications), with the purpose of deliberating upon basic directionson various current topics and their solutions, concerning digital content,ICT security and human capacity building in these fields.  The roundtablehas compiled its findings as an interim report.
The outline of the report is as follows: