Daikin leads efforts to save electricity in factories and offices

Companies test software and magnets for game-changing ways to improve motors

20211013NY Japan factory energy consumption

Employees work on the automobile assembly line at a factory of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp., owned by Germany-based Daimler, in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo. Companies are seeking ways to reduce factory energy use. © Reuters

YUKI MISUMI and TAKURO KUSASHIO, Nikkei staff writers

October 14, 2021 07:04 JST

TOKYO/OSAKA -- As global interest grows in greener technologies, Daikin Industries and Toyota Motor are racing rivals at home and abroad to develop more energy-efficient motors.

Motors are the backbone of industry, used in everything from factories and office equipment to trains and home appliances. About half of all electricity consumed worldwide is said to be used by motors.