Kensuke Hanaoka
(joined in 2007)
Woven by Toyota, Inc.
- Project Manager, Software PF Development Div.
Software development contributes to added value
Workplace where engineers can enjoy engaging in development
Cutting-edge system development that garners attention around the world
My first duty when I joined the company was the development of software for a car navigation system. However, the main role of Toyota engineers was primarily to manage the progress of development and quality, as a group affiliate was chiefly in charge of carrying out actual development. I joined the company because I like software development. Although I experienced the enjoyment of the job, I also felt frustrated as I was not “hands on.” The impression I came away with from the project was that it was to develop a Human Machine Interface (HMI) for a navigation system, which would take place a few years later. Japanese prefer an interface that can logically achieve a goal. However, in North America, users seek operability that can directly achieve a goal through intuitive operations. In addition, an interface is required that can ensure safety while a driver is operating the vehicle. I not only faced the difficulty of creating this type of system but I also felt it was rewarding to partake in a job that is unique to a global company.
Starting a few years ago, we embarked on hands-on in-house development, including coding, as recognition is taking hold in-house that software will generate new added value. At present, we are developing a software platform for a navigation system. We are also participating in Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), an open source community.
Environment conducive for engineers to immerse themselves in development
When carrying out a project, there is a team dedicated to preparing the development environment and tools to create an environment in which engineers can devote themselves to development. We are developing a CI/CD environment by introducing Jira and utilizing Jenkins. I believe there are areas in which we are behind other IT companies in the world. I hope that we can gather together many engineers with an awareness of the issues and who will take it upon themselves to implement an aggressive approach.
Generation in the future will create cars of the future
I believe an environment in which engineers can enjoy engaging in software development is important. To achieve this environment, it is essential to understand the goal of each member. In order to understand this, I actively call out to young engineers and ask them what it is they want to do. We are repeatedly carrying out discussions and undertaking kaizen activities, a forte of Toyota, to work with young engineers to improve the workplace.