Zebra launches Shimauma Lab. to integrate handwriting with digital technology

Zebra Co., Ltd., a long-standing writing instrument manufacturer, has officially launched its new brand, ‘Shimauma Lab.’, which aims to integrate the act of writing with digital technology to create new value in fields such as health, education, and medicine.

The core of this initiative is the ‘Kakulog’ sensor-equipped pen. This device captures detailed handwriting data, including speed, angle, pressure, and time, and connects to various devices via Bluetooth to visualize the writing process.

Zebra is already applying this technology through several collaborative projects. In partnership with DeNA, the company is conducting demonstrations regarding health management by analyzing how handwriting patterns might reflect changes in an employee's physical and mental state. In the medical field, research conducted with Juntendo University and Araya is exploring the potential for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease through AI analysis of handwriting data. Additionally, the company is implementing inquiry-based learning programs in educational settings, such as Seiryo Junior and Senior High School, to explore new possibilities in learning through writing.