Differentiation centered on device and information-processing technologies
First written in FY2016. 13 of 16 entries say "Advanced", first in FY2018. Latest entry: FY2026.
115 other companies' latest entry also says "Advanced".
- FY2026AdvancedAnnual report
「The IMX828, the industry’s first automotive CMOS image sensor with built-in MIPI A-PHY」
Regarding the combination of sensor technology with communications and automotive technologies, the company commercialized an automotive CMOS image sensor with built-in MIPI A-PHY. - 2026-05-08AdvancedBusiness alliance
「In addition, under this partnership, we plan to explore and pursue new opportunities in application areas for “physical AI,” such as automotive and robotics, with the aim of building a foundation for future innovation and further technological development.」
The company specified plans to combine image-sensor design, advanced process technology and advanced manufacturing capabilities for cooperation in physical-AI applications such as automotive and robotics. The basic agreement is not legally binding, and the establishment of the joint venture remains subject to the execution of definitive agreements. - FY2024AdvancedAnnual report
「The IMX735, an industry-leading 17.42-megapixel CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras」
Regarding differentiation centered on sensor technology, the company commercialized a 17.42-megapixel sensor for automotive cameras, advancing the improvement of detection and recognition performance for autonomous driving. It also began providing an authenticity-camera solution. - FY2023AdvancedAnnual report
「Launch of paid services for the edge AI sensing platform AITRIOS™」
Regarding the combination of sensor technology with AI and information-processing technologies, the company launched two paid services, AITRIOS Console Developer Edition and Console Enterprise Edition. - FY2021AdvancedAnnual report
「This product uses a stacked structure in which a pixel chip is placed on top of a logic chip. The logic chip incorporates AI-based image-analysis processing, enabling high-speed edge AI processing by processing within the sensor the signals captured by the pixel chip.」
Regarding differentiation centered on CMOS image sensors, the company commercialized the IMX500 intelligent vision sensor, the world’s first sensor equipped with AI processing capabilities, enabling edge AI processing. It also developed a ranging sensor for automotive LiDAR. - FY2020AdvancedAnnual report
「In fiscal 2019, revenue in the I&SS segment increased by ¥191.2 billion year on year to ¥1,070.6 billion. Operating income increased by ¥91.7 billion year on year to ¥235.6 billion.」
Against a backdrop of an improved image-sensor product mix and higher sales volume, the I&SS segment generated annual revenue of ¥1,070.6 billion and operating income of ¥235.6 billion, demonstrating the expansion of the technology-centered business. - FY2020-Q3AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue increased by ¥152.4 billion year on year to ¥839.4 billion, despite foreign exchange effects, mainly due to an improved product mix and a substantial increase in revenue from image sensors for mobile devices accompanying a significant increase in sales volume. Operating income increased by ¥77.5 billion year on year to ¥201.1 billion.」
Image sensors generated higher revenue and operating income against a backdrop of an improved product mix and higher sales volume, demonstrating the quantified expansion of the technology-centered business. - FY2020-Q2AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue increased by ¥84.7 billion year on year to ¥541.4 billion, despite foreign exchange effects, mainly due to a significant increase in sales volume and a substantial increase in revenue from image sensors for mobile devices accompanying an improved product mix. Operating income increased by ¥48.8 billion year on year to ¥125.9 billion.」
In the I&SS segment, higher sales volumes of image sensors for mobile devices and an improved product mix resulted in higher revenue and operating income, with revenue of ¥541.4 billion and operating income of ¥125.9 billion. - FY2020-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue increased by ¥28.4 billion year on year to ¥230.7 billion, mainly due to a significant increase in revenue from image sensors for mobile devices. Operating income increased by ¥20.4 billion year on year to ¥49.5 billion. This substantial increase in operating income was mainly attributable to the impact of the aforementioned revenue growth, despite increases in depreciation and amortization and research and development expenses.」
In the I&SS segment, revenue was ¥230.7 billion and operating income was ¥49.5 billion, driven by higher revenue from image sensors for mobile devices, resulting in year-on-year increases in both revenue and operating income. - FY2019AdvancedAnnual report
「We commercialized the IMX586, a stacked CMOS image sensor for smartphones with an industry-leading effective resolution of 48 megapixels. By developing the world’s first 0.8 μm pixel size, we achieved an effective resolution of 48 megapixels, comparable to that of high-performance digital single-lens cameras, in a 1/2-inch format with an 8.0 mm diagonal.」
Regarding the policy of making sensor technology the core of differentiation, the company commercialized a stacked CMOS sensor and demonstrated performance of 48 megapixels with 0.8 μm pixels. - FY2019-Q3AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue increased by ¥22.6 billion year on year to ¥516.1 billion, despite a decline in unit sales, mainly due to an improved product mix resulting from a shift toward high-value-added models. Operating income increased by ¥14.1 billion year on year to ¥82.1 billion, despite the decline in unit sales, mainly due to the aforementioned product-mix improvement and lower operating expenses.」
In the IP&S segment, the company shifted toward high-value-added models rather than pursuing unit sales, resulting in higher revenue and operating income through an improved product mix and lower costs. - FY2019-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue in the Imaging Products & Solutions (IP&S) segment increased by ¥8.6 billion year on year to ¥164.2 billion, despite a decline in unit sales, mainly due to an improved product mix resulting from a shift toward high-value-added models in still-image and video cameras, as well as foreign exchange effects. Operating income increased by ¥2.9 billion year on year to ¥26.1 billion, despite the aforementioned decline in unit sales and the recognition of ¥2.6 billion in insurance proceeds related to the Kumamoto Earthquake in the previous corresponding period, mainly due to the improved product mix and favorable foreign exchange effects.」
In the camera business, the company shifted toward high-value-added models rather than pursuing unit sales, increasing IP&S revenue and operating income year on year through an improved product mix. - FY2018AdvancedAnnual report
「For front-sensing cameras used in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), we developed a stacked CMOS image sensor in a 1/1.7-inch format with an industry-leading effective resolution of 7.42 megapixels and an RCCC filter. The image sensor enables high-definition imaging of traffic signs approximately 160 m away and can capture pedestrians and obstacles even in darkness equivalent to moonlight.」
To expand image-sensor applications, the company developed a stacked CMOS sensor for ADAS, demonstrating 7.42-megapixel resolution and imaging performance at approximately 160 m. - FY2017RestatedAnnual report
「The following are the core technological elements (Critical Core) that provide the source of our competitive advantage in continuing to create products and services distinctive to Sony.」
The company reaffirmed its policy of positioning imaging and sound, user interfaces and communications, and AI, recognition and computer vision as core technologies. - FY2017-Q3RestatedAnnual report
「As new applications for image sensors, we expect surveillance cameras first, followed by the Internet of Things (IoT), including factory automation and drones, as well as automotive applications. Although launching image sensors for automotive applications as a full-scale business will require a considerable amount of time, this is an area in which we expect future growth and are actively investing in research and development.」
The company continues to pursue the expansion of image-sensor applications in surveillance cameras, IoT and automotive applications through research and development investment. - FY2016First statedAnnual report
「At its management policy briefing in May 2014, Sony announced that it would further strengthen the technologies in which it has advantages in the device technology and information-processing technology fields, differentiate its core electronics businesses, and create new products and services in the home and mobile fields that “change lifestyles” and “enrich people’s lives.”」
The company is translating its focus on image sensors, batteries, low power consumption, recognition, natural user interfaces and signal processing into specific initiatives.