Innovative Technologies for a Sustainable Planet

RITE is pursuing breakthrough environmental technologies to combat global warming. As a Silver Partner in the Green Expo segment of the Future Society Showcase at the Osaka–Kansai Expo, RITE’s demonstration plant showcases negative-emission technologies, including systems designed to capture, absorb, store, and permanently fix atmospheric CO₂.

Address:

 Kansai Region, Japan

Dates:

 April, 2025

URL:

 https://rite.or.jp/expo2025/en/

Rendition of DAC Plant

Rendition of DAC Plant

Background

“RITE Future Forest” Facility for Removing CO₂ from the Atmosphere

RITE, a leader in environmental research and technology development, is promoting its RITE Future Forest facility, which serves as an advanced system for extracting CO₂ directly from the air. Situated within the Carbon Recycling Factory, one of several event venues at the Osaka–Kansai Expo, the RITE Future Forest is showcasing the benefits of direct air capture (DAC) technology. The exhibit features immersive visuals and displays that allow visitors to experience cutting-edge environmental technologies. For added impact, RITE adopted an advanced Panasonic projector that casts seemingly floating, dreamlike 3D visuals onto a transparent mesh screen, providing viewers with a highly immersive experience.

Why Panasonic’s Projector?

Immersive, Innovative Visuals Create a Compelling Learning Space

The RITE pavilion is designed to convey a futuristic atmosphere in line with its Future Forest vision. To achieve this goal, RITE wanted to incorporate advanced visual displays that present content in engaging, cutting-edge ways. After considering various technologies, including VR goggles, RITE ultimately selected a mesh-screen projection system that delivers immersive 3D experiences without requiring visitors to wear special devices. The result is an immersive space where visitors of all ages can seamlessly discover and explore advanced environmental technologies for a greener future.

PT-RQ35K projector installed near mesh screen for unobtrusive projection

PT-RQ35K projector with ultra-short throw lens (ET-D75LE95) in below-floor well.

Benefits

Mesh Screen Projection Creates a Dreamlike Experience

The mesh screen is virtually invisible until projection begins, at which point it transforms into a surface for stunning, floating imagery that captivates viewers. Notably, the mesh screen delivers 3D visuals without requiring organizers to distribute and later collect 3D glasses, a major advantage at high-traffic venues such as expos. In addition, since the screen is viewable from both sides, it supports the efficient use of space at event venues.

When not in use, the nearly invisible mesh screen blends seamlessly with its surroundings.

Once projection begins, the mesh screen displays 3D visuals that seemly float in the air.

Ultra-short Throw Lens Allows Discreet Integration with Event Space

The projection setup incorporates a high-brightness 30,500-lumen projector (PT-RQ35K). The unit’s exceptionally wide color gamut faithfully reproduces the color tones creators envisioned for enhanced visual impact. Also, an ultra-short-throw lens (ET-D75LE95) is paired with the projector to significantly reduce the required throw distance, enabling the projector to be installed discreetly in a below-floor well near the screen. In addition to delivering vivid imagery to the 5-meter-high screen, the projector’s compact design allows for flexible and space-efficient installation.

Projection layout

In the Customer’s Own Words

“This projection technology holds incredible potential.”

“When we first began exploring mixed reality (MR) solutions, we evaluated a number of different systems. During this time we visited Panasonic’s Shinonome Co-Creation Lab in Tokyo and encountered the mesh screen for the first time. The moment I saw the 3D visuals projected onto the screen, I thought, This is amazing—we need to use this right away.

This projection technique has played a critical role in helping us achieve the level of immersion we were aiming for. I’ve watched many viewers instinctively reach out to the mesh screen, trying to determine where the projected image is actually located. Such spontaneous reactions speak to how captivating and unexpected the experience is.

Working with the mesh screen has opened my eyes to its broader potential. I can easily see it being used not only at expos, but also at live concerts, theatrical performances and more. Pushing the idea even further, imagine a massive, 100-meter mesh screen suspended outdoors with dynamic visuals projected across it. It would create a scale of visual storytelling never before experienced. I’m excited to explore more possibilities for this technology in future projects.”

Mr. Shigechiyo Suzuki
Producer and Creative Director, RITE Future Forest
Nomura Co., Ltd.

“We’re excited to continue collaborating on new possibilities in spatial design.”

“When developing the concept for our RITE Future Forest, we didn’t just treat the Guidance Hall as a venue for screening video content; we sought a space where imagery could be seamlessly fused with the physical environment to deliver a fully immersive experience. Although MR and VR technologies are often associated with overcoming physical limitations, they require headsets that inherently create a frame around the user’s vision, compromising the sense of openness. In contrast, the mesh screen creates a floating visual effect without obstructions, resulting in a more natural, unhindered experience. In addition, visibility on both sides of the screen enhances the sense of depth within the space. Mesh screen projection stands out as a truly unique approach that allows content to merge with the entire spatial environment.

To maximize the experiential impact of the mesh screen, we made numerous visits to Panasonic’s Shinonome Co-Creation Lab, where we conducted extensive testing. Repeated trials played a crucial role in our project’s success.

Panasonic’s strengths extend beyond visual technology to include expertise in lighting, sound, and other key elements of spatial design. We look forward to continuing our collaboration across multiple disciplines to pioneer new and inspiring approaches to spatial expression.”

Mika Kobayashi
Producer and Creative Director, RITE Future Forest
Nomura Co., Ltd.