A frequent topic of discussion in amateur radio circles is speculation about new products from major manufacturers. There was, for example, a lot of discussion before Dayton about a new product introduction by Kenwood. Many were hoping that they were going to introduce a new HF radio and were disappointed when the new product was just a new HT to replace the TH-D74 (see right).
Other manufacturers are equally opaque when it comes to their product plans. That just leads to a lot of guessing that rarely corresponds to reality.
Every once in a while, though, we get some tantalizing info out of manufacturers. I found an example of this in a recent post to the IC-7610 mailing list, “Interesting document on the Icom Japan website.” The topic points to a document, “Medium Term Business Plan 2026,” on the Icom Japan website. This report gives its fanboys (myself included) a little visibility into what’s going on at Icom.
The report paints a picture of what Icom’s business strategy will be over the next three years. I’ll let you read the report for yourself, but let me point you at some of the interesting tidbits I found. For example, the report notes that amateur radio products accounts for 17% of Icom’s sales. It’s not their biggest sector, but it’s not inconsequential, either.
Under the heading, “Improved Performance and Functions of Products with New Platforms and Technologies,” they make these three points about amateur radio:
- Utilize technical know-how gained from digital technology and expand into other product categories
- Further improved usability and intuitive operation, expansion of requested/critical functions
- Restructuring of product lineup
These bullet points aren’t very revealing to be sure, but it does makes me wonder what they mean by “restructuring of product lineup.” One thing is for sure. Icom has plans for the amateur radio business.
Under the heading, “Strengthening Our Business Base: New Business,” are the following bullet points:
- AI Engine Core: AI functions that can be processed by general-purpose CPUs
- Video analysis/audio/signal processing: Development of video processing functions and devices
- Exploring new communication methods: Development of communication methods using light and sound waves in addition to radio waves in the millimeter frequency band
- New market development combining traditional RF technologies: Introduction of various hybrid radios and deployment of new protocols (Digitalization, etc.)
While not directly related to the amateur radio product line, these bullet points do point to what may be coming. Think of the possibilities of incorporating AI technologies into amateur radio transceivers for example.
Finally, the report discusses some of the company’s efforts towards sustainable growth. Now, this might all be just hype, but at least they’re saying the right things. For example, in addition to reducing CO2 emissions and waste in the manufacturing process, they discuss what they hope to do to improve employee satisfaction and to “create a safe and prosperous society through communication.” I may be an Icom fanboy, but isn’t that a philosophy that we can all get behind?
Hi Dan,
To add to the picture of ICOM stating their intentions as regards Amateur Radio, The head of staff at ICOM’s International Headquarters, Australian Aaron Camp, while in Germany gave an interview last week to “Radio DARC” the national society’s weekly shortwave radio program (and podcast) where he stated that historically ICOM’s history grew from being an amateur radio product manufacturer and while amateur radio is no longer the largest segment of their business, they see it still as the area to develop new technologies that can later be transferred into their mobile, marine and aeronautical radio divisions.
This was good to hear, that amateur radio remains their “testing ground” for new solutions.
73 Ed.
Interesting stuff, Dan.
So amateur gear is 17% of ICOM’s total business (34.1 Billion yen).
At 144 yen/$, this converts to $40M USD.
Bob K0NR
It sounds like an AI-infused radio is in the near future. Can’t wait.
Milton N5TDX
I read the report differently than Ed Durant. I believe the report signals Icom’s transition away from a strong emphasis on ham radio toward market lines with greater financial margins. I hope I am wrong on this.
I do think the report indicates Icom will bring a successor to the 7851 and likely new sdr technical advances will be incorporated into revisions to the 7300 and 7610 prototypes with the reference to something like “ things that only Icom can do”. . The unveiling of an IC-905 which has a limited and niche market in the USA suggests that some amateur radio models will be prototypes of planned commercial products. We can expect continued innovation with the land mobile products especially with regard to AI.
I’m used to Pacific-rim-based companies talking a lot about Sustainability. Similar themes are finally starting to take hold in the EU and NA markets. The newest thing now is Diversity and Inclusion. Companies are pouring a lot of resources into these themes. They want to appear to be a good steward of the planet. The question is how much is appearance, and how much is real.