The Mechanical Engineering Laboratory (MEL) was established on the 13th of August, 1937 in Tokyo as a national institute to support Japanese machine industry. Since its establishment, the Laboratory has always been actively involved in strategic research fields ranging from frontier research to development of the basic technologies in mechanical engineering, in due consideration of both request from industries or the government and progress of science and technology. Current research areas include: Materials Science & Technology, Bioengineering, Information & Systems Science, Advanced Machine Technology, Energy & Environment Technology, Manufacturing Technology and Robotics.

　　As science and technology becomes more and more internationalized, MEL assumes new responsibilities to the world at large. Especially after the move to Tsukuba Science City in 1980, MEL has, through reorganization and changes, in policy, shifted the emphasis of research effort towards more basic work, and has also developed various cooperative programs with overseas research organizations with active exchange of information, and mutual visits and stays by scientists for collaborative research.

　　In summer 1997, we are going to celebrate the 60th anniversary of establishment of MEL. At this commemorative time, we are hoping to expand our international cooperation even more in the future. I hope that you find this 1996 Annual Report useful and interesting, and that it will facilitate international scientific cooperation and friendship to our mutual benefit.