What HaL Engineering does

HaL Engineering Inc. (ハル・エンジニアリング株式会社) is a privately held Japanese IT and embedded software developer founded in September 1977 as a spin-off of the control systems division of Hama Software. Headquartered in Nishi-ku, Yokohama, the firm employs roughly 81 people as of April 2026 and is led by founding president Ono Takehiko (小野 岳彦), with a stated philosophy of "High technology and Liberal mind."

The company operates two interlocking business lines. The first is contracted embedded software and mobile-application development for major Japanese electronics manufacturers and software vendors - including Hitachi, Yokogawa Electric, Canon, Sony, Glory, Anritsu, and corresponding subsidiaries - covering communications, measurement/control, voice control, mechanical control, and device drivers across Linux, VxWorks, iTRON, Android, iOS, and microcontroller targets. The second is a small proprietary product portfolio centered on multi-core optical-fiber automatic measurement and OTDR remote-control solutions (RCMP-Y01/Y02/Y03, CT-MF200, MFCT-32), which reduce fiber-test labor by roughly 50% and are integrated with Yokogawa OTDR hardware and Sun Electronic communication modules; the firm also publishes municipal waste-separation apps for Yokohama, Kawasaki, Takatsuki, Yamato, and previously Yokosuka, the MemoCal handwriting calendar series (Good Design 2012, DFAA Bronze 2013), and an Android brain-training series for elderly day-care facilities.

Go-to-market is enterprise field sales into Kanto-region manufacturers alongside active participation in Technical Show Yokohama, EdgeTech+, ET/IoT, JASA, and KIA events. Distribution combines direct enterprise contracts (with Canon Marketing Japan as an authorized channel partner for measurement products), municipal government contracts, and Google Play / Apple App Store for consumer applications. Revenue mechanics combine professional-services project billing with one-time product licensing; no public product pricing is disclosed. The firm is entirely privately funded via retained earnings and has raised no external capital.

Name

HaL Engineering

Legal name

ハル・エンジニアリング株式会社

Website

https://haleng.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

HaL Engineering is a privately held Yokohama-based embedded software developer serving major Japanese electronics manufacturers with custom development and proprietary multi-core optical-fiber measurement tools, plus municipal civic and elderly-care applications.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Embedded Software Development and Optical Fiber Measurement Tools

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Embedded Software & Firmware Tools (Compilers, Debug, RTOS tooling) (HDAHAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Automation Software (SCADA, HMI, MES, Historian) (IMAHAHAJ), Edge AI Deployment, Orchestration & OTA Model Updates (HDAAAJAI), Industrial IoT/Edge Electronics Manufacturing (Gateways, Edge Controllers) (IMAGAGAC)

Keywords

• Embedded software development
• Fiber optic measurement
• OTDR remote control
• Mobile application development
• Municipal government apps

Headquarters

HQ city

Hiranuma

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Commissioned Development Services: Embedded software development, PC/smartphone application development, and infrastructure construction services provided to major manufacturers and software vendors. Revenue generated through project-based contracts.
2. Proprietary Product Sales: Self-developed products including optical fiber measurement tools (OTDR remote control solutions, multi-core fiber auto-measurement tools), brain training apps, and municipal government apps sold directly or through app stores.
3. Academic-Industry Collaboration Development: Collaborative development projects with universities and research institutions, including jointly developed applications with local governments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

HaL Engineering provides contracted embedded software development and mobile/web application development services to major Japanese electronics manufacturers and software vendors, alongside proprietary software products including OTDR remote-control and multi-core optical fiber automated measurement tools. The company also develops and operates municipal waste separation apps, a brain training app series, and productivity apps for individual consumers via Google Play and the App Store.

Product overview

HaL Engineering is a Japanese IT company founded in 1977, offering a portfolio of proprietary measurement tools for the fiber optic industry alongside contract embedded software and mobile application development services. Its core product line centers on multi-core fiber optic measurement/test automation tools — including OTDR fiber core identification, multi-core fiber auto-test/measurement tools for iPad (RCMP-Y03), Windows (CT-MF200), Android (RCMP-Y02), and a standalone test tool (MFCT-32) — all designed to reduce fiber optic testing labor by approximately 50% and enable remote operation via mobile networks. The company also develops consumer-facing Android/iOS applications, including municipal waste separation apps for multiple Japanese cities (Yokohama, Kawasaki, Takatsuki, Yamato), a brain training app series, and productivity apps like the MemoCal handwriting calendar series. Its development services span embedded software, mobile apps, and system infrastructure for major Japanese manufacturers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• OTDR Fiber Core Identification Ubiquitous Solution (RCMP-Y01) Ubiquitous remote-control solution for OTDR, light source, and optical power meter via smartphone or tablet, designed for fiber optic installation and maintenance crews. Features portable battery-powered carrying case and enables efficient FTTH开通/保守工事 (opening/maintenance work). Certified product under Yokohama City sales channel development program.
• Multi-core Fiber Auto-Test Tool (MFCT-32) Automated testing tool for FTTH installation opening tests, periodic maintenance testing, and fault investigation. Reduces test time by approximately 50% and supports 3G mobile network operation via tablet terminal. Used by telecom construction and maintenance crews.
• Multi-core Fiber Auto-Measurement Tool Version 2.0 for Windows (CT-MF200) Windows-based multi-core fiber optic automatic measurement tool that adds fiber optic cable loss measurement capability to pulse measurement, with optional 3G remote OTDR connection support for remote operation.
• Multi-core Fiber Auto-Measurement Tool Version 2.0 for Android (RCMP-Y02) Android-based multi-core fiber optic automatic measurement tool with 3G/LTE remote OTDR control. Results can be saved and checked on Android devices, with email forwarding capability.
• Multi-core Fiber Auto-Measurement Tool Version 3.0 for iPad (RCMP-Y03) iPad-based multi-core fiber optic automatic measurement tool that enables remote OTDR operation via 3G/LTE networks, reducing measurement setup time by approximately 50% and enabling field technicians to operate equipment without being physically present at the measurement site. Features real-time measurement, SOR file saving, PDF export, email transmission, and multi-core loss measurement.
• Embedded Software Development Services Custom embedded software development services covering communications, measurement/control, device drivers, voice control, transmission/switching, mechanical control, system software, inspection software, and microcontroller embedded software. Supports Linux, VxWorks, iTRON, Android, iOS, and various microcontrollers. Sold on a project/contract basis to major Japanese manufacturers.
• Application Development Services Custom application development services for iPhone, Android smartphones and tablets, with early-mover expertise in cutting-edge mobile application development. Delivered to enterprise clients and through self-developed product initiatives.
• Yokohama Garbage Separation App iPhone/Android app jointly developed with Yokohama City and SNAP Inc., providing garbage item classification lookup via "Mictuonary" AI chatbot, collection calendar, and recycling guidance for Yokohama City residents.
• Yokohama Garbage Separation Game iPhone/Android game featuring approximately 800 garbage material images for learning waste separation through play. Updated with "Plain Japanese" and "English" display options.
• Kawasaki City Garbage Separation App iPhone/Android app for Kawasaki City residents providing keyword search for waste items, collection day notifications, waste separation tips, and 3R quizzes. Developed through university-industry-government collaboration with Kawasaki City Environmental Bureau and Senshu University.
• Takatsuki City Garbage App iPhone/Android app for Takatsuki City residents showing garbage collection schedules with notification alerts and waste separation search. Developed jointly with Takatsuki City and designed by SNAP Inc.
• Yamato City Garbage Calendar App iPhone/Android app for Yamato City residents displaying garbage collection schedules by district, with keyword-based waste separation search and disaster evacuation map/personal disaster preparedness handbook. Supports Japanese, English, Spanish, and Chinese.
• Brain Training Series Vol.1 - Rearrangement Android brain training game where players rearrange six scrambled characters (hiragana/katakana) into correct words as quickly as possible. Targeted at elderly care facilities and individual users.
• Brain Training Series Vol.2 - Spot the Odd One Android brain training game where players identify the single different character among 48 hiragana, katakana, kanji, or image options. Targeted at elderly care facilities and individual users.
• Brain Training Series Vol.3 - Memory Recall Android brain training game where players memorize six images/characters displayed for 6 seconds and then reproduce them in the correct positions. Features rich problem patterns for sustained cognitive engagement. Targeted at elderly care facilities and individual users.
• Sun Position - Backlight Countermeasure Road Sign Judgment App iPhone app helping road sign installation workers determine whether standard or backlight-countermeasure signs are needed by assessing backlight conditions at installation sites. Co-developed with Nichia Systems Hiroshima Factory.
• MemoCal Plus (Plusryu brand) iPad handwriting calendar app co-developed with SNAP Inc. under the Plusryu brand. Won the 2012 Good Design Award and the 2013 DFAA Asia Design Award Bronze Prize.
• MemoCal mini (Plusryu brand) iPhone handwriting calendar app co-developed with SNAP Inc. under the Plusryu brand. Companion to MemoCal Plus.
• MemoCal lite (Plusryu brand) iPad handwriting calendar app (lite version) co-developed with SNAP Inc. under the Plusryu brand.
• Solar Power Plant Monitoring System IoT-era solar power generation plant monitoring system supporting remote monitoring of solar power installations for utility and commercial operators.
• Vital Sign Monitoring Demo App Demonstration app using 60GHz millimeter wave radar technology for vital sign monitoring, co-developed with nursing care facility Happy Tsuruma for elderly care applications.
• Help Robov - Caregiving Voice Notification Robot Caregiving voice notification robot for elderly care and caregiving settings, providing audio alerts and notifications.
• Foldable Sports Timer Foldable sports timer released as a self-developed IoT product for sports timing applications.
• Assist Mark Self-developed everyday-use assist mark product released in 2024 for daily convenience applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• 光パルス測定・損失測定の約50%稼働削減
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• 株式会社横浜ビー・コルセアーズminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2024Official Bronze partner with Yokohama B-Corsairs professional basketball team, supporting regional sports as a marketing partnership.
• 株式会社横浜ビー・コルセアーズminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2023Official partner with Yokohama B-Corsairs professional basketball team for brand visibility.
• 千葉工業大学 CIT BrainsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Technical support provided to Chiba Institute of Technology robotics team CIT Brains (RoboCup 2022 world champions).
• キヤノンマーケティングジャパン株式会社coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanon Marketing Japan operates as a sales agency and distributor for HaL products.
• 株式会社スナップ (SNAP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term design partner for app development. Collaborated on MemoCal series (Plus, mini, lite), Yokohama waste separation app, Takatsuki waste app, and other civic applications. HaL handles programming while SNAP handles design.
• 公立はこだて未来大学minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry-academia collaboration with Future University Hakodate for technology exchange and student interaction.
• サン電子株式会社coreTechnology or IntegrationSun Electronic communication module integration for OTDR remote solutions. Communication module-integrated products are sold through this partnership (SIM card contract handled by customer).
• 横河Meter & Instruments (横河Meter&Machines)coreTechnology or IntegrationCompatible OTDR meters (AQ7275, AQ1200, AQ1100) for HaL's OTDR ubiquitous solution. LAN interface required for remote operation.
• 神奈川東部職業能力開発推進協議会minorOthersMember of Kanagawa East Vocational Skills Development Promotion Council, participating in annual member exchange meetings.
• 神奈川工業株式会社minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner for collaborative product development, including participation in Town Factory exhibitions.
• 大和市社会福祉法人 ハッピー鶴間minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Yamato City daycare 'Happy Tsuruma' for brain training and dementia diagnostic app testing in real care settings.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Yokogawa Electric Corporation: Major Japanese industrial automation and measurement company and a disclosed HaL customer/technology partner (via Yokogawa Meter & Instruments OTDR AQ-series compatibility). Comparable as both customer and ecosystem participant.
• EXFO Inc. Global leader in fiber optic test and measurement instruments. Comparable to HaL as a vendor of OTDR and multi-core fiber measurement workflows, though operating at much larger scale and as an instrument manufacturer rather than software specialist.
• VIAVI Solutions Inc. Global provider of fiber optic test, measurement, and assurance solutions. Comparable to HaL in addressing multi-core fiber testing and remote OTDR workflows at significantly larger scale.
• Anritsu Corporation: Major Japanese manufacturer of OTDR and fiber optic test instruments and a disclosed HaL customer. Comparable as a participant in the same fiber measurement ecosystem and as a large Japanese electronics customer base.

Direct peers

• eSOL Co., Ltd. Japanese provider of RTOS, embedded software development tools, and engineering services for automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics — directly comparable to HaL's embedded software development services and tool offerings.
• Zuken Inc. Japanese EDA and embedded systems software specialist serving electronics manufacturers. Highly comparable to HaL as a Japan-headquartered embedded/electronic-systems software firm with long enterprise customer relationships.
• SRA Holdings, Inc. Japanese IT services and embedded/independent-software-vendor firm serving enterprise and government customers. Comparable to HaL as a diversified Japanese IT services company with embedded software capabilities.
• Future Corporation: Tokyo-headquartered IT services and consulting firm with embedded/industrial-IT practices serving Japanese manufacturers. Comparable to HaL in serving large Japanese enterprise clients with custom software and system development.

Others

• Sun Electronics Co., Ltd. Japanese communication module vendor and HaL technology partner integrating modules into OTDR remote solutions. Comparable as a complementary technology/integration partner enabling HaL's measurement products.
• Canon Marketing Japan Inc. HaL's disclosed channel partner and distributor for proprietary products. Comparable relationship context as a Japanese enterprise IT distributor that resells measurement and embedded solutions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HaL Engineering