"Laputa 2D" Super-Active Vibration Control Technology

Obayashi has developed "Laputa 2D," the world's first super-active vibration control technology that can buffer seismic forces to reduce building tremors to one-fiftieth the magnitude of ground tremors. A rubber base and actuator are installed beneath the building.

When an earthquake occurs, sensors installed in the building and in the ground detect and analyze the seismic motion to determine the optimal compensatory force, whereupon the actuator rocks the building in a manner that negates the seismic tremors.

The first building fitted with the new technology was the Obayashi Technical Research Institute's new main building, which was completed in 2010.