A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
The evolution of physical AI is transitioning humanoid robots from research to practical applications in factories and logistics. In the US, companies like Figure AI, Agility Robotics, and Tesla are competing for practical implementation, while numerous firms in China are entering the market under n...
Japan's nursing homes are testing humanoid robots designed to serve as caregivers, focusing on tasks like patrolling and providing companionship. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for elder care solutions in the country, where an aging population is creating a significant need for i...
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has initiated mass production of hospital robots designed to transport medical samples and medications, significantly saving labor hours. These robots have collectively saved 2,700 hours of work, addressing the labor shortages faced by healthcare institutions in Japan. The...
A recent study in Japan has highlighted significant disparities in opportunities for female surgeons to perform robot-assisted surgeries compared to their male counterparts. The findings indicate that female surgeons are often underrepresented in this advanced surgical field, which could impact thei...
Cute Robot Japanese Kitchen, located at 704 S. 2nd St. in Milwaukee's Walker's Point, has announced its permanent closure after approximately two years of operation. The owners, Marc and Janet Boettner, expressed their heartbreak over the decision but stated it was the best course of action for them...
Tokyo-based O-ID has successfully raised $1.2 million in pre-seed funding to advance its modular humanoid robot towards production, focusing initially on the automotive manufacturing and logistics sectors in Japan. The funding, with participation from Tawani Ventures, Hustle Fund, and Techstars, wi...
O-ID, a Tokyo-based startup, has successfully raised $1.2 million in pre-seed funding to advance its modular humanoid robots designed for industrial manufacturing and logistics. The funding round was led by TAWANI Ventures, with contributions from Hustle Fund, Techstars, and angel investors, includi...
Japan is set to host a competition on the International Space Station where teams will control robots using artificial intelligence. This initiative, organized by the Space AI Robotics Association, aims to stimulate advancements in space exploration, AI, robotics, and simulations. The competition i...
GMO AIR has launched Japan's first ambulance specifically designed for humanoid robots. This vehicle addresses the challenge of diagnosing and repairing robots that may malfunction in unpredictable locations, minimizing downtime and operational losses. It is equipped with a professional humanoid rob...
GMO Internet Group has introduced Japan's first 'robot ambulance' designed for humanoid robots. This vehicle will operate in Tokyo, providing on-site repairs and carrying engineers, equipment, and spare humanoids to assist in emergencies. The service aims to minimize downtime for humanoid robots us...
Algomatic Dynamics has successfully raised $32.5 million from DMM.com in its inaugural funding round, aiming to launch an AI-driven multi-fingered robotic hand platform in Japan by the end of 2026. The startup, which began operations on September 9, focuses on developing technologies for motion-data...
Japan is exploring diverse applications for its humanoid robots, moving beyond traditional manufacturing roles. Domestic developers are focusing on leveraging the precision and durability of these robots, which have been enhanced through factory production lines, to compete with Chinese counterparts...
During a recent event, 80-year-old Hiroyuki Nakamura watched as two humanoid robots from China performed a mechanical dance and presented a gift to him. This moment highlights the evolving industrial relationship between China and Japan. By the first half of 2026, Chinese manufacturers are expected...
Chinese robot manufacturers are increasingly stepping into Japan's labor market, which is facing significant shortages. These companies are transitioning their focus from humanoid robots to applications in warehouses and restaurants, aiming to provide solutions that meet the demands of various secto...
Chinese robot manufacturers are increasingly stepping into Japan's labor market, which is currently facing significant shortages. These companies are transitioning their focus from humanoid robots to applications in warehouses and restaurants, aiming to provide solutions that meet the demands of var...
A Japanese startup, Muse, has introduced its retail helper robot in a grocery store in New York, aiming to meet the growing demand for labor-saving technology in the U.S. service sector. This initiative reflects the increasing reliance on automation to enhance operational efficiency in retail enviro...
The second World Robot Games in Beijing saw Japan's GMO Internet Group participate with its robot 'Hitomin', which utilizes the Yushin G1 hardware. The robot's control and gait algorithms were developed by GMO. In the semifinals, it fell during the 400-meter race and completed the 1500 meters in 7 m...
Japan's robotics strategies emphasize disaster response and addressing an aging workforce. With a significant portion of its population over 65, robotics is seen as essential for maintaining economic stability and enhancing labor sectors like healthcare. The country's proactive approach to robotics...
Japanese university startups are developing artificial intelligence-driven robot arms capable of delicately handling fragile items like sushi and cake. These advancements in physical AI technology are attracting interest from major companies, including Toyota Motor, due to their potential to reduce...
On July 23, Japanese media Nikkei xTECH released a video documenting engineers disassembling China's YuShu G1 humanoid robot. The team examined various components, including the joint modules and battery system, revealing insights into China's rapid advancements in robotics. Japanese engineers noted...
On July 23, Marubeni Corporation, a major Japanese electronic trading company, signed a memorandum of understanding with DEEP Robotics, a leader in quadruped robots, to enhance the sales and development of quadruped robots in Japan. This partnership aims to address Japan's significant labor shortage...
The Japanese confectionery manufacturer Juchheim has introduced an AI cooking robot named Theo, which is revolutionizing the traditional method of making Japanese ring cakes. By utilizing cameras and image sensors, Theo learns the baking techniques from skilled artisans, mastering new skills in just...
Noetra, in collaboration with key partners including Sony, SoftBank, NEC, and Honda Motor, has launched extensive R&D for a multimodal foundation model aimed at enhancing AI-enabled robotics in Japan. This initiative is part of a broader effort to develop sovereign AI technologies within the country...
On July 16, the Japanese government announced a plan to purchase 27,500 next-generation Rubin architecture AI chips from NVIDIA, totaling approximately $2.4 billion. This initiative aims to build a national AI data center and develop domestic robotics foundational models, marking one of the largest...
Japan is set to purchase 27,500 next-generation Rubin chips from Nvidia Corp. to develop a foundational AI model tailored for robotics. This initiative aims to enhance Japan's capabilities in creating sovereign AI systems that can be integrated into various robotic applications. The acquisition of...
Fujitsu, a prominent Japanese communications company, is spearheading an initiative to integrate Nvidia's technology into artificial intelligence applications. This collaboration aims to merge Japan's advanced manufacturing capabilities in robotics with cutting-edge AI solutions. The significance o...
Nvidia Corp. has announced an expanded collaboration with four prominent Japanese industrial automation companies to enhance robot development. This partnership aims to support Jensen Huang's initiative to advance AI-enabled hardware in the robotics sector. The collaboration is significant as it un...
NVIDIA and its partners in Japan are demonstrating advancements in AI and robotics, highlighting the country's role as a global technology hub. The collaboration with SEGA marks over 30 years of partnership, bringing the new VIRTUA FIGHTER CROSSROADS to NVIDIA's RTX Spark superchip, enhancing gaming...
NVIDIA has announced that Japan's leaders in physical AI are utilizing the NVIDIA Cosmos™, Isaac™, Metropolis, and Jetson™ platforms to enhance the deployment of intelligent machines across various sectors including manufacturing and robotics. The introduction of Cosmos 3 Edge aims to provide advanc...
Phoxter Co., Ltd. will showcase its innovations at the upcoming "Robot Technology Japan 2026" exhibition, scheduled to take place from June 11 to June 13, 2026, at the Aichi Sky Expo. This event aims to highlight advancements in robotics technology and foster collaboration within the industry. By pa...
Denso Wave will participate in the upcoming "ROBOT TECHNOLOGY JAPAN 2026," scheduled to take place from June 11 to June 13, 2026, at the Aichi Sky Expo in Aichi Prefecture. This event aims to showcase advancements in robotics technology, reflecting the growing interest and innovation in the field. D...
JTEKT Corporation will participate in the upcoming "ROBOT TECHNOLOGY JAPAN 2026," scheduled to take place from June 11 to June 13, 2026, at the Aichi Sky Expo. The event is organized by News Digest Co., Ltd. This exhibition aims to showcase advancements in robotics technology and foster collaboratio...
Mazda Motor Corporation is transitioning part of its wiring harness production back to Japan, collaborating with supplier Yazaki to automate this labor-intensive process. This move is aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing reliance on overseas manufacturing for a crucial vehicle component used i...
Elza Japan has announced a domestic distribution agreement with Booster Robotics, allowing it to handle the humanoid robots 'Booster K1' and 'Booster T2'. The distribution is set to commence in November 2026. This partnership is significant as it enhances Elza Japan's offerings beyond GPU servers a...
Donut Robotics has formed a capital and business alliance with Charm Care Corporation to create humanoid robots aimed at eldercare. Charm Care, which manages over 100 nursing homes in the Kansai and Greater Tokyo regions, will invest ¥300 million (around $2 million) in Donut Robotics through a share...
DIC Corp. has made a strategic investment in Mantis Robotics, marking the inaugural deal from its $62 million DIC D2S Ventures fund. This investment aims to enhance Mantis' development of fenceless industrial robots, particularly the MR-1, which has recently achieved safety certification. The collab...
Japan is at the forefront of addressing elder care challenges, particularly in dementia care, through innovative approaches that integrate AI and robotics. Aoikea, a notable Japanese provider, is gaining international recognition for its community-focused, independence-oriented elder-care model, exe...
Japanese industrial automation firm Fanuc has partnered with Google to create an AI-automated welding system. This innovative solution utilizes robots equipped with artificial intelligence that can interpret blueprints directly, thus removing the need for manual programming. Deliveries of this advan...
Elza Japan has obtained exclusive sales rights for the DEEPRobotics Lynx S10, a compact wheeled quadruped robot, set to begin pre-orders on August 3, 2026. The Lynx S10 inherits all-terrain capabilities from its predecessor, the Lynx M20 series, while achieving significant downsizing and weight redu...
Genki Robotics, a Tokyo-based startup, is set to launch its inaugural product this year, as confirmed by CEO Andy Rubin in an interview with Nikkei Asia. This marks a significant step for the company as it transitions towards commercial deployment following a recent fundraising round. The launch is...
Japan's Olympus is pioneering a shift in endoscopic surgery by envisioning a future where procedures are conducted from a robotic console rather than at the bedside. This transition aims to integrate robots and artificial intelligence into the surgical process, thereby reducing the manual workload f...
Obayashi Corporation has initiated an 18-month joint verification project utilizing humanoid robots at a construction site near Tokyo. The project aims to address the critical labor shortage in Japan's construction industry, where over one-third of workers are aged 65 and older, while less than 10%...
Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Nvidia have announced a partnership to create a cutting-edge shipyard in Japan that will utilize artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to enhance productivity and address labor shortages in the shipbuilding sector by leveraging Nvidia's digital twin technology....
Researchers at Keio University in Tokyo have created a silent, floating companion robot that mimics the movement of animated creatures. This innovative prototype, inspired by characters like Tinker Bell and Pokémon’s Mew, is designed to be approachable and safe for indoor environments. The signific...
GA Robotics, the official distributor of UBTECH humanoid robots in Japan, announced the launch of three new models set to be available domestically starting June 30, 2026. The models include the "Walker Tienkung DEX" designed for research and development, the "Walker C1" tailored for commercial serv...
GMO AI & Robotics Trading Co., Ltd. has entered into an official agency agreement with Unitree Robotics, a leading manufacturer known for its bipedal humanoid robots, which is projected to be the world's top seller by 2025. The agreement was finalized on June 19, 2026, and marks the beginning of sal...
Elsa Japan Co., Ltd. announced the launch of the DEEPRobotics DR02, an all-weather industrial humanoid robot, for the domestic market on June 18, 2026. This new product aims to enhance operational efficiency in various industries by providing advanced robotic solutions capable of functioning in dive...
Tokyo-based startup MW Inc. has launched homes equipped with robotic housekeeping arms, positioning itself against the growing trend of humanoid robots. This innovative approach aims to enhance domestic living by integrating advanced robotics directly into residential spaces. The introduction of th...
SoftBank Robotics (SBR) is exploring the integration of Loki Robotics' toilet cleaning robot into its cleaning services, targeting deployment by spring 2027. The robot was first demonstrated at 'SoftBank World 2026' on July 14, 2026, showcasing its ability to clean toilets using a specialized brush....
Artificial intelligenceJapan's Shimizu bets on humanoid robots to tackle construction labor crunchCompany eyes fiscal 2030 for robots that can walk around, paint and coat wallsShimizu is testing out the ability of this robot from China's Unitree to patrol construction sites on foot. (Photo by Kohei...
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