ACCESS
ACCESS Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-listed (TSE:4813) Japanese software firm known for the NetFront browser, now testing VLA-model remote robot control over IOWN APN.
ACCESS CO., LTD. is a Tokyo-headquartered software and networking technology company, incorporated in 1984 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market under ticker 4813. Its head office is located near Akihabara Station in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. The company built its reputation on NetFront, a mobile browser engine that at its peak shipped on more than a billion devices across 2,000-plus models, including NTT DoCoMo's i-mode phones, the Sony PSP, and early Amazon Kindle e-readers. In 2005, ACCESS acquired PalmSource, gaining rights to Palm OS and BeOS, which it used to develop the Access Linux Platform, an open-source mobile OS deployed by carriers including NTT DoCoMo and Orange until 2013. A 2006 acquisition of IP Infusion expanded ACCESS into carrier and enterprise networking software.
Today ACCESS organizes its business around mobile, cloud, browser, and IoT technologies, providing embedded software, IoT beacons and gateways, digital signage platforms, and network operating systems for telecommunications, consumer electronics, automotive, and infrastructure customers. The company operates internationally with subsidiaries and offices in the United States, Germany, Korea, China, and Taiwan.
In June 2026, ACCESS publicly demonstrated a Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model for remote robot control, connecting an inference server running its proprietary VLA model to a robotic arm performing pick-and-place tasks over NTT's IOWN All-Photonics Network (APN), with technical support from NTT West. The trial, aimed at addressing Japan's shortage of experienced technicians as skilled workers retire, showed that high-quality, low-latency optical networking let the remote-controlled arm execute tasks with stability and smoothness close to local operation, and that network quality directly affects robot usability and task efficiency. The experiment points ACCESS's software and AI expertise toward emerging use cases in remote-assisted robotic operation and industrial maintenance, extending its historical focus on connectivity software into physical-AI and robotics control applications.
As of January 2023, ACCESS reported capital of roughly 17.19 billion yen and about 309 employees, with Kiyoyasu Oishi serving as representative director and president.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
WAVEE+ Proximity Beacon
BLE proximity beacon (109x63x26.7mm, IP x4) with up to 5-year battery life and adjustable range to 50m for retail O2O.
Contact ACCESS
WEBSITE
https://www.access-company.com/HEADQUARTERS
Japan
Company Facts
Founded
1984
Primary Role
Software/Algorithm
Company Size
employees 100-500
Primary Region
Asia-Pacific
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
Public
Funding Total
-
Certifications & Memberships
Galaxy Robot Park Opens as World's First Robot Cultural Complex in Seoul
Galaxy Robot Park officially opened in Gwangjin-gu, eastern Seoul, showcasing humanoid robots performing K-pop dances and martial arts. The event featured a 40-minute performance where robots, powered by AI, coordinated their movements autonomously, marking a significant improvement from previous demonstrations. CEO Choi Yong-ho highlighted the robots' ability to analyze choreography from online videos, likening their operation to 'autonomous driving' for robots. The significance of Galaxy Robot Park lies in its ambition to be a cultural hub centered around robotics, although its remote location poses challenges for accessibility. The park aims to deliver entertainment experiences that only robots can provide, blending technology with performance art. The successful execution of the performance indicates advancements in robotic coordination and AI capabilities, suggesting a promising future for robot entertainment. Looking ahead, the development of Galaxy Robot Park will be closely monitored as it evolves from a spectacle into a fully realized cultural venue. The integration of advanced robotics in entertainment could pave the way for new forms of artistic expression. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
All News
OpenClaw: The Fastest Growing Open Source Project on GitHub Developed in Just One Hour
Peter Steinberger developed OpenClaw, an AI coding tool, in just one hour, which has since become one of the fastest-growing open source projects on GitHub, attracting around 2,000 contributors in just six months. The tool allows users to interact with coding agents through familiar chat applications like WhatsApp, making coding accessible to non-engineers. This innovation has gained traction within Microsoft's product ecosystem, highlighting its potential to enhance productivity beyond traditional programming. Looking ahead, the focus will be on how OpenClaw continues to evolve and whether it can maintain its rapid growth while addressing the challenges of quality control in contributions from non-coders. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
ENGINEAI Reports General-Purpose Humanoid Robot Costs Drop Below RMB100,000
ENGINEAI, a humanoid robot manufacturer based in Shenzhen, has announced that the cost of its general-purpose humanoid robots has decreased to below RMB100,000 per unit. This significant reduction marks a shift from three years ago when similar robots were priced over RMB1 million. The CEO of ENGINEAI, Zhao Tongyang, emphasized that this pricing pertains to robots intended for practical applications in factories and households, distinguishing them from lower-cost toy models. This development highlights the growing accessibility of advanced robotics technology for various sectors. Looking ahead, the industry may witness further advancements in humanoid robotics as costs continue to decline. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News Feed
Exploring Software-Defined Manufacturing and Its Impact on Factory Operations
In Episode 258 of The Robot Report Podcast, Dr. Roby Lynn, founder and CEO of R2 Labs, discusses the concept of software-defined manufacturing. This approach leverages automation to enhance production flexibility, allowing companies to adapt more readily to changing demands. R2 Labs, based in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, offers the RAC (R2 Autonomy Controller), a product designed to modernize legacy equipment. By integrating advanced technologies such as AI vision and robotics, the RAC enables manufacturers to access cutting-edge industrial capabilities, which is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the evolving market. Listeners should keep an eye on the developments in software-defined manufacturing as it continues to reshape factory operations. The integration of smart technologies like the RAC could lead to significant improvements in efficiency and productivity. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Artificial Intelligence Controllers Design / Development Manufacturing News Opinion
Solid Launches Viewla IPC-16LTEII Security Camera Compatible with Three Carriers
On August 18, Solid released the Viewla IPC-16LTEII, a SIM-enabled security camera. This device can operate in areas without internet by simply inserting a SIM card and providing power. It supports networks from NTT Docomo, au, and SoftBank, with successful connectivity confirmed for Rakuten Mobile as well. The Viewla IPC-16LTEII can record for approximately four weeks on a microSD card (sold separately) with a capacity of up to 128GB. Users can remotely access video footage via smartphones or PCs. The camera is designed to be waterproof and dustproof, making it suitable for outdoor installation. Optional features include a solar panel and recording via SolidCLOUD, which ensures no loss of footage. The camera measures 58mm in width, 52mm in height, and 213mm in depth, with a maximum resolution of 1920x1080 pixels (Full HD). No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Shenzhen's Qiaojie Robotics Aims to Redefine Robotics with New Operating System
Qiaojie Robotics has emerged as a leader in motion control for bipedal robots, claiming to have the highest number of configurations globally, according to founder Shang Yangxing. At the 2026 World Robotics Conference, the company showcased its RoboCraft AI and discussed advancements in embodied intelligence technology with industry partners. The significance of Qiaojie's approach lies in addressing a major pain point in the robotics industry: the need for teams to relearn basic functions with each new robot. Shang Yangxing emphasized that their goal is to create a universal operating system that encapsulates the underlying capabilities of robotic hardware, making it accessible for users unfamiliar with robotics. Looking ahead, Qiaojie Robotics is focused on developing a three-layer operating system, with the Motion layer as its foundation. This approach differentiates it from traditional systems like ROS, which do not encapsulate motion capabilities effectively. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotic Operating Systems Motion Control Humanoid Robots AI Robotics Innovation
NIVA: A New AI Tool for Nuclear Reactor Data Search Powered by Supercomputing
Nuclear power stations in North America have started utilizing a new virtual system named NIVA, developed by Atomic Canyon in partnership with several industry organizations. This software enables engineers and technicians to efficiently query extensive archives of technical and regulatory records, addressing the challenge of accessing critical knowledge quickly. The significance of NIVA lies in its ability to leverage AI technology to enhance operational efficiency within the U.S. nuclear sector. Trey Lauderdale, Founder & CEO of Atomic Canyon, emphasized that the nuclear industry possesses a wealth of knowledge that has been difficult to access, and NIVA represents a step towards making this information readily available for modern deployments. Looking ahead, NIVA currently offers two functional modules, with a third tool in development for diagnostic tasks. The rollout follows a successful pilot program involving Constellation Energy and other utilities. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Energy
uAvionix and Airwise Solutions Integrate Real-Time Aircraft Tracking into Drone Platform
uAvionix and Airwise Solutions have partnered to enhance drone operations by integrating uAvionix's FlightLine surveillance service into the Airwise drone platform. This collaboration aims to improve safety in shared airspace by providing real-time visibility of cooperative aircraft, which is crucial for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. The integration of FlightLine into Airwise's enterprise platform allows drone operators to access reliable airspace traffic data without the need for additional infrastructure. This development is significant as it supports safer and more scalable drone operations, particularly in complex environments where situational awareness is essential. As the demand for BVLOS operations grows, the partnership is expected to facilitate the deployment of Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) capabilities more efficiently. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News
Amazon to Expand Prime Air Drone Delivery to Nearly 500 U.S. Cities by 2026
Amazon.com Inc. announced plans to expand its Prime Air drone delivery service to nearly 500 cities and towns across the U.S. by the end of 2026, marking a sixfold increase from its current service area. This expansion aims to provide tens of millions of customers with access to drone delivery for groceries, electronics, cosmetics, medications, and household products. The significance of this expansion lies in Amazon's commitment to enhancing customer convenience with ultrafast delivery options. David Carbon, vice president of Amazon Prime Air, stated that deliveries can be made in as fast as 30 minutes, with hundreds of thousands of packages already delivered by drone this year. The service is currently operational in seven states and is set to launch in additional metro areas, including Chicago and Atlanta, later this year. Looking ahead, Amazon's Prime Air service is not only expanding in the U.S. but has also launched in Darlington, U.K., marking its first international deployment. As the company continues to innovate in drone technology and delivery logistics, it will be important to monitor how this service evolves and its impact on the broader logistics and retail landscape. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Drones News Retail / Wholesale Robots / Platforms Unmanned Aerial Systems / Drones Amazon
Potential Data Breach at Osaka Expo Due to Unauthorized Access to Microsoft 365 Account
On August 20, 2025, the Japan International Expo Association announced a potential data breach involving unauthorized access to a Microsoft 365 account used by a subcontractor. This breach may have exposed personal information of stakeholders and event participants related to the Osaka-Kansai Expo, although no general visitor data has been confirmed as compromised. The incident began on May 13 when an employee of the subcontractor received a phishing email disguised as communication from a foreign company, leading to unauthorized access. The subcontractor promptly blocked access on the same day. The data potentially affected includes names, affiliations, email addresses, and other personal details of employees and event participants, but credit card information has not been confirmed as compromised. As of August 20, there have been no reports of secondary damages from the unauthorized access. However, the Expo Association has warned about the possibility of phishing attempts impersonating the organization and urged stakeholders to verify any unexpected communications. The association is reviewing security measures and information management protocols with its subcontractors.
Inside Saga Robotics: UVC Light vs. Crop Disease
Saga Robotics CPO Damian Flynn on the Thorvald platform's UVC treatment system, its jump from UK strawberries to California wine grapes, and why he's “incredibly bullish” on applying automation and robotics into industries “most chaotic environment.”
How a Robot Should Die: Phase 5, Lifecycle KPIs, and One Welding Arm's Four Years
When is a robot's time up? RSF's four-dimension scoring matrix, Data Erasure Certificates, hazmat compliance, and five KPIs that measure the lifecycle.
World Robot Conference 2026 Opens in Beijing Aug. 19–23, Days After Unitree's $9B IPO
WRC 2026 opens August 19 in Beijing with 300+ exhibitors, a first-ever SOE pavilion and a new Procurement Day, days after Unitree priced China's first mainland-listed humanoid robot IPO at a $9.04 billion valuation.
Robotics: Modelling, Planning and Control Siciliano, Sciavicco, Villani & Oriolo — RSF Specialist Shelf · Book S6 of 6
Siciliano's single-narrative counterpart to the Springer Handbook: kinematics through force control and visual servoing in one consistent notation. 4/5.
Underactuated Robotics Russ Tedrake — RSF Specialist Shelf · Book S3 of 6
Legged robots fall over for control reasons, not mechanical ones. Tedrake's free MIT 6.832 notes explain why, and what a controller must do about it.
FCC Robot Ban Takes Effect, Unitree Launches $620M IPO
The FCC's Covered List robot ban and a House-passed NDAA provision land within days of each other, while Unitree launches its $620M STAR Market IPO. A supply-chain and market-access update.
Introduction to Robotics J. J. Craig — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 6
Six of ten benchmark universities teach kinematics from Craig. Frames, transforms and D-H parameters: the language vendor manuals already speak.
Springer Handbook of Robotics B. Siciliano & O. Khatib (eds.) — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 10
Eighty-plus chapters, 2,300 pages, nobody reads it cover to cover. It ranks for one reason: when a fault crosses domains, this is the reference of record.
Modern Robotics K. M. Lynch & F. C. Park — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 8
The book the field agreed to make free: full preprint PDF, video lectures and open code from the authors. Screw theory and kinematics, taught rigorously.
A Gentle Introduction to ROS Jason M. O’Kane — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 9
Most ROS material is for people who build systems. O'Kane wrote for people who must understand one: nodes, topics, where to look. Free, 10-12 hours.
