Play Robotics
Tokyo specialist in safety verification and deployment support for the world's major humanoid robots, filling the humanoid safety-standard gap.
Play Robotics Inc. (Play Robotics) is a Japanese company established on April 9, 2026, and headquartered in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. The company specializes in safety verification and deployment support for the major humanoid robots being developed worldwide, positioning itself to fill the gap left by the absence of established, humanoid-specific safety standards. Play Robotics was founded against the backdrop of Japan's projected labor shortage, with humanoid robots seen as a key solution while the rules and know-how needed for safe human-robot coexistence remain immature. The company is led by representative director and CEO Takashi Sano, who previously founded TALENT Inc. in 2018 and was selected for Forbes NEXT100 in 2025, alongside director and CTO Kouta Yokoyama, a motion-control specialist who studied electrical and electronic engineering at Kisarazu College and Yokohama National University Graduate School, researched caregiving transfer robots, and spent about six years at Omron working on factory automation and safety-device development.
Play Robotics operates three core service lines: Playground, a dedicated humanoid safety-verification laboratory; Plug & Play, deployment and implementation support for organizations adopting humanoid robots; and Playful, a media operation covering the field. By the end of 2026 the company plans to open its humanoid-specific safety-verification lab and to acquire and study dozens of major humanoid robot models from around the world, building independent know-how on how to validate and safely integrate them. Its overall aim is to enable a society in which humans and humanoid robots can coexist safely.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Company Facts
Founded
2026
Primary Role
System Integrator
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Asia-Pacific
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
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Certifications & Memberships
Kakuichi and Play Robotics Launch Project to Employ Unitree's Humanoid G1 as New Graduate
Kakuichi Co., Ltd., a steel products and industrial hose manufacturer based in Nagano, Japan, and Play Robotics, a robotics company, have announced a joint project to welcome a bipedal humanoid robot as a new employee. This initiative marks the first time in Japan that a small to medium-sized enterprise will integrate a humanoid robot, named 'Miyazawa Noah' (Unitree's G1), into its workforce as a 'new graduate' without limiting its assigned roles. Set to begin in April 2027, Kakuichi plans to train the humanoid robot across multiple departments, including factory operations, sales, education, and safety management. The project will involve over ten employees from Kakuichi Group, which includes Kakuichi, Kakuichi Building Materials Industry, and Kakuichi Manufacturing, under the technical support of Play Robotics' CTO, Kodai Yokoyama. The first milestone will be the robot's attendance at Kakuichi's entrance ceremony alongside human new hires. Following the entrance ceremony, the humanoid will gain practical experience in the workplace, gradually increasing its capabilities. Both companies aim to share insights gained from this project regarding technology, safety, and organizational development, with a view to potentially supporting similar initiatives for other small to medium-sized enterprises in the future.
Kakuichi and Play Robotics Launch Project to Employ Unitree's Humanoid G1 as New Graduate Employee
Kakuichi Co., Ltd., a steel products and industrial hose manufacturer based in Nagano, Japan, has announced a collaborative project with Play Robotics to welcome a bipedal humanoid robot as a new employee. This initiative marks the first instance in Japan where a humanoid robot will be integrated as a 'new graduate employee' across various departments without predefined roles. Set to commence in April 2027, Kakuichi plans to onboard the humanoid robot named 'Miyazawa Noa' (Unitree's G1) alongside human new graduates. The robot will undergo training and practical experience in multiple areas, including factory operations, sales, education, and safety management, as part of a continuous development program. The project involves over ten employees from Kakuichi Group and aims to showcase the robot's progress through press releases and the company website. Looking ahead, Kakuichi and Play Robotics intend to accumulate insights on technology, safety, and organizational development through this project. They are also considering commercializing support for the introduction and utilization of bipedal humanoids in other small and medium-sized enterprises facing similar challenges. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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First educational event in Japan featuring humanoid demonstrations and physical AI experiences at elementary schools on June 26.
Play Robotics, a company specializing in safety evaluation and support for the integration of humanoid robots, is set to host a Physical AI Experience event on June 26, 2026. The event will take place at Shiroyama Elementary School in Inagi City. This initiative aims to provide participants with hands-on experiences to explore the capabilities and safety of humanoid robots, promoting awareness and understanding of AI technologies in educational environments. Through interactive demonstrations and activities, attendees will gain insights into the practical applications of robotics and artificial intelligence in everyday life.
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