Shimizu Corporation - 清水建设

Shimizu Corporation
清水建设

"Building a Better Tomorrow"

Japanese general contractor developing autonomous construction robots including welding, transport, and ceiling installation systems.

Visit Website

Company Overview

Shimizu Corporation is one of Japan's largest general contractors, founded in 1804 and headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo. The company offers end-to-end services in civil engineering, architecture, and construction management. In recent years Shimizu has invested heavily in robotics to address Japan's labor shortages and improve on-site productivity.

Its Shimizu Smart Site initiative integrates autonomous robots with AI and BIM to work alongside human workers. Key robots include Robo-Welder for column welding, Robo-Buddy for ceiling and floor installation, and Robo-Carrier for autonomous material transport. Trial results indicate labor savings of up to 79% on targeted tasks and an overall site productivity improvement of approximately 30%.

The company operates a dedicated Robotics Research Center for continued development.

Capabilities & Activities

Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:

Applications & Industries

Product Categories

Products & Solutions

Shimizu Smart Site Robotics System

Suite of autonomous construction robots for welding, material transport, and ceiling and floor installation.

Partnership & Notable clients

Associating Events

Contact Shimizu Corporation

WEBSITE

https://www.shimz.co.jp

HEADQUARTERS

2-16-1 Kyobashi
Chuo-ku
Tokyo , Tokyo  104-0031

Japan

Company Facts

Founded

1804

Primary Role

Manufacturer

Company Size

-

Primary Region

Asia-Pacific

Annual Sales

-

Funding Stage

-

Funding Total

-

Listed in RobotToday Supplier Discovery. Verified Profile

Related Coverage

Power Shift in the Global Robotics Industry as Traditional Leaders Face Challenges

Power Shift in the Global Robotics Industry as Traditional Leaders Face Challenges

In 2026, a significant power shift is occurring within the global robotics industry, particularly impacting the Chinese market. The four major foreign companies, Fanuc, Yaskawa, ABB, and KUKA, known as the 'Four Families,' are experiencing unprecedented challenges, while domestic brands have gained a market share exceeding 55% in industrial robotics. Fanuc's share has dropped to 9%, highlighting a dramatic change in the competitive landscape. This shift is crucial as it marks the decline of established players who once dominated over 60% of the Chinese industrial robotics market. The rise of domestic brands, particularly in collaborative and welding robots, indicates a growing trend towards local innovation and manufacturing capabilities. ABB's strategic retreat, including the planned sale of its robotics business, underscores the urgency of this transformation. Looking ahead, the robotics industry is witnessing the emergence of new players and innovative technologies. Companies like Tianji Intelligent and Yushu Technology are making strides in capital markets, while cross-industry giants like Xiaomi and Midea are integrating robotics into their operations. The ongoing power transfer suggests that the industry is entering a new phase, with the balance of power shifting towards domestic manufacturers and innovators.

Industrial Robots Vacuum Robots Automation Chinese Robotics Market
Palladyne AI and Fanuc America Collaborate on AI-Enhanced Robotics for Industry

Palladyne AI and Fanuc America Collaborate on AI-Enhanced Robotics for Industry

Palladyne AI and Fanuc America have established a strategic partnership to advance AI-driven robotic automation tailored for manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics sectors. This collaboration aims to integrate Fanuc's industrial robots with Palladyne IQ, focusing on enhancing motion planning, adaptive behavior, and human-assisted learning capabilities. The significance of this partnership lies in addressing challenges faced by manufacturers and logistics operators, such as skilled labor shortages and the need for increased productivity. By combining their technologies, the companies aim to create more adaptable robotic systems that can efficiently respond to dynamic environments, ultimately streamlining deployment processes across various operations. Looking ahead, the collaboration will also emphasize joint customer validation and the development of standardized deployment workflows, which are expected to simplify the introduction of robotic automation. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

AI AI Funding & Investment Capital Markets Robotics automation Fanuc
Palladyne AI and FANUC America Form Strategic Partnership to Enhance Robotic Automation

Palladyne AI and FANUC America Form Strategic Partnership to Enhance Robotic Automation

Palladyne AI and FANUC America have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing intelligent robotic automation. This partnership will integrate FANUC America's extensive industrial robot portfolio with Palladyne AI's innovative physical AI software platform. The collaboration is significant as it seeks to simplify the deployment of robotic systems, enhance their adaptability, and broaden the scope of automation across various sectors, including manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics. By leveraging both companies' strengths, the partnership aims to address the growing demand for efficient automation solutions. Looking ahead, industry stakeholders should monitor the developments from this collaboration, particularly how the integration of AI with robotics will impact operational efficiencies in the targeted sectors. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Emerging 2D Flex Feeding Revolutionizes Industrial Part Picking with Simplified Vision Systems

Emerging 2D Flex Feeding Revolutionizes Industrial Part Picking with Simplified Vision Systems

The article discusses the advancements in 2D Flex feeding technology, which simplifies robotic vision for industrial part picking. Unlike traditional 3D bin picking, this new approach allows for quicker and more reliable implementations, making it accessible for a broader range of applications. This innovation is significant as it enhances the capabilities of industrial robots in manufacturing, reducing the complexity associated with advanced vision systems. Experts Nicholas Kern from SICK and Nick Barron from Feedall highlight the advantages of flex feeding over bowl feeding, showcasing early adopters who are already experiencing substantial benefits. Looking ahead, the future of feeding robots appears promising with the integration of smarter vision systems. As this technology continues to evolve, it will be essential to monitor its adoption and impact on manufacturing efficiency and productivity. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Factory / Robotics
Universal Robot Launches Da Sheng 1: A Versatile Industrial Dexterous Hand

Universal Robot Launches Da Sheng 1: A Versatile Industrial Dexterous Hand

At the WRC exhibition, Universal Robot unveiled the Da Sheng 1, an industrial-grade dexterous hand designed to overcome existing limitations in robotic gripping technology. This innovative product aims to combine the high load capacity of traditional grippers with the versatile operational capabilities of dexterous hands, addressing a significant industry challenge. The Da Sheng 1 features a dynamic reconfiguration ability, allowing it to switch between multiple operational configurations, thus enhancing its adaptability for various tasks on production lines. This capability is crucial as manufacturing trends shift towards high variety and frequent changeovers, necessitating more flexible robotic solutions. Looking ahead, the industry will be keen to observe how the Da Sheng 1 performs in real-world applications and whether it can effectively replace traditional grippers in diverse operational scenarios. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Dexterous Hands Industrial Robotics Automation Technology Robotics Innovation
Tsubaki KabelSchlepp Introduces Robotrax System for Protecting Industrial Robot Cables

Tsubaki KabelSchlepp Introduces Robotrax System for Protecting Industrial Robot Cables

Tsubaki KabelSchlepp has launched the Robotrax System, a specialized three-dimensional cable carrier designed to protect electrical cables and hoses in six-axis articulated robots. This innovative system addresses the mechanical stress caused by rapid movements and torsional twists, which often lead to conductor fatigue and costly production halts. The Robotrax System features a central steel cable that absorbs tensile loads, preserving conductor integrity and extending cable service life. Its unique spherical link design allows for smooth flexing across three axes, while modular cable routing prevents signal interference and mechanical abrasion. This design significantly reduces installation and maintenance time, making it a valuable solution for automated manufacturing environments. Looking ahead, the Robotrax System's active retraction mechanism minimizes collision risks during complex robot movements. With tailored protective accessories, it is built to withstand demanding industrial conditions. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Articulated-robots Robot-uptime Automation Robot-arms Manufacturing Factory-robots
MagicLab Showcases Comprehensive Industrial Solutions at IFA 2026 for European Market

MagicLab Showcases Comprehensive Industrial Solutions at IFA 2026 for European Market

From September 4 to 8, 2026, MagicLab will present its full-stack industrial solutions at IFA 2026, focusing on flexible handling and logistics sorting for the European enterprise market. The company aims to demonstrate its global competitiveness as an end-to-end provider of industrial-grade embodied intelligence solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to observe the collaborative scheduling of MagicBot D1 and HyperBot, as well as experience the zero-sample generalization and anti-interference capabilities of the Magic-VLA K02 model. Three new robotic products will be showcased, including the flagship MagicBot X1, which features significant upgrades in joint modules and materials, enhancing durability and lightweight design. As European manufacturing faces challenges from an aging workforce and labor shortages, MagicLab's focus on flexible handling and logistics sorting addresses the urgent need for automation upgrades. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Industrial Robotics AI Solutions Logistics Automation Flexible Handling Robot Collaboration
Tianlian Launches TCE605 Robotic Arm at a Groundbreaking Price of ¥17880

Tianlian Launches TCE605 Robotic Arm at a Groundbreaking Price of ¥17880

Tianlian Robotics has introduced the TCE605 robotic arm, priced at ¥17880, marking a significant advancement in embodied intelligence. This model features a lightweight design at 6.8kg, capable of handling a rated load of 5kg and a maximum load of 8kg, with a working radius of 653mm and a repeat positioning accuracy of ±0.05mm. The TCE605's innovative design combines full harmonic joints with a dual encoder system, ensuring smooth motion and high precision even under rapid movements. Its low power consumption and safety features enhance its adaptability for various applications, including exploration, disaster relief, and industrial automation. This launch signifies a shift in the collaborative robotics market, making high-performance robotic arms accessible at a lower cost. The TCE605 aims to serve as a versatile interface in the embodied intelligence ecosystem, supporting various robotic operating systems and applications, thus transforming the concept of embodied intelligence into practical solutions.

Robotic Arms Embodied Intelligence Automation Industrial Robotics
Denso VS-050 Robot Arm Transformed into Automated Badminton Serving Machine

Denso VS-050 Robot Arm Transformed into Automated Badminton Serving Machine

A Denso VS-050 industrial robot arm has been repurposed into an automated badminton machine that serves shuttlecocks for practice sessions. Developed by Travis Mitchell over six months, this innovative project showcases the adaptability of industrial robotics for recreational use, allowing players to practice without a partner. The conversion involves a custom-built launching mechanism that utilizes the robot's six-axis capabilities to aim and fire shuttlecocks accurately. The design includes a shuttlecock magazine, pneumatic actuators, and high-speed spinning wheels, demonstrating how surplus industrial equipment can be creatively utilized in sports training. Looking ahead, the project highlights the potential for further innovations in the intersection of robotics and sports. As more enthusiasts explore similar adaptations, the future may see a rise in automated training systems across various sports disciplines. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

AI and Robotics
Enfu (China) Showcases Innovative Sealing Technology for Robot Longevity at WRC 2026

Enfu (China) Showcases Innovative Sealing Technology for Robot Longevity at WRC 2026

The 2026 World Robot Conference (WRC) commenced on August 19, 2026, in Beijing, showcasing over 300 exhibitors and more than 2,000 products. Enfu (China) presented its innovative sealing solutions for humanoid and industrial robots, emphasizing the importance of key component technology for precise movement and reliable operation. This event marks a significant shift in the robotics industry, moving from experimental demonstrations to large-scale applications. Enfu's advancements in sealing technology are crucial for enhancing the longevity and performance of robots, particularly in complex humanoid designs that require specialized sealing solutions. Looking ahead, Enfu's commitment to local R&D and its recent establishment of a technology center will enable faster responses to market demands and foster innovation. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Sealing Technology Humanoid Robots Industrial Robots Local R&D Robotics Innovation
WRC 2026 Robot Systems: 149 Companies That Build Robots

WRC 2026 Robot Systems: 149 Companies That Build Robots

149 of the 248 classified WRC 2026 exhibitors build finished robots. 93 build humanoid or legged machines. The audited humanoid sales number is one unit.

Springer Handbook of Robotics B. Siciliano & O. Khatib (eds.) — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 10

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.

Autonomous Mobile Robots Siegwart, Nourbakhsh & Scaramuzza — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 3

Autonomous Mobile Robots Siegwart, Nourbakhsh & Scaramuzza — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 3

AMR and AGV fleets are the biggest robot service market. Siegwart decodes the vendor manual: odometry, localization, cost maps.

Robotics, Vision and Control Peter Corke — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 5

Robotics, Vision and Control Peter Corke — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 5

Most books you read; Corke's you run. Every concept ships as executable Python via the open Robotics Toolbox. The code softens the maths.

Big Joe's Four-Product AMR Push at Automate 2026: What It Reveals About the North American Warehouse Automation Market

Big Joe's Four-Product AMR Push at Automate 2026: What It Reveals About the North American Warehouse Automation Market

RobotToday analyzes Big Joe's four new autonomous vehicles launched at Automate 2026 — AP44, ASC40, ATC100, ACV40 — in the context of North America's warehouse labor shortage and AMR market growth.

Piaggio Fast Forward Brings kilo® Autonomous Mobile Robot to Automate 2026

Piaggio Fast Forward Brings kilo® Autonomous Mobile Robot to Automate 2026

Piaggio Fast Forward showcases kilo®, an infrastructure-free collaborative AMR (300 lb payload, 360° LiDAR), at Automate 2026 booth #17054.

CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS | MATERIALS LOGISTICS & SITE AUTOMATION

CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS | MATERIALS LOGISTICS & SITE AUTOMATION

Construction sites waste 30% of worker time moving materials. Autonomous material logistics robots — from Kewazo's Liftbot to Bedrock Robotics and GoLe AMRs — are eliminating that waste. Key stat: Kewazo Liftbot saves 70% of scaffold man-hours. This segment delivers better ROI than headline bricklayers.

CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS |  INSPECTION, SCANNING & DIGITAL TWIN

CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS | INSPECTION, SCANNING & DIGITAL TWIN

Inspection, scanning, and digital twin robots are construction's widest adoption curve. BCA-mandated drone façade inspections in Singapore, DroneDeploy's 3M+ sites, Boston Dynamics Spot Cam 2, and Exodigo's $214M funding define the segment. Key stat: Inspection/scanning commands 30% of construction robot applications (FactMR, 2025; unverified).

CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS | Concrete & Structural Robots: The Fastest ROI in Construction Automation

CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS | Concrete & Structural Robots: The Fastest ROI in Construction Automation

Rebar binding robots cut labor 70%. Concrete finishing robots grow at 17% CAGR. Deep-dive on TyBOT/IronBOT, Hilti Jaibot, Shimizu Smart Site, and China's XCMG. Why structural automation delivers the fastest payback in high-rise markets.

Construction Robots vs. Unions: A $500K Battle

Construction Robots vs. Unions: A $500K Battle

Construction robots can lay 6× more bricks than humans—but unions, labor law, and political calculus are keeping them off U.S. sites. How Japan, Singapore, and Europe are winning the race instead.