Robotics

Shibaura Institute of Technology's "InSIGHT Grip" is a non-destructive inspection technology that estimates internal quality simply by gripping objects with a robot hand. With a low-cost, sensor-free design, it promises applications from fruit sorting in agriculture to industrial deterioration detection.

The US CCA program, China's loyal wingmen, and Japan's GCAP-linked combat drones. As nations race to develop AI-powered unmanned combat aircraft, we examine where Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries stand, and the structural challenges Japan's defense industry must overcome.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries is developing CORLEO, a four-legged personal mobility vehicle powered by hydrogen. After achieving 1.2 billion social media impressions at Osaka Expo 2025, the company targets deployment at Riyadh Expo 2030 and commercial sales by 2035. Discover the futuristic robot horse and global reactions.

Japanese startup AirKamuy has developed a cardboard military drone priced at just $2,000—one-tenth the cost of conventional fixed-wing UAVs. The AirKamuy 150 assembles in 5 minutes, flies at 120 km/h for 2 hours, and is attracting attention from Japan's Ministry of Defense and Coast Guard. How is this disruptive innovation reshaping defense technology?

Bosch's groundbreaking sensors unveiled at CES 2026 are revolutionizing robotics. By combining the BMP585 pressure sensor with IMU technology, robots can now detect even the lightest touch—like a feather brushing against their fingers. Explore the frontier of humanoid robot tactile technology and the MEMS sensor market projected to reach $19.2 billion by 2030. How does your country view robot tactile technology?

In January 2026, quadruped robot dogs made their debut at Japan's annual parachute training exercise, capturing public attention. Explore the capabilities of the Ghost Robotics Vision 60, its disaster relief applications during the Noto earthquake, and how Japan's Self-Defense Forces are modernizing amid personnel shortages. How does your country view military robotics?

Japanese VR startup Diver-X has acquired the business license for the force feedback device EXOS. Combined with its ContactGlove haptics, the aim reaches beyond VR and the metaverse into robot teleoperation and Physical AI. A look at the frontier of Japanese haptics.

A joint research team from ATR, Kyoto University, and AIST is developing a humanoid robot that can freely ride a skateboard. Learn about the technology expected to be applied in disaster rescue, nursing care, and construction—including dynamic balance control and off-road mobility. Includes comparison with global humanoid robot development.

ANA Holdings plans to commercialize drone logistics nationwide by fiscal 2028, targeting commercial service around 2027. Beginning with medical supply delivery to remote islands, the initiative aims to solve logistics challenges in underserved areas. A look at Japan's drone delivery landscape and future prospects.