In recent years, robots have been widely applied in many fields. Factory automation already has a long history but automation is currently extending to warehouses, farms, offices, and even homes. Our mission is to accelerate this trend and realize an efficient society. Ultimately, we aim to create a society in which robots do boring and dangerous tasks while humans engage in work requiring their mind and heart.
We propose innovative robotic applications by both discovering and creating unknown market needs and technology seeds. Innovative ideas are born from the connection with people and society. Tokyo is among the best places in the world to create novel robotic applications because of its many potential customers, universities and institutes conducting cutting-edge research, and highly skilled small factories. For this reason, our company is based in Tokyo and is named Tokyo Robotics.
Robotics Startup Conference 2023 co-hosted by Waseda Univ. and us was featured in Robotstart.
CEO Sakamoto gave a talk at the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Hiroaki Arie (Ph.D) joined Tokyo Robotics as the CPO (Chief Product Officer).
CEO Sakamoto made a pitch at Toranomon Summit.
Torobo is a robot developed to accelerate research on industrial applications of full-body humanoid robots. Equipped with torque sensors in all the joints of its arms and waist, Torobo is capable of high-performance impedance control and force control. It can be used to automate tasks that involve active contact with people, the environment, and objects, as well as for applied machine learning research.
Unlike Torobo, Toala is not equipped with joint torque sensors, but it is capable of contact stop and simple impedance control by torque detection based on current value (disturbance observer). Toala is intended for customers who want to verify advanced automation using a dual-arm robot in a more practical way.
Tolon is an easy-to-use mobile manipulator that can work in narrow spaces thanks to its asymmetrical arm arrangement and omni-directional mobile base. Tolon is a powerful tool for the R&D of next-generation autonomous robots that combine autonomous movement with image recognition for manipulation, and for the development of robot applications such as material handling, short-distance transport, patrols, etc.
This is an arm-hand integrated manipulator that combines a force-controllable (impedance-controlled) robotic arm and a multi-axis, multi-fingered hand with tactile sensors. It is ideal for research on advanced object manipulation using machine learning.
Torobo Eye is a compact and lightweight 3D camera developed as a vision sensor for robots. It uses structured light 3D measurement to acquire high-definition 3D images. It is suitable not only for fixed installation but also for operation mounted on the tip of small- to medium-sized robotic arms including mobile manipulators.
We are developing solutions for logistics using Mobile Grippers™ and mobile manipulators, which travel autonomously and perform object handling. We aim to automate tasks such as palletizing, depalletizing, and case/piece picking from shelves in small- and medium-sized warehouses and factories. System development and on-site verification are currently underway.
We support the JST Moonshot Project by Waseda University and co-develop a teleoperated robot with NTT Communications. We are also conducting various research and development activities in-house.
We conduct a feasibility study on a contract basis for a new automation application with autonomous robots. We have worked with JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives), JUKI, Yamaha Motor, and JFE Steel, etc.
This is a demo of automatic case handling using a mobile manipulator "Tolon" and a Mobile Gripper(TM). They recognize boxes and conveyors, and conduct the task autonomously.
This video shows the basic performance of humanoid robot “Torobo”, which is used as a research platform for JST’s Moonshot R&D program (Goal 3: Smart Robot that is Close to One Person for a Lifetime).
This video shows the basic performance of a humanoid robot Toala. By estimating the external force from the motor current value, impedance control is possible without joint torque sensors.
Tolon is a mobile manipulator that can work in narrow spaces thanks to its asymmetrical arm arrangement and omni-directional mobile base. It is ideal for the development of autonomous robots that automate material handling, short-distance transport, security, patrolling, etc.
This is an application of a bilateral control system, which can transmit external force of a humanoid robot to its operator. This system is a result of joint development since we were selected for the Open Innovation Program by NTT Communications in 2019.
This is a demo of remotely controlled Toala, a humanoid robot capable of force control without joint torque sensors. Noitom's Perception Neuron PRO is used as the control device. This system is provided as an optional extra of Toala.
This is a demo of automatic palletizing with a Mobile Gripper(TM). By using left and right independent movable grippers and force detection, cardboard boxes are stacked without gaps.
This is a prototype of a 7-axis force-controlled cooperative robot arm jointly developed by Yamaha Motor and Tokyo Robotics. The arm can be controlled as if there is a spring at the end of the arm.
This is a demo of force and position control of a humanoid robot from a remote location using bilateral control over a network. This is the result of joint work with NTT Communications.
Multilayer perceptron is applied to the fingertip sensor array to grasp soft objects without crushing them, and heavy, slippery objects without dropping them.
This is a demo of picking irregular-shaped objects (Karaage). The pick and place movement in 2.2 seconds (at the fastest) per Karaage was achieved by using a Torobo Eye SL40 3D camera.
This is a demo of folding cloth. The folding width is adjusted by using image processing. It was carried out at the request of JUKI Corporation.
Yoshihiro has been involved in the robotics and positioning (indoor and outdoor navigation) fields for over 15 years. He has worked as a researcher in Waseda University and as a freelance engineer. He has acquired a wide range of skills and knowledge throughout his career: robotics, satellite navigation, machine learning, embedded system, RF circuit design, FPGA coding, Windows application development, web system development, and server management. He received his Ph.D. from Waseda University in 2013 on the theme of indoor positioning with GPS-compatible signals. He is now interested in constructing a business based on robotics technologies. He likes studying history.
While completing his Masters' course at Waseda University, Yuki started his career as a robot developer and mechanical designer. He developed prototypes for universities and companies on a contract basis. As part of his Bachelor and Masters' studies, he also developed a gravity compensation arm and a tree-cutting robot. After two years' experience at Toyota Motor Corporation, he cofounded Tokyo Robotics with Yoshihiro and developed the Torobo series from scratch. Now he focuses on constructing a force control system while managing over all the company's technologies as the CTO. His hobbies are customizing his car and exploring ramen restaurants.
After completing his Ph.D., he worked at RIKEN and Waseda University, where he was engaged in research on cognitive robotics, which uses neural networks and robots to model and understand human cognitive abilities. He then worked on the development of automatic driving technology using AI at Denso Corporation, and on the research and development of reinforcement learning for business applications at ALBERT Inc. He joined Tokyo Robotics in August 2023. His hobbies are sports.
Daichi worked at Mizuho Bank for 8 years, and engaged in corporate sales, mainly making loans for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises. At Tokyo Robotics, he is responsible for overall back office operations such as accounting, finance, labor management, and general affairs. He holds an MBA from Waseda Business School. His hobby is playing golf.
Takashi started his career as a roboticist when he joined in the Waseda university's micromouse club. In the Master's course, he studied a method to apply machine learning to the control of a robotic hand with multiple fingers. After he worked for Canon Inc. for two years, he joined in Tokyo Robotics. He is developing both low- and high-level software such as embedded firmware, communication architecture, and Windows / Linux (ROS) applications. Since university, he has participated the Tsukuba Challenge, which is an event for outdoor robot navigation, every year.
Takamitsu helped Yoshihiro and Yuki to launch Tokyo Robotics when he was a university student. For his Bachelor's and Master's studies, he also conducted the researches about an accurate omnidirectional mobile robot and a hydraulic bilateral actuator by collaborating with Tokyo Robotics. Since then, he has designed electronic circuits and PCB patterns of Torobo series as a person in charge of electronics development. His hobbies are home aquarium and traveling.
Shiro was a member of the R.U.R Robot Club in Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and won the Top 4 and the idea prize at the NHK Student Robot Contest as its team leader. While in school, he started working for Tokyo Robotics and developed a mobile robot and a robotic hand. After he graduated the university, he joined in Tokyo Robotics, and now he is designing and manufacturing the mechanical components. His hobby is playing baseball.
Kenta is interested in developing autonomous robots. He studied a machine learning based optimization method for control parameters of a robot and received M.S. degree from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Science, Kyoto University, in 2016. He has participated in the RoboCup Japan Open Rescue League and the Amazon Robotics Challenge. His main job role in Tokyo Robotics is developing high-level (close-to-application) software such as ROS, machine learning, and master-slave control.
Takeyuki is interested in robot motion control. He conducted research on gait generation algorithms for multi-legged robots and received M.S. degree from the Department of Engineering Science, Osaka University, in 2017. During his tenure at Mitsubishi Electric, he was involved in development work on improving the accuracy of motion control and dynamics modeling for machine tools and robots using machine learning. At Tokyo Robotics, he is in charge of developing robot applications and improving robot control performance.
Sota studied on the verification of a controller for power converters using SoC-FPGA, and received M.S degree from the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics, Tokyo Denki University. And he studied a robot picking method using reinforcement learning at AIST. In AIST, He was also RobotpaperChallenge organizer in 2020. At Tokyo Robotics, he is developing high-level software development, such as ROS implementation and image recognition. His hobby is running.
Koki was interested in power electronics from youth and studied circuit design and microcomputer programming on my own. As a university student, he belonged to R.U.R Robot Club in Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and engaged in many developments such as motor drivers, power supplies, and sensor circuits. He had been working at Tokyo Robotics while in university. After he graduated, he joined in Tokyo Robotics, and now he is developing low-level firmware and designing electronic circuits. His hobbies are electronic craft and traveling.
Toru is interested in robot motion control. He designed and built a robot with pneumatic actuators that tapes on a 3D curved surface, and conducted the research on force control (impedance control, hybrid control of position and force, etc.) to make the roller follow the curved surface. He received M.S. degree from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, in 2020. At Tokyo Robotics, he develops robot applications (both hardware and software) and improves robot control performance.
Shoi studied motion planning and control for automated driving of a lunar exploration rover in Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. As a university student, he belonged to R.U.R Robot Club where he was in charge of mechanical design and machining while serving as leader of the NHK Student Robot Contest. While in school, he worked for Tokyo Robotics, and designed a mobile robot and a robotic head. After he graduated, he joined Tokyo Robotics. His hobby is bouldering.
Ryota was a member of the R.U.R Robot Club at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and participated in the NHK Student Robot Contest. While supporting the team as the electronics leader, he designed a wide range of circuits and their PCB patterns and developed firmware. While attending school, he worked for Tokyo Robotics, mainly worked on power supply circuits and battery protection circuits. After he graduated, he joined Tokyo Robotics, and now he continues to be in charge of circuit design and manufacturing. His hobby is watching movies.
Mamoru is interested in machine learning and motion planning. He received M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tokyo. At the university, he conducted research on high-speed spreading and alignment of towel-like objects using a robot arm. His research results were published in IEEE Spectrum Video Friday. While in the university, he started working at Tokyo Robotics, and currently he is in charge of upper layer software development. He enjoys playing tennis and video games.
Yuta received M.S. in mechanical engineering from Waseda University. His research focused on control of a torque-controlled manipulator with series clutch actuators. He worked for Tokyo Robotics while at university, where he developed an object-picking system with tactile sensing, higher-layer software and designed the head and hand for humanoid robot. After graduating, he joined Tokyo Robotics. He likes to go for a jog.
Yuya studied estimation of chicken behavior in videos while in school. He received M.S. degree in Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Computer and Information Science. As a university student, he belonged to Robot Club and engaged development of localization system for a robot. While in school, he worked at Tokyo Robotics, and developed robot navigation system. After he graduated, he joined Tokyo Robotics. His hobby is taking photos.
Kosuke was a member of the Robocon Project in National Institute of Technology, Nara College and won the Top 4 and the Kosen Robocon Award at the NHK Kosen Robot Contest. While supporting the team as the electronics leader, he was designing circuit and programming microcomputer. At Tokyo Robotics, he is designing and manufacturing the mechanical components. His hobby is walking and making sweets.