The AI Robot Association (AIRoA; Head Office: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Chairperson: Tetsuya Ogata) has been selected as a project implementer under the “Post-5G Information and Communication System Infrastructure Enhancement R&D Program / Development of Data Platforms for Generative AI Foundation Models in the Robotics Field” by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Through this project, AIRoA will engage in research and development of a data platform essential for generative AI foundation models in the robotics field, covering data collection, model development, and validation. The outcomes will be made as open as possible, aiming to broadly contribute to the development of generative AI foundation models in robotics.

Features of the Project

This project brings together leading companies and research institutions with cutting-edge knowledge and technical capabilities in generative AI. By integrating expertise in large-scale learning, multimodal data processing, and robotic systems, the project aims to build a platform with high international competitiveness.

A key feature of this initiative is the close collaboration with industry to promote deployment of AI foundation models in industrial applications. We have identified industries such as retail, manufacturing, and logistics as priority areas where AI-driven robotics is most urgently needed. The project will start in these domains to develop foundation models that can be practically applied in industrial settings.

Through these strategic collaborations and the accumulation of technical infrastructure, the project aims not only for short-term demonstrable results but also for long-term contributions to the establishment of a Japan-origin industrial AI ecosystem and the overall enhancement of the robotics industry.

Project Goals

The primary objective of this project is to verify the feasibility of social implementation of robots using generative AI models in industry. To achieve this, the project has set three main goals to be accomplished within the planned project period:

1.Data Collection for Platform Development: Build high-quality datasets by collecting globally competitive volumes of data from experimental and real-world environments to support model development.

2.Development of Generative AI Foundation Models Using Platform Data: Construct foundation models capable of generalizable knowledge transfer and skill learning across multiple robot types and use cases.

3.Evaluation and Verification in Real Environments: Implement and test application-specific models derived from the foundation models in real-world or simulated environments in retail, manufacturing, and logistics, and assess their potential for commercial deployment.

Subcontractors

Telexistence Inc.

ABEJA Inc.

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)

The University of Tokyo

Kyushu Institute of Technology

Shimizu Corporation

Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

(Listed in alphabetical order)

Project Period

October 1, 2025 – August 31, 2029

Project Budget

20.5 billion JPY

AIRoA’s Vision

AIRoA aims to create a future where humans and technology coexist through the social implementation of AI-driven robotics. By addressing societal challenges, strengthening industrial competitiveness, and contributing to a sustainable society, AIRoA fosters collaboration across industry, government, and academia, and promotes global innovation. We are committed to the proliferation of robots that create new value in harmony with humans, contributing to a safe and prosperous society.