Joint research and development toward the practical application of robots
First written in FY2017-Q3. 4 of 7 entries say "Advanced", first in FY2019. Latest entry: FY2026.
The whole theme swung hardest in 2022: 2 of 8 companies on the "Worse" side.
7 other companies' latest entry also says "Advanced".
- FY2026AdvancedAnnual report
「In logistics, we introduced a picking-automation solution using autonomous collaborative robots at a pharmaceutical company to improve logistics quality and address future labor shortages. Going forward, we will use physical AI to pursue solutions to further challenges.」
The scope of practical robot applications expanded from retail stores to picking automation in pharmaceutical logistics, resulting in an implementation. - 2026-05-26First statedGeneral Meeting of Shareholders
「We introduced a picking automation solution using autonomous collaborative robots at a pharmaceutical company. Going forward, we will continue addressing additional challenges by harnessing physical AI.」
This is the first independent record of using autonomous collaborative robots and physical AI to improve logistics quality and address labor shortages. - FY2023-Q3AdvancedAnnual report
「In October 2022, our proposal for a joint demonstration experiment involving 8 companies, including our company, was selected under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s public solicitation for “Effective Introduction and Use Cases for Cross-Supply-Chain Automation Equipment in Logistics Facilities.” Through the demonstration experiment, we will help create a robot-friendly environment in which robots can be readily introduced, while working to improve productivity through greater efficiency across supply chains and logistics and to achieve sustainable growth in the distribution and logistics industries.」
The scope of practical robot applications expanded from retail stores to logistics facilities, and a cross-supply-chain joint demonstration experiment involving 8 companies was selected. - FY2021RestatedAnnual report
「We jointly developed RASFOR, an AI robot service that reduces the time required for store operations and cuts lost gross profit and opportunity losses, with customers and began providing it.」
The launch of RASFOR, an AI robot service that replaces product-shelf checks at retail stores, is reaffirmed as a research and development and commercialization achievement. - FY2021-Q3AdvancedAnnual report
「As one example of digital transformation in the retail industry, we began providing “RASFOR™ (ラスフォー),” an AI robot service that improves the efficiency of store operations and reduces lost sales and opportunity losses. After stores close, the robot autonomously travels through unmanned stores, photographing product shelves and checking selling prices, POP expiration dates and out-of-stock items. By taking over these tasks from employees, it helps address the worsening labor shortage.」
Regarding the practical use of robots, the company progressed to launching RASFOR, an AI robot service that autonomously travels through retail stores and inspects product shelves. - FY2019AdvancedAnnual report
「To address the labor shortage, one of society’s key challenges, we are pursuing initiatives that use service robots to support employees’ work. We are currently conducting joint research and development on an autonomous mobile AI robot designed to replace manual shelf-checking operations at retail stores, particularly supermarkets.」
The joint robot research and development has been given a specific application: an autonomous mobile AI robot that replaces shelf checks at retail stores as a response to labor shortages. - FY2017-Q3First statedAnnual report
「We are also strengthening new initiatives, including launching joint research and development aimed at putting robots into practical use.」
It describes the launch of joint research and development aimed at putting robots into practical use as a new initiative.