Tohoku University and Obayashi Corporation have jointly established the Obayashi Corporation × Tohoku University Next-Generation Construction Technology Co-Creation Research Institute. By bringing together Tohoku University's multidisciplinary expertise and Obayashi Corporation's technologies and knowledge, the two organizations will jointly advance the research and development of Tough Physical AI technologies and the development of highly skilled personnel.
On 1 November 2026, the Obayashi Corporation × Tohoku University Next-Generation Construction Technology Co-Creation Research Institute was established within Tohoku University's Tough Cyber-Physical AI Research Center. The joint establishment was realized through collaboration between National University Corporation Tohoku University and Obayashi Corporation, with the institute located within the center. The institute was established by bringing together the knowledge and strengths of both organizations.
The institute aims to create next-generation construction technologies through collaboration among experts in a wide range of fields, including physical AI, civil engineering and construction, energy, human-robot collaboration, 3D concrete printers, urban development, law and ethics, disaster science and reconstruction. It will advance research and development, implementation in society, the development of highly skilled personnel and the creation of new technologies as an integrated initiative.
The institute was established under the Co-Creation Research Institute program and plans to promote the planning and advancement of joint research through the cross-functional use of collaboration bases with companies. It will develop Tough Physical AI technologies that use robots and autonomous vehicles to recognize real-world environments at disaster sites and in harsh conditions while maintaining robustness and adaptability.
Inquiries should be directed to the secretariat of Tohoku University's Tough Cyber-Physical AI Research Center or the Co-Creation Promotion Division of the Organization for Industry-Academia Collaboration. Further details are available in the main press release and the accompanying PDF materials.