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7-Eleven Japan trials autonomous delivery robots built by Suzuki and robotics startup Lomby

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7-Eleven stores in Japan are trialling an autonomous delivery robot developed through a collaboration between automotive giant Suzuki and Tokyo-based robotics venture Lomby.

This initiative marks a significant step in addressing Japan’s growing labor shortage and exploring the potential of last-mile delivery automation in urban environments.

Convenience store giant 7-Eleven Japan has commenced real-world testing of autonomous delivery robots in a suburb of Tokyo. [Read more…] about 7-Eleven Japan trials autonomous delivery robots built by Suzuki and robotics startup Lomby

Yamaha to acquire Robotics Plus

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New Zealand-based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation solutions, has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Yamaha Motor.

The Japanese automotive giant plans to use its acquisition to form the foundation of Yamaha Agriculture, a new company focused on delivering autonomous equipment and AI-powered digital solutions that help growers in the specialty crop market become more sustainable, profitable and resilient in the face of scarcer resources and climate change.

Robotics Plus specializes in developing automation solutions for agriculture, combining expertise in robotics, automation, sensing, and data analytics. [Read more…] about Yamaha to acquire Robotics Plus

AutoFlight achieves ‘historic’ first eVTOL flight in Japan

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AutoFlight, a developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology, has marked a significant milestone with its first successful flight in Japan.

On November 29, the company’s two-ton eVTOL aircraft completed its inaugural demonstration flight in Okayama Prefecture.

The historic eVTOL flight was conducted in collaboration with MASC, a Japanese non-profit organization dedicated to aerospace industry advancement.

[Read more…] about AutoFlight achieves ‘historic’ first eVTOL flight in Japan

Choosing the Right Japanese Import Car for You

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Have you been contemplating what route would be the safest to take when purchasing a used vehicle? Japan’s car manufacturer quality standards and Japan’s import standards have remained famous worldwide.

This fame is well deserved because Japanese import cars are reliable, well-maintained, and cost-effective. Written below are some of the quality assurance procedures these vehicles undergo before making their way into the international automotive market. [Read more…] about Choosing the Right Japanese Import Car for You

Scientists discover how silkworm moth’s odor detection may improve robotics

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Researchers from Japan explore how the domesticated flightless silkworm moth (Bombyx mori), a prominent insect model in olfactory research, uses wing flapping to manipulate airflow, enhancing their ability to detect distant pheromones.

These findings highlight how moths guide pheromones to their odor sensors in antennae, and suggest potential applications for designing advanced robotic systems for odor source localization.

This could inspire future innovations in drones and provide design guidelines for robots to locate odor sources.

[Read more…] about Scientists discover how silkworm moth’s odor detection may improve robotics

Luxolis expands its 3D vision cameras business into Vietnam and Japan

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Luxolis, a South Korean startup specializing in advanced 3D vision cameras and industrial automation solutions, is expanding into Vietnam and Japan. This strategic move aims to strengthen Luxolis’s regional presence and provide cutting-edge technological solutions to new markets.

Luxolis is at the forefront of innovation, providing state-of-the-art 3D vision cameras, industrial automation, and 3D collaboration tools. Luxolis’s technology is advancing industrial automation with applications in quality control, logistics, manufacturing, and robotics.

The decision to expand into Vietnam and Japan stems from the growing demand for high-quality automation solutions in these regions. Luxolis aims to capitalize on these opportunities by delivering tailored solutions that meet local market needs and fostering closer relationships with its customers. [Read more…] about Luxolis expands its 3D vision cameras business into Vietnam and Japan

ANYbotics hosts first research meet-up in Japan for its four-legged robot

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ANYbotics, the maker of a four-legged robot called “ANYmal” used for industrial inspections, has hosted its first ANYmal Research Meet-Up, which recently took place at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) 2024.

Held in Japan, this prestigious event gathered the foremost experts and innovators in robotics from around the globe.

ANYbotics presented its comprehensive research and academia package, ANYmal Research, a new publication database consolidating all research conducted with ANYmal Research, and the ROS2 migration strategy. [Read more…] about ANYbotics hosts first research meet-up in Japan for its four-legged robot

AutoFlight delivers first electric air taxi to customer in Japan

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AutoFlight has achieved what it describes as “a significant milestone” by officially delivering its first Prosperity aircraft to a customer in Japan, marking the world’s inaugural delivery of a civilian ton-class eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft.

The five-seater Prosperity aircraft was handed over to the customer, a pioneering Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operator in Japan.

The operator, to be identified in due course, is currently developing plans for demonstration eVTOL flights at the 2025 Osaka World Expo, as well as a wider AAM rollout in Japan.

[Read more…] about AutoFlight delivers first electric air taxi to customer in Japan

Uber Eats, Cartken and Mitsubishi Electric partner to bring autonomous robot deliveries to Japan

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Uber Eats Japan, Mitsubishi Electric and Cartken have formed a partnership to provide food deliveries using autonomous sidewalk robots in Japan.

Robot deliveries facilitated by the Uber Eats app are scheduled to begin in a select part of Tokyo by the end of March 2024.

Following successful autonomous delivery operations in the US, Japan will be the first international market to have autonomous delivery available on the Uber Eats platform and can be leveraged for expanded opportunities in the Japan market. [Read more…] about Uber Eats, Cartken and Mitsubishi Electric partner to bring autonomous robot deliveries to Japan

Skyports unveils plan to launch advanced air mobility in urban Japan

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Skyports Infrastructure has revealed its involvement in the next phase of research for a Concept of Operations (ConOps) for advanced air mobility (AAM) for the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

The company will continue to work alongside its ConOps partners Kanematsu Corporation, Japan Airlines and Eve Air Mobility to define Japan’s framework for the development and implementation of advanced air mobility operations in Japan.

The ConOps is designed as a critical reference point for companies that are considering entering the Japanese AAM market. [Read more…] about Skyports unveils plan to launch advanced air mobility in urban Japan