I am honored to assume the position of Chair of the Robot Revolution & Industrial IoT Initiative (RRI). At a time when the robotics environment is undergoing a major turning point, I feel a profound sense of mission and responsibility in taking on this role. Currently, under the Japanese government’s “AI Robotics Strategy” formulated in March 2026, Japan is advancing the construction of a new industrial foundation centered on Physical AI—the fusion of AI and robotics. Robotics is expected to leap from being a mere automation technology to becoming a foundational technology that solves social issues and drives sustainable value creation.
Crucial to this evolution is the vast array of diverse data accumulated across Japan’s various business operations and daily lives. The operational data and frontline expertise cultivated over many years in a wide range of sectors—including manufacturing, logistics, construction, infrastructure, and healthcare/nursing care—are invaluable assets that can serve as Japan’s core strengths. Rather than keeping these assets confined within individual companies or specific sectors, we must share and connect them under appropriate rules and trust. Doing so will revitalize Japan’s competitive edge and serve as the driving force to accelerate the advancement and societal implementation of Physical AI. By creating cross-industrial value from a data-centric approach, we will unlock unprecedented possibilities for advanced intelligence and practical implementation.
Against this backdrop, the government is leading research and infrastructure development for AI foundation models, data platforms, and co-creation foundations for robot software. Consequently, a consortium-style implementation framework has emerged, bringing together corporations, universities, research institutions like the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), startups, and consulting firms. This collaborative structure—where diverse stakeholders share roles to successfully drive technologies all the way to frontline implementation—is the very source of Japan’s competitiveness.
In this ecosystem, RRI’s vital mission is to accelerate the secure connection and sharing of valuable data, thereby realizing a society where robots are utilized across all frontline operations. To achieve this, it is essential not only to focus on individual technology development but also to organize the foundations supporting robot deployment, advance standardization, and clearly define “collaborative areas” where companies should work together. While balancing competition and collaboration, we must foster cross-industry partnerships to create an environment that reduces deployment costs and enables scalable expansion.
RRI has historically played a pivotal role in bridging technology development and societal implementation through industry-academia-government collaboration. Moving forward, we will further strengthen this function to drive the real-world deployment of robotics and industrial IoT. Furthermore, we intend to present sustainable solutions through robotics to address Japan’s pressing challenges—such as labor shortages, an aging population, and infrastructure maintenance—while contributing to regional community problem-solving and enhancing our international competitiveness. Together with all our stakeholders, and grounded in open collaboration and trust, we will take on the challenge of creating new value. I humbly request your continued understanding and support.
Tamotsu Saito / Chairperson