ROBOTS Inc. spins out from NTT Docomo to develop integrated robot control platform

NTT Docomo has announced the spin-out of ROBOTS Inc., a startup focused on developing an integrated control platform for diverse and multi-functional robots and physical AI research. Led by CEO Kohtaki Kawauchi and CTO Keihiro Fujieda, the company aims to address labor shortages caused by Japan's declining population.

The startup's primary target is the security sector, which faces significant labor shortages and an aging workforce. Unlike traditional fleet management that focuses on path planning for wheeled robots, ROBOTS Inc. is developing a platform that can integrate hardware from different manufacturers—including arms and various sensors—to perform complex physical tasks such as navigating stairs or operating door handles.

By utilizing existing high-performance robots and parts rather than developing custom machines from scratch, the company intends to reduce deployment costs and shorten implementation timelines. The platform is designed to allow robots to adapt to their environments through data learning, potentially eliminating the need for expensive facility modifications like installing ramps or elevators.