News & Information

Yaskawa Electric Corporation ("Yaskawa Electric"; head office: Kitakyushu, Fukuoka; president: Koji Toshima) and Shimizu Corporation ("Shimizu"; head office: Minato Ward, Tokyo; president: Yoichi Miyamoto) are currently working in partnership to develop the component technologies needed to realize a next-generation smart robotics building concept. The two companies have established "smart showrooms" to stage the first demonstrations of this collaborative effort.

The smart robotics building concept seeks to realize diverse services and comfortable spaces in a building by integrating building infrastructure technologies and robot technologies (RT). The goal is to achieve the harmonious coexistence of people and robots within buildings, where robots can play active roles in various settings, including reception and information desk service, delivery, cleaning, and security. For example, when a visitor enters the building, the closest robot can approach him/her and offer assistance, guide the visitor to his/her destination, give a guided tour of the building facilities, or provide other specific services.

Key points to creating a smart robotics building are efficient role-sharing and the establishment of cooperative systems between the building and the robots. Rather than having robots perform all functions, robot technologies must be combined with infrastructure technologies incorporated into the building itself, including information communications, human detection, and equipment-control functions. Centrally managing all building functions, including the IDs and positions of robots operating within the building, will make it possible for multiple robots to perform a wide range of functions and services. The building infrastructure also allows for easy incorporation of purpose-specific robots.