Stuck in the factory: how robotics pioneer Japan missed the AI-driven humanoid boom
Japan’s university system has long centred on engineering faculties led by manufacturing, resulting in a relative shortage of AI talent
Japan’s early forays into humanoids date back to the 1960s, so what happened along the way?
At the 26th International Robot Exhibition (IREX), a four-day, biennial industry showcase held early December at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan’s domestic industrial robotics heavyweights – including Kawasaki, Fanuc, Yaskawa and Nachi – still dominated, occupying the largest booths. Massive robotic arms could be seen swinging around with precision, simulating welding, assembly and material handling tasks in real-world factory operations.
That focus “highlights Japan’s ongoing emphasis on mature industrial applications, where integration, deployment and return on investment are well understood”, said industry research firm TrendForce in a recent note.
The event drew a record 673 exhibitors, including 140 companies from 13 countries and regions. Participation from China also hit an all-time high, with 84 exhibitors, despite the backdrop of an ongoing diplomatic row between Tokyo and Beijing.