IXs

Established in June 1998, iXs Co., Ltd. develops robotic and AI-powered solutions to address challenges in Japan's social and industrial infrastructure, such as aging facilities and a declining skilled workforce. The company was founded by Fuminori Yamasaki, who serves as the Representative Director and CTO. He is joined by Takashi Karino as Representative Director and CEO. Karino's background includes corporate revitalization and leading a company to an IPO on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and he joined iXs to help solve societal problems.

iXs operates by developing and providing robotics, AI, XR (Cross Reality), and 3D data solutions for maintenance and inspection. Its business model involves commissioned and joint development projects with major companies in sectors like construction, power, railways, and manufacturing, as well as the sale of its proprietary products and data services. The company creates digital twins of infrastructure, allowing for remote management and data analysis. Key products include the "i-Con Walker," an autonomous robot that links with BIM/CIM data for site patrols, and "GENBA-Scan," an AR-based volume management system. It also offers wire-suspended robots for visual inspection of hard-to-reach areas like bridges and a floor crack detection robot for large facilities.

The firm has secured approximately JPY 1 billion in funding from investors including INCJ, Mitsubishi Corporation, Sony Innovation Fund, ORIX Corporation, and major Japanese power companies, aiming to popularize its inspection robots and build out its data business.

Keywords: infrastructure inspection, robotics, artificial intelligence, digital twin, construction tech, maintenance automation, 3D data solutions, XR solutions, asset management, civil engineering, industrial robots, remote inspection, non-destructive testing, data analysis services, BIM/CIM integration, facility management, smart construction, patrol robots, drone inspection, structural health monitoring