Kyoto robotics

Kyoto Robotics is a Japanese firm specializing in intelligent robotic systems for the manufacturing and logistics sectors. It originated in 2000 as a university spin-out from Ritsumeikan University under the name 3D MEDiA, founded by Gang Xu. The company officially became Kyoto Robotics on January 1, 2018. Xu, who served as president and CEO, led the company's development of advanced 3D vision, robot vision, and robot control technologies. A significant milestone in the company's history was its acquisition by Hitachi in April 2021, which acquired approximately 96% of its shares, turning it into a subsidiary. This acquisition was intended to enable Hitachi to offer one-stop robotic systems integration for entire automated lines. On April 1, 2023, Kyoto Robotics merged with Hitachi Automation to become the Kyoto Robotics Business Division of Hitachi Automation, Ltd.

The company's business is centered on developing and providing robotic solutions that combine 3D machine vision and artificial intelligence to perform manual labor tasks. Its systems are designed for applications such as automated palletizing, de-palletizing, and piece-picking. The technology provides "eyes" and a "brain" to industrial robots, allowing them to recognize objects in three dimensions and intelligently control motion without needing to be manually taught for every scenario. This core technology features a high object recognition accuracy rate, reportedly 99.99%, by using a projector and camera to compare objects with pre-registered 3D models. This enables the robots to handle a wide variety of package types and loading conditions. The firm primarily serves the manufacturing and logistics industries, with a client list that has included Toyota Motor, Fuji Heavy Industries, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. By partnering with various industrial robot manufacturers, Kyoto Robotics has delivered over 400 robotic systems, primarily in Japan.

Before its acquisition, Kyoto Robotics had raised significant capital through multiple funding rounds. Its investors included Mirai Creation Fund, Mitsubishi UFJ Capital, Omron Ventures, and the Innovation Network of Japan (INCJ). The acquisition by Hitachi provided a larger platform for the company to deliver its technology to a wider customer base. The integration with Hitachi's portfolio, which includes AGVs, warehouse control systems, and the Lumada digital platform, aims to create comprehensive, seamless automation solutions that connect the factory floor with management systems.

Keywords: 3D robot vision, intelligent robotics, factory automation, logistics automation, robotic systems integration, palletizing robots, depalletizing solutions, piece picking, machine vision, AI robot control, Gang Xu, Ritsumeikan University spin-out, Hitachi Automation, 3D vision sensor, automated material handling, warehouse automation, robotic bin picking, manufacturing robotics, industrial robots, robotic control systems