SoftBank and Yaskawa Join Forces to Develop Advanced Office Robots

SoftBank and Yaskawa Electric have entered into a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop a new generation of robots that utilize what they term “Physical AI.” This partnership aims to create robots equipped with advanced decision-making capabilities and adaptable physical functions specifically designed for office environments. The collaboration combines SoftBank’s AI-RAN initiative and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) platform with Yaskawa Electric’s established robotics and motion-control expertise.

The two companies are responding to Japan’s pressing challenges, including labour shortages and demographic shifts, by seeking to enhance automation across various settings. According to their press release, the initial focus will be on an office-oriented robot capable of integrating with building management systems and leveraging AI technology running on MEC. Traditional robots often perform limited tasks, but the new system promises to enable real-time processing of multiple data streams, allowing for greater versatility and “multi-skilled functionality.”

Addressing Automation Needs in Japan

In addressing the urgent need for automation in environments where humans and machines must work together—such as offices, schools, hospitals, and retail spaces—the partnership aims to tackle the complexities of decision-making required in unpredictable situations. The integration of SoftBank’s AI-RAN with Yaskawa’s robotics is intended to establish a robust AI infrastructure in Japan and develop innovative solutions in the realm of Physical AI.

This initiative seeks to empower robots with enhanced reasoning abilities, enabling them to safely perform a broader range of tasks in human-centric environments. The collaboration signifies a shift from conventional automation frameworks towards a more integrated approach to technology in daily operations.

Innovative Technology and System Design

Yaskawa Electric is leveraging its extensive experience in precision motion control and industrial robotics to create an autonomous robot known as Motoman Next. This robot is designed to incorporate AI for advanced decision-making and operational flexibility. In parallel, SoftBank is supplying the MEC environment and AI-RAN capabilities. Its edge-computing platform facilitates low-latency processing of substantial volumes of sensor and camera data, granting robots an “external perspective” for understanding their surroundings.

Additionally, SoftBank has developed a Vision-Language Model (VLM) that operates within the MEC framework, generating tasks for the robots. Yaskawa complements this with a Vision-Language Action (VLA) system, translating the VLM’s directives into specific robotic movements. The overall architecture includes a next-generation building management system, a MEC AI layer, and Robot AI, all coordinated for real-time decision-making.

This advanced system can enable scenarios where a robot is capable of identifying and retrieving a specific smartphone from an office shelf, responding to unexpected events within the building.

The collaboration represents a significant leap forward in robotics, merging advanced communication infrastructure with traditional automation methods. SoftBank and Yaskawa plan to showcase their progress at the upcoming International Robot Exhibition (iREX 2025) in Tokyo from December 3 to 6. At this event, they will demonstrate how their robotic solution can perform multiple roles that have typically required several specialized machines.

As the partnership develops, both companies are committed to creating technologies that facilitate safe and collaborative interactions between humans and robots in shared spaces, thereby expanding the potential for robots in everyday workplaces. This effort is expected to lay the groundwork for a future where robots can respond flexibly to a wide array of tasks, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency across various industries.