Supporting New Education in Special Needs Schools and Classes! Launch of "Communication Robot Free Lending Project" ~ Recruiting Schools for FY2026 ~

Mitsubishi Research Institute DCS (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroki Kameda) has launched the "Communication Robot Free Lending Project" for special needs schools and classes as part of its social contribution activities, and is recruiting schools for the 2026 fiscal year.

This initiative aims to encourage positive attitudes in children with disabilities and developmental characteristics, supporting the implementation of social skills training and class operations.

1. Project Overview

▶ Items to be lent

・Robot "Aruku Mechatro WeGo"

　A palm-sized (approx. 13 cm tall) small bipedal robot

（We will lend robots equipped with our proprietary program）

▶ Features of our proprietary program

・Communication learning support to foster social skills

　Robots that capture students' interest

　support social skills training

・Customizability to meet diverse needs

　Content can be created to suit usage scenarios and student characteristics

・Easy to use without specialized knowledge

　Robots can be operated with your tablet or PC

　Provides an intuitive and simple interface

Ⓒ MODERHYTHM / Kazushi Kobayashi

▶ Main services offered

Menu content centered on "communication"

・Chat: Conversation with the robot

・Quiz: The robot asks quizzes,

　　　　　　　and students respond

・Avatar: The robot speaks on behalf of oneself,

　　　　　　　body language, etc.

Operation screen image

2. Application Guidelines

Number of schools recruited

Limited to 10 schools

Target grades

Special needs schools and classes (grades negotiable)

Application period

Until Sunday, May 31, 2026
（After Monday, June 1, 2026, applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis depending on availability）

Lending period

From the lending date until Wednesday, March 31, 2027

Implementation cost

Free (We ask for your cooperation with surveys, case studies, effect measurement, etc.)

What to prepare

Operating tablet or PC, network (Wi-Fi environment)

How to apply

From the application form

https://willap.jp/p/acc_9077/linkrobo2026_registration/

*Handling of personal information: The personal information you provide will be used for the following purposes:

(1) Operation and management of this activity

(2) Guidance and contact regarding our company's related events, seminars, products/services, and various materials.

However, for (2), we will promptly cease if requested. Please agree to the purpose of use and handling of personal information (https://www.dcs.co.jp/pd_handling/) before applying.

3. Reference: Achievements

Examples of initiatives utilizing communication robots for special needs schools

・Free on-site classes for "Introduction to Robot Programming" for elementary, junior high, and special needs schools

・Social skills training utilizing robots in special needs education (demonstration report)

・Communication robots connecting modern art and children - Supporting DX promotion in Yokohama City

This project is also supported by Living Robot Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fukushima Prefecture; President: Yasuhiro Kawauchi), a robot development company.

▶ Living Robot Co., Ltd. Related Release: "Cooperation in Project for Special Needs Schools and Classes"

■ About Mitsubishi Research Institute DCS Co., Ltd.

Since its establishment in 1970, Mitsubishi Research Institute DCS has been an IT total solutions company providing comprehensive services from consulting to system development and outsourcing in a wide range of fields including finance, manufacturing, public services, and education. In the education sector, it boasts the No. 1 nationwide share (*1) with its internet application service "miraicompass." Since 2016, it has been engaged in communication robot initiatives and was adopted by the National Research and Development Agency Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED). Since 2021, it has started robot programming classes as a social contribution activity, promoting support for their utilization in educational settings.

*1 As of December 2025

*Company names and product names in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

■ Inquiries regarding this release

Mitsubishi Research Institute DCS Co., Ltd. 3-5-19 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073

・Regarding this initiative: Communication Robot Secretariat Email: robocomm@dcs.co.jp

・Regarding this release: Public Relations Department TEL: 03-4314-8004 Email: kouhou@dcs.co.jp