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

Mitsubishi Research Institute DCS (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroki Kameda) is launching the "Communication Robot Free Lending Project" for special needs schools and classes as part of its social contribution activities, and is recruiting schools wishing to participate in FY2026.

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

1. Project Overview

▶ Items for Lending

・Robot "Aruku MechatroWeGo"

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

（We lend robots equipped with our proprietary programs）

▶ Features of Our Proprietary Program

・Communication learning support to foster social skills

　Robots that attract 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 Provided

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 Grade Levels

Special needs schools and classes (grade levels negotiable)

Application Period

Until Sunday, May 31, 2026
（From 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 Fee

Free of charge (We ask for your cooperation with surveys, case study publications, effectiveness measurements, 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 related events, seminars, products, services, and various materials

However, for (2), we will promptly cease if requested. Please apply after agreeing to the aforementioned purposes of use and handling of personal information (https://www.dcs.co.jp/pd_handling/).

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 using 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., a robot development company (Headquarters: Fukushima Prefecture; President: Yasuhiro Kawauchi).

▶ Living Robot Co., Ltd. Related Release: "Cooperating in a project for special needs schools and classes"

■ About Mitsubishi Research Institute DCS

Since its establishment in 1970, Mitsubishi Research Institute DCS has been an IT total solution company comprehensively providing 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 national share (※1) with its internet application service "miraicompass." The company began its communication robot initiatives in 2016 and was adopted by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED). Since 2021, it has started robot programming classes as a social contribution activity, promoting the utilization support 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, 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