Thinker Wins Grand Prize 'Startup Grand Prix' at 13th JR East Startup Program DEMO DAY

Thinker, Inc. (Thinker), a company realizing robots that are as easy to use as household appliances, announced that it has won the top honor, the 'Startup Grand Prix,' at the 13th JR East Startup Program DEMO DAY held by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and JR East Startups Co., Ltd.

The JR East Startup Program is an open innovation initiative that combines the excellent technologies of venture companies with the management resources of the JR East Group to solve social issues and create new businesses. As a participant, Thinker has been evaluating technology for reducing labor and automating maintenance tasks that support railway infrastructure.

Railway track maintenance sites are characterized by significant environmental variability, traditionally making automation difficult. Thinker proposed a solution that can accurately execute tasks even in complex, changing environments by combining 'dexterous robot hands that adapt to field variability' with 'proprietary sensor and AI technology.' This achievement, recognized for its high technical prowess and contribution to future infrastructure sustainability, led to the award.

During the award ceremony, CTO Nakano commented: 'The quality of Japan's infrastructure is remarkable on a global scale. Starting with the insertion of rail fastening clips, we look forward to applying this technology to other tasks in the future.' At the exhibition booth, the company demonstrated its proprietary 'groping picking technology,' which instantly recognizes the position of a clip and accurately inserts its tip into the rail hole, attracting significant attention from attendees.