GMO AI & Robotics Trading Co. Launches "GMO Internet Group Athletics Club - GMO Robots" Project, Replicating Japan's Top Ekiden Performance in Humanoid Robots with World's First Fully Autonomous Running

GMO AI & Robotics Trading Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Tomohiro Uchida, hereinafter GMO AIR), which handles the social implementation of AI and robotics, has launched the demonstration experiment project "GMO Internet Group Athletics Club - GMO Robots" (hereinafter GMO Robots). This project aims to replicate human running movements in humanoid robots through fully autonomous driving, utilizing running data from Japan's top-level track and field athletes. A press conference for the launch was held on April 2, 2026.

In this project, humanoid robots will incorporate running data from athletes of the GMO Internet Group Athletics Club, who achieved a new tournament record victory (※1) in the 2026 New Year Ekiden, to advance their technology. This is the world's first (※2) attempt to replicate human running through fully autonomous driving.

Mastering fundamental movements such as "running" for robots is a crucial technological element that forms the basis for all labor and tasks. Once running technology is established, it can be applied to complex movements like carrying objects, climbing stairs, and avoiding obstacles, significantly expanding the scope of practical applications. Through this initiative, we aim to accelerate the social implementation of humanoid robots.

Furthermore, we aim to win the world championship in track and field competitions using humanoid robots.

（※1）"GMO Internet Group Athletics Club Achieves Long-Awaited Japan's Best in Corporate Ekiden!" January 1, 2026 https://group.gmo/news/article/9858/
（※2）Based on our own research

【What is "GMO Robots"?】

This project is promoted in collaboration with the GMO Internet Group Athletics Club, which won the New Year Ekiden with a new tournament record. By acquiring and analyzing the running motion data (※3) of the winning athletes from the New Year Ekiden and using AI technologies such as reinforcement learning, we will develop humanoid robots that run like top athletes.

In reinforcement learning, the quality of learning data is as important as the quantity. Ekiden athletes can stably maintain refined running forms, making their data suitable as reference data for robots. Therefore, only the GMO Internet Group, which has Japan's best Ekiden team, can acquire high-quality data, enabling the realization of humanoid robots that run like top athletes.

Furthermore, the knowledge gained during the robot development process will be fed back to the athletes to help improve their form and prevent injuries, thereby contributing to enhancing athlete performance. We will establish a bidirectional development model where robot development and sports science mutually contribute value.

（※3）Data that quantifies and records athletes' running movements

【Background】

GMO Internet Group views the industrial structural changes brought about by the evolution of AI and robots as the "latter half of the internet revolution" and positions 2026 as the "First Year of Humanoids." We believe that the robotics industry, including humanoid robots, will grow into a huge market surpassing the traditional automotive industry. On the other hand, amidst intensifying competition in the humanoid sector, Japan is urged to accelerate its efforts towards industrialization compared to the US, China, and Europe.

Against this background, GMO Internet Group is promoting the following initiatives. This project is part of a technological demonstration integrating these efforts.

・Release of humanoid provision platform "GMO Humanoid.shop"

・Establishment of humanoid robot development base "GMO Humanoid Lab"

・GMO Various Robotics Co., Ltd. (hereinafter GMO Various Robotics) joining the group

・AI and robotics talent development (sponsor support, internships, etc.)

・Technological demonstrations in various industrial fields

【Future Outlook】

Mastering fundamental movements such as "running" for robots is a crucial technological element that forms the basis for all labor and tasks. Once running technology is established, it can be applied to complex movements like carrying objects, climbing stairs, and avoiding obstacles, significantly expanding the scope of practical applications.

This project aims to establish fundamental technologies for humanoid robots to operate autonomously in real environments by integrating the following:

・GMO AIR's "Motion Reinforcement Learning" (※4)

・GMO Various Robotics' "Autonomous Driving Technology" (※5)

Furthermore, the technology developed in this project is envisioned for future deployment in industrial fields. Specifically, applications such as transporting goods in logistics warehouses, conveying parts in manufacturing sites, and supporting rescue operations in disaster areas are anticipated.

GMO AIR will contribute to solving the social issue of labor shortages through this initiative.

（※4）"Motion Reinforcement Learning": A technology that optimizes robot movements by training AI with human motion data

（※5）"Autonomous Driving Technology": A technology where robots perceive their surroundings with sensors and determine their own routes to move

【About GMO AI & Robotics Trading Co., Ltd.】
（https://ai-robotics.gmo/）

GMO AIR was established on June 18, 2024, as a trading company responsible for AI and robot businesses. Focusing on the introduction and utilization support of AI technology and robots, we provide innovative solutions that promote efficiency and automation in various industries. GMO AIR not only provides domestic and international robots but also aims to solve social issues such as population decline and realize a safe and sustainable future by offering internet infrastructure services, which are a strength of the GMO Internet Group, along with financial services such as rental and leasing, and AI consulting.

・Contact us here: https://ai-robotics.gmo/contact/

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【GMO AI & Robotics Trading Co., Ltd.】(URL: https://ai-robotics.gmo/)

Company Name GMO AI & Robotics Trading Co., Ltd.

Location Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Representative Tomohiro Uchida, President & CEO

Business Activities ■AI utilization introduction support ■Robot/drone introduction/utilization support

Capital 100 million yen

【GMO Internet Group, Inc.】(URL:https://www.gmo.jp/)

Company Name GMO Internet Group, Inc. (TSE Prime Market, Securities Code 9449)

Location Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Representative Masatoshi Kumagai, Representative Director Group CEO

Business Activities Holding company (Group management function)

　　　　　■Group Business Activities

Internet Infrastructure Business

Internet Security Business

Internet Advertising & Media Business

Internet Financial Business

Crypto Asset Business

Capital 5 billion yen

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