NEDO Prize Program / NEDO Challenge, Baggage-Loading Robot ~Challenge the Unexplored Areas of Airports~ Call for Applications Begins

Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. (MRI) announces the start of the call for applications for "NEDO Challenge, Baggage-Loading Robot ~Challenge the Unexplored Areas of Airports~" (hereinafter, this project), as the secretariat for one of the "NEDO Prize Programs" (hereinafter, this program) conducted by the National Research and Development Agency, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

This project aims to improve productivity in baggage loading operations, which have a high need for automation due to the high workload and chronic labor shortages in airport ground handling, thereby addressing robust air travel demand and the expansion of inbound tourism.

Figure 1: Logo Mark of This Project

1. Overview of This Program

NEDO has launched "NEDO Challenge," a program*2 that aims to discover seeds that will lead to future solutions for social issues and the creation of new industries by soliciting diverse seeds and solutions that contribute to solving technological and social challenges through a prize-based R&D method*1 in a contest format, thereby creating opportunities for joint research, practical application, and commercialization of these seeds.

Please refer to the following page for the call for applications.

https://www.nedo.go.jp/koubo/CD1_100435.html

2. About the Call for Applications for This Project

(1) Overview

This project will conduct a contest on the theme of improving productivity in baggage loading operations, which have a high need for automation due to chronic labor shortages and high workload in airport ground handling. We expect bold challenges to this "unexplored area," where full-scale automation has not progressed due to the necessity of handling diverse baggage in limited spaces.

Furthermore, since this project does not assume linkage with specific airport facilities or systems, a wide range of challengers, including startups, research institutions, companies, and individuals, can participate.

Figure 2: Current Process of Baggage Loading Operations and Image of Target Solution

(2) Details of the Call for Applications

【Contests】

The contests are planned to be held in three fields: "Baggage Identification," "Loading Algorithm," and "Loading Robot." The aim is to create robotic technology with practical application in mind and to discover and nurture technological seeds that will lead to future social implementation.

＜Contest 1: Baggage Identification＞

We are seeking development proposals for "Baggage Identification Devices" that efficiently grasp the type, dimensions, and material of diverse baggage, aiming to create "identification technology used in practical operations" necessary for the downstream loading process.

＜Contest 2: Loading Algorithm＞

We are seeking development proposals for "Loading Algorithm Technology" that calculates efficient, safe, and stable loading methods and loading order to prevent cargo collapse when loading baggage into aircraft containers, and quickly and appropriately instructs the loading robot. This aims to replace or assist the loading judgment that has traditionally relied on the experience of skilled workers.

＜Contest 3: Loading Robot＞

We are seeking development proposals for "Loading Robots" based on new ideas that can replace the loading techniques of skilled workers, considering the spatial constraints of ground handling operations. These robots should have the ability to handle diverse shapes and materials of baggage, high loading accuracy, low loading error rates, and the ability to respond to loading errors.

【Prize Money】

＜Contest 1: Baggage Identification＞

1st place: 10 million yen, 2nd place: 4 million yen, 3rd place: 1 million yen (1 winner each)

(Total: 15 million yen)

＜Contest 2: Loading Algorithm＞

1st place: 5 million yen, 2nd place: 4 million yen, 3rd place: 3 million yen, 4th place: 2 million yen, 5th place: 1 million yen (1 winner each)

(Total: 15 million yen)

＜Contest 3: Loading Robot＞

Stage 1: 10 million yen uniformly for the top 6 participants (those who pass Stage 1 of the outcome review and commit to applying for Stage 2 / if fewer than 6 participants pass, 60 million yen will be divided among the passing participants)

Stage 2: 1st place: 80 million yen, 2nd place: 50 million yen, 3rd place: 30 million yen (1 winner each)

【Future Schedule】

(Each schedule will be announced sequentially on the special website and Facebook as details are decided.)

＜Contest 1: Baggage Identification＞

・Application Period: April 2, 2026 (Thu) 14:00 - May 15, 2026 (Fri) 13:00

・Screening: June 2026

・Screening Result Notification: June 2026

・Development Period: July 2026 - December 2026

・Contest: January 2027

・Winner Announcement, Award Ceremony: January 2027

・Prize Money Grant: March 2027

＜Contest 2: Loading Algorithm＞

・Application Period: Around June 2026

・Screening: June 2026 - October 2026

・Screening Result Notification: October 2026

・Development Period: October 2026 - November 2026

・Contest: December 2026 - January 2027

・Winner Announcement, Award Ceremony: January 2027

・Prize Money Grant: March 2027

Please note that for Contest 2 (Loading Algorithm), a prize advertisement is planned to be issued in the future.

Details will be announced on the special website, etc., as soon as they are decided.

＜Contest 3: Loading Robot＞

・Application Period: April 2, 2026 (Thu) 14:00 - May 15, 2026 (Fri) 13:00

・Screening: June 2026

・Screening Result Notification: June 2026

・Development Period: July 2026 - February 2027

・Stage 1 Review: March 2027

・Stage 1 Prize Money Grant: May 2027

・Development Period: April 2027 - September 2027

・Stage 2 Review: October 2027 - December 2027

・Winner Announcement, Award Ceremony: January 2028

・Prize Money Grant: March 2028

In addition, matching between winners of Contests 1 and 2 and participants of Contest 3 is scheduled to be held from January to March 2027.

3. Briefing Session

The briefing session for the call for applications will be held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online participation. Those who cannot attend on the day will be able to view the archived stream later.

【Date and Time】

April 9, 2026 (Thu) 14:00 - 15:30

To participate in the briefing session, please register in advance using the application form below.

【Application Form】https://mri-project.smktg.jp/public/application/add/25947

*Please check the special website for an overview of the briefing session and details of the call for applications.

【Special Website】https://www.challenge-gh.nedo.go.jp/

4. Application Method, etc.

Please check the special website below for application methods, forms, etc., download the necessary documents for application, fill in the required information, and submit them according to the instructions on the special website within the acceptance period.

NEDO Challenge, Baggage-Loading Robot Special Website

https://www.challenge-gh.nedo.go.jp/

All costs related to the application will be borne by the applicant.

【Notes】

*1 Prize-based R&D method

In various countries, governments and foundations set R&D goals, solicit numerous applicants, and have them compete with various ideas and approaches in a contest format. At the end of the development period, prize money is awarded to the top few who achieve results exceeding the target level. While there are not many examples of this method in Japan yet, prize money is stipulated in the Civil Code, and this program will also grant prize money based on the Civil Code.

*2 This program

Project Name: NEDO Prize Program

Project Period: FY2023 -

Project Overview: NEDO Prize Program https://www.nedo.go.jp/activities/ZZJP_100268.html