NEDO Challenge, Baggage-Loading Robot: Call for Proposals for "NEDO Prize-Based Program / NEDO Challenge, Baggage-Loading Robot ~Dare to Challenge the Unexplored Areas of Airports~" Begins – Making Airports More Convenient and Comfortable Through Automation

　NEDO today, April 2, begins accepting applications for a new theme in its “NEDO Challenge” “NEDO Prize-Based Program” (hereinafter, this Program): “NEDO Challenge, Baggage-Loading Robot ~Dare to Challenge the Unexplored Areas of Airports~” (hereinafter, this Project).

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

1. Overview of NEDO Challenge

　Since FY2023, NEDO has been implementing this Program*2, which aims to discover diverse seeds and solutions for technological and social issues through a prize-based R&D method*1 in a contest format. By promptly identifying seeds that can lead to future social problem-solving and new industry creation, NEDO seeks to generate opportunities for joint research, promote the practical application of seeds, and facilitate their commercialization.

2. Call for Proposals for this Project

(1) Overview

　This Project will conduct a contest in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, focusing on improving the productivity of baggage loading operations within airport ground handling. This area has a high need for automation due to chronic labor shortages and high workload. We expect bold challenges in this "unexplored area," where full-scale automation has not yet progressed due to the necessity of handling diverse baggage in limited spaces.

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

(2) About the Contest

　The contest is planned to cover three fields: "Baggage Identification," "Loading Algorithm," and "Loading Robot." It aims to create robot technology with a view to practical operation and to discover and nurture technological seeds that will lead to future social implementation.

【Contests】

This Project will hold the following three contests:

■ Contest <1>: Baggage Identification

We are seeking development proposals for "Baggage Identification Devices" that can efficiently grasp the types, dimensions, and materials of diverse baggage, aiming to create "identification technology for practical use" necessary for the downstream loading process.

■ Contest <2>: Loading Algorithm

The objective is to replace or assist the loading judgments that have relied on the experience of skilled workers with technology. We are seeking development proposals for "Loading Algorithm Technology" that calculates efficient, safe, and stable loading methods and sequences to prevent baggage collapse when loading baggage into aircraft containers, and quickly and appropriately instructs the loading robot based on the calculation results.

■ Contest <3>: Loading Robot

Considering the space constraints of ground handling operations, the objective is to develop diverse, highly feasible robots that can replace the baggage loading techniques of skilled workers. We are seeking development proposals for "Loading Robots" based on new ideas, capable of handling diverse shapes and materials of baggage, achieving high loading accuracy, low loading error rates, and effective response 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 the Stage 1 performance 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】

(Details will be announced sequentially on the special website and Facebook as they 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 Decision, 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 Decision, Award Ceremony: January 2027

・Prize Money Grant: March 2027

Please note that an advertisement for prizes for Contest 2 (Loading Algorithm) will 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 Decision, 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) Project Period

　FY2026 – FY2027

(4) Application Period (Contests <1> and <3>)

April 2, 2026 (Thu) 14:00 – May 15, 2026 (Fri) 13:00

3. Briefing Session

The briefing session for the call for proposals will be held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online participation. An archive will be available later for those who cannot attend on the day.

【Date and Time】

April 9, 2026 (Thu) 14:00 – 15:30

Please register in advance to participate in the briefing session 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 proposals.

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

4. How to Apply, etc.

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

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

Please note that 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 and solicit numerous applicants, allowing them to compete with various ideas and approaches in a contest format. At the end of the development period, prizes are awarded to the top few who achieve results exceeding the target level. While there are not many examples of this method in Japan yet, prizes are stipulated in the Civil Code, and this Program will also grant prizes based on the Civil Code.

*2 This Program

Project Name: NEDO Prize-Based Program

Project Period: FY2023 –

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