Launching the 'Humanoid Development Project' Utilizing Physical AI

Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan; President: Hidetoshi Segi) has launched the 'Humanoid Development Project' utilizing Physical AI, under the 'Rohto Group Comprehensive Management Vision 2030: Connect for Well-being,' to improve the well-being of workers and achieve next-generation manufacturing. Using the Ueno Techno Center, which implements Cyber Physical Systems (CPS)*1, as the site for verification, the company aims to establish manufacturing that can adapt to environmental changes through the circulation of Physical AI and data. In the future, the company aims to introduce an optimal model where humanoids collaborate with humans on the manufacturing floor. *1: CPS is a mechanism that collects diverse data from the physical space using sensor networks, analyzes and converts it into knowledge in cyberspace using large-scale data processing technology, and uses the created information/value to revitalize industry and solve social issues. [Background] We are promoting the creation of an environment where each employee can work vibrantly while responding to changing manufacturing environments, such as increases in production items and volume and the complexity of supply chains. As part of this, we have been optimizing our factories by implementing CPS using IoT and sensor technology, centered on the Ueno Techno Center, which is based on the concept of a 'human and environment-friendly smart factory.' This project aims to build a new manufacturing model that reduces the workload on the manufacturing floor and improves productivity by promoting factory automation using Physical AI—something only possible for our company with its existing CPS infrastructure—while allowing workers to shift to higher value-added tasks. [Future Outlook] We will introduce Physical AI in stages within the following scope. We will also utilize the CPS infrastructure we have built to accumulate technology and verify safety and effectiveness by rapidly cycling through verification and improvement in an environment that links physical and digital spaces. - Automatic transport of lightweight items - Communication tasks such as safety patrols and guidance - Monitoring tasks during line switching - Line support tasks such as boxing. Unlike conventional robots that accurately repeat pre-defined movements, Physical AI is evolving into a technology that derives optimal behavior while interacting with the environment, assuming change. While the use of Physical AI is accelerating overseas, implementation cases in Japan are limited due to caution regarding safety and operations. We have established a system to promote this project at the Ueno Techno Center and will proceed with verification rapidly, with a view to collaborating with external advanced technologies and specialized personnel. Through this project, we will not simply replace human roles with Physical AI, but create a workplace that further expands human potential. As a company that believes 'people are at the center,' we will challenge ourselves to improve the well-being of our workers and realize sustainable manufacturing.