New Exhibition on Nationally Strategic 'Physical AI' Makes Debut | Japan's Largest Manufacturing Expo '38th Monozukuri World' to be Held July 1 (Wed) - 3 (Fri)

RX Japan LLC (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Executive Officer and President: Takashi Tanaka) will host the '38th Monozukuri World [Tokyo]' for three days from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to Friday, July 3, at Tokyo Big Sight. This exhibition is Japan's largest comprehensive manufacturing trade show, comprising 12 specialized exhibitions covering a wide range of fields that support the manufacturing industry, including design and manufacturing solutions, mechanical component technologies, 3D printers, manufacturing DX, automation and labor-saving, AI robotics, cybersecurity, and smart maintenance.

Challenges facing Japan's manufacturing sector—such as labor shortages, on-site transformation through Physical AI, mass adoption of 3D printing, and component supply from local workshops across the country—are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated. Amid these developments, the exhibition will serve as a one-stop venue where the latest products, cutting-edge technologies, and real-world case studies from each field converge, enabling seamless activities from information gathering and comparative evaluation to concrete business negotiations.

Numerous seminars, including special keynote lectures, will be held simultaneously at the venue (free admission with prior registration). Executives, R&D leaders from industry-representative companies such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Yaskawa Electric, FANUC, NVIDIA, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, as well as practical managers from the manufacturing sector, will take the stage to explain the latest industry trends, challenges faced on-site, and initiatives aimed at solving them.

With growing demand for solutions to improve productivity, address labor shortages, and advance DX, the 2026 event is expected to attract 2,000 exhibitors and 70,000 visitors. It will be a three-day event where the most advanced technologies and solutions shaping the forefront of manufacturing will come together, allowing attendees to experience the industry’s latest developments and future vision.

1. New Exhibitions Debut, Symbolizing the 'Year of Physical AI'

The biggest highlight of the exhibition is the debut of two new exhibitions this year. FANUC, the world's largest industrial robot manufacturer and a scheduled speaker at the event, has announced collaborations in the Physical AI field—first with NVIDIA in December 2025, and then with Google in May 2026*. Representative Japanese manufacturing companies are now positioning Physical AI as their next strategic battleground. At this exhibition, visitors can examine real-world cases, products, and technologies from these leading players through live demonstrations.

*Reference: FANUC Corporation, 'Collaboration with Google to Accelerate Social Implementation of Physical AI' (Announced May 13, 2026)

[New Exhibition ①] Products and Solutions for Automation, Labor-Saving, and AI Utilization

'Monozukuri NEXT'

This exhibition brings together products and solutions centered on three hot topics: 'Automation/Labor-Saving,' 'AI Utilization,' and 'Reducing Design and Machining Workload.' Amid worsening labor shortages, visitors can explore the latest technologies at each booth that are evolving manufacturing sites to the 'next stage'—from factory automation and AI agents to reducing design workload.

'Monozukuri NEXT' refreshes its themes annually in response to changes in the manufacturing industry, consistently addressing the latest technologies and challenges to deliver new discoveries and value to attendees.

[New Exhibition ②] 'Physical AI Expo' – Gathering the Latest Technologies in AI Robotics

A new exhibition debuting at this event, anticipating the social implementation of 'Physical AI,' which is becoming a national policy. The latest technologies and solutions supporting Physical AI will converge here, including AI robotics such as industrial and humanoid robots, communication and intelligence infrastructure, simulation, sensing, and drive/control technologies.

2. From Prototyping to Mass Production: How 3D Printers Are Transforming Manufacturing – Including Japan’s First Adoption in Genuine Automotive Parts

Another key feature of the exhibition is the large number of companies exhibiting 3D printing-related technologies. In recent years, the application of 3D printers has rapidly expanded from 'prototyping' to 'mass production.' In core industries such as automotive, medical, and aerospace, 3D printing is now being formally adopted for mass-produced components as a technology that enables the manufacturing of complex shapes and lightweight designs previously difficult to achieve. At this exhibition, cutting-edge solutions including metal and resin 3D printers, as well as contract manufacturing services, will gather in large numbers. Attendees can experience innovative technologies that are dramatically transforming manufacturing production processes.

[Highlighted Case Studies] (Excerpts)

Exhibitor: SOLIZE PARTNERS Inc.

[Japan’s First] 3D-Printed Product Adopted as Genuine Optional Automotive Part

A case where a 3D-printed product was adopted for the first time in Japan as a genuine optional part for an automobile manufacturer. By manufacturing the oil cooler duct for the LEXUS LC500 using a 3D printer, the company achieved both complex shape design and small-batch production. This case has drawn significant attention as an example of 3D printing application.

Exhibitor: C-MET Inc.

[World’s Fastest] Sand Mold Additive Manufacturing System 'SCM-1800'

A large-scale sand mold additive manufacturing system capable of producing both single prototypes and mass-produced items, achieving the world’s fastest build speed. Despite a speed of approximately 18 seconds per layer, it maintains high dimensional accuracy and can produce layers as thin as approximately 2mm.

3. The 'Master Craftsmanship' of Japan’s Local Workshops Supports Humanoid and Medical Robots!?

The exhibition will feature numerous local workshops and small-to-medium manufacturers from across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. The master craftsmanship of these local workshops, which support Japan’s manufacturing foundation, is gaining renewed attention as a behind-the-scenes force enabling cutting-edge fields such as humanoid robots, medical robots, and endoscopes. At the venue, products and technologies showcasing Japan’s manufacturing strength will gather, including unique technologies labeled 'world’s first,' 'Japan’s first,' 'world’s smallest,' 'world’s thinnest,' and 'world’s finest,' as well as one-of-a-kind precision machining techniques difficult for others to replicate.

[Highlighted Case Studies] (Excerpts)

Exhibitor: OBA KIKO Co., Ltd.

The 'World’s Finest' Ultra-Fine Stainless Steel Tube

Born from continuous challenges to push the limits of thinness, this ultra-fine stainless steel tube is used across various fields, including medical devices, micromachines, precision instruments, and electronic components.

Exhibitor: KTS Co., Ltd.

[Industry First] Belt Sling That Can Lift 10 Tons with the Thickness of Two Fingers

A revolutionary product that combines astonishing strength and lightweight design, capable of lifting heavy objects weighing 10 tons (10,000 kg) with a thickness equivalent to just two fingers. It simultaneously enhances safety and work efficiency at construction, logistics, and manufacturing sites.

Press Inquiry (Prior Registration Required)

Press registration link:

https://www.manufacturing-world.jp/tokyo/ja-jp/media/press-registration.html

――― Feel Free to Consult ―――

- We can discuss interview topics and targets in advance upon request

- Press inquiries for the day before the event (June 30) may also be accommodated with schedule coordination by the secretariat

- On-site inquiries during the event will be handled as much as possible

Press coverage opportunities include:

- Reporting on the latest trends in manufacturing, including Physical AI, AI robotics, automation, and labor-saving

- Frontline reporting on 3D printing applications (e.g., Japan’s first adoption of a 3D-printed part in a genuine LEXUS LC500 component)

- Coverage of the 'master craftsmanship' of local workshops across Japan that support humanoid robots, medical robots, and endoscopes