TechMagic's "I-Robo 2" Introduced at Kourakuen's Next-Generation Store

PRESS RELEASE

To Members of the Press

March 31, 2026 TechMagic, Inc.

TechMagic, Inc. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President: Yuji Shiraki; hereinafter "TechMagic"), which innovates "delicious" experiences through robotic technology, is pleased to announce the experimental introduction of its stir-fry cooking robot, "I-Robo 2," at the "Kourakuen Asaka Store" (Fukushima Prefecture), which is scheduled to reopen on March 31 after renovations.

[Image: I-Robo 2 in operation]

The "Kourakuen Asaka Store" is a newly rebuilt location reopening on March 31, 2026. As Kourakuen's first "ZEB Ready" (Net Zero Energy Building Ready) certified sustainable store, it is positioned as both an environmentally conscious next-generation facility and a flagship store for the Kourakuen brand.

The newly installed "I-Robo 2" is a stir-fry cooking robot that automates a series of kitchen tasks, including stirring, heating, and cleaning the pan after cooking, allowing for the consistent preparation of dishes such as fried rice and stir-fried vegetables. At the Asaka store, it will contribute to the advancement of store operations by supporting labor savings and work standardization, in addition to ensuring food safety and peace of mind. This is the second location to feature this technology, following the "Kourakuen Michi-no-Eki Kunimi Atsukashi no Sato Store."

Background of Introduction The renovation of the Kourakuen Asaka store was prompted by road widening construction on the site. Kourakuen views this renovation as a key initiative in developing future model stores, and as its first "ZEB Ready" location, it is advancing the creation of next-generation stores equipped with energy-saving performance.

Purpose of Introduction This introduction supports the creation of a system where anyone, regardless of experience, can cook and serve Chinese dining menu items with consistent quality. Through the provision of "I-Robo 2," TechMagic aims to contribute to quality stabilization, kitchen operation efficiency, and labor reduction in the food service industry.

Store Information Location: 1-171 Asaka, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture Phone: 024-937-4401 Business Hours: Weekdays 10:00–24:00 (Last order 23:45) Weekends and Holidays 9:00–24:00 (Last order 23:45)

What is ZEB Ready? As an advanced building looking toward ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) standards, it is a facility that achieves an energy reduction of 50% or more from the standard primary energy consumption (excluding renewable energy) through high-performance building envelopes and highly efficient energy-saving equipment. At the Asaka store, technical cooperation from Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc.'s "ZEB Planner" is being utilized to balance the reduction of environmental impact with a comfortable in-store environment.

Stir-fry Cooking Robot "I-Robo 2" The I-Robo cooking robot developed by TechMagic automates a series of tasks including stirring, heating, and cleaning the pan after cooking, automatically reproducing the recipes of skilled chefs for dishes like fried rice and stir-fried vegetables. For automatic cooking, heating temperature, heating time, pan rotation speed, and rotation direction can be adjusted flexibly and appropriately according to the menu. By introducing I-Robo, we aim to promote "human-empowerment" (katsujinka) to address labor shortages, creating an environment where people can focus on higher value-added tasks. "I-Robo 2" is an evolved model with a more compact size and improved cleanability and touch-panel operability. Additionally, options such as safety guards and circulation hoods can be added upon request, further expanding the range of customization to meet the diversifying needs of our clients.

[Image: Stir-fry cooking robot I-Robo 2: Automating cooking and cleaning]

About Kourakuen Company Name: Kourakuen Corporation Headquarters: 2-1 Kitakawada, Aza, Kamigyogo, Tamura-machi, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture Established: November 11, 1970 Founded: September 22, 1954

Founded in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, in 1954, "Kourakuen" is a ramen chain with approximately 350 stores in Japan and overseas. We offer a wide variety of products, including our "Chuka Soba" (Chinese noodles), which has been loved for over half a century since our founding, as well as classic side dishes like "Gyoza" and "Fried Rice." By manufacturing our high-moisture aged noodles made with the highest quality "Tendan" flour, as well as our gyoza, fried rice, and char siu, at our two domestic factories, we provide safe and secure products at low prices. Kourakuen Official Website: https://www.kourakuen.co.jp/