Hitachi acquires robot start-up

April 23, 2021

Hitachi, a leading heavy electric manufacturer, acquired the robot start-up Kyoto Robotics on April 8, 2021. The acquisition price is not disclosed. Hitachi has acquired approximately 96% of the shares of Kyoto Robotics.

Kyoto Robotics is a robot start-up that possesses the original image processing technology. It was established in 2000 as a start-up from Ritsumeikan University. Its strengths are its 3D vision sensor and its original AI control system. With this acquisition, Hitachi will strengthen its automation proposals to the logistics industry.

Kazunobu Morita, Vice President and Executive Officer, CEO of the Industry & Distribution Business Unit, Hitachi, said “The acquisition of Kyoto Robotics’ advanced technologies and expertise related to intelligent robotic systems, which are the key to the automation of logistics and manufacturing sites, is an important milestone. We will integrate Hitachi’s products, OT and IT, Lumada, which uses advanced digital technologies, and Kyoto Robotics’ robotic SI, including their intelligent robotic systems and connect cyber space and real space. This will enable us to contribute to the solutions to customers’ issues and maximize the value of businesses from a management perspective while enhancing social, environmental and economic value.”