Partnership between Builpo and SolidSurface to Enhance Robotics in Facility Management

Partnership Overview

In a significant move towards addressing the growing challenges in facility management, Builpo Inc. and SolidSurface Inc., both based in Tokyo, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at expanding the adoption of Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) in various sectors, particularly in hospitals and commercial establishments.

Builpo, led by CEO Taichi Inagaki, operates a RaaS platform called BILLMS, while SolidSurface, headed by CEO Takashi Sakazaki, brings in extensive expertise in building management systems and robot integration technologies. The collaboration seeks to create a robust RaaS model that can be implemented not only in new constructions but also in existing small- to medium-sized hospitals and commercial facilities.

Industry Challenges Addressed

The partnership addresses critical issues currently faced by the healthcare and commercial sectors, particularly regarding labor shortages. Many facilities are struggling with inadequate staffing for cleaning, security, and logistical tasks. This is especially pronounced in small-to-medium-sized hospitals with around 200 beds, which often grapple with tight budgets and resources that necessitate more efficient operational strategies.

High Costs of Elevator Integration

A significant barrier to robot implementation has been the high costs associated with elevator integration. The expenses related to initial setup and ongoing operational costs can be prohibitive. Since elevator systems often require manufacturer-specific adjustments and restrict the type of compatible robots, many facilities have found it difficult to justify the investment.

Inadequate Functionality of Existing Solutions

Additionally, existing robot management systems frequently fail to align with operational requirements on the ground. As a result, expensive systems are often purchased without properly addressing essential elements such as task management, robot oversight, and lifecycle management. This shortfall has contributed to wastage on systems that do not adequately meet user needs.

Partnership Objectives

Under this partnership, SolidSurface will focus on technical consulting from requirement definition to basic design. Meanwhile, Builpo will concentrate on the development, provision, and sales growth of their BILLMS platform.

Introduction of BILLMS

BILLMS aims to be a unified management platform for multiple robotic vendors. It removes the need for disparate management interfaces, ensuring smooth integrations for various robotic functions such as cleaning, transportation, security, and visitor assistance. The platform is designed to facilitate optimized elevator traffic while preventing collisions among robots in shared environments.

Moreover, the integration of data from robots and facility-installed cameras and sensors into a single user interface offers a comprehensive tool for lifecycle management in buildings, facilitating data-driven operational strategies.

Builpo will take charge of RaaS design—determining which robots to deploy, in what quantities, and at what times—while SolidSurface will utilize its test field at Haneda Innovation City to conduct trials and analyze data for the necessary technical adjustments for successful implementation.

Flexible Deployment Strategies

The partnership also plans to introduce flexible deployment methods that allow for robot integration without mandatory elevator coordination. This approach will grant clients the ability to initiate with a lower capital expenditure, gradually expanding functionality according to their needs.

Future Outlook

Both companies aim to promote a RaaS model that addresses on-site issues, pushing for reductions in labor in cleaning and transportation tasks while enhancing service quality. This initiative plays a pivotal role in supporting the emergence of smart cities, contributing to the realization of Society 5.0.

Company Profiles

Builpo Inc.
Location: 1-6-1 Minato, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
CEO: Taichi Inagaki
Established: 2022
Business Focus: Support and development of cleaning robots, development and provision of robot management systems, and DX consulting specialized in building maintenance.
Website: https://builpo.co.jp/

SolidSurface Inc.
Location: 1-13 Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
CEO: Takashi Sakazaki
Established: 2022
Business Focus: Robotics, system development, and AI system creation.
Website: https://www.solidsurface.co.jp/