AI Robot Association Expands Global Reach with BARA
The AI Robot Association (AIRoA) based in Tokyo, Japan, recently announced an exciting new international partnership with the Bay Area Robotics Association (BARA), a member-driven organization located in Silicon Valley, California. This collaboration is designed to link the robotics communities in Japan and the United States, opening avenues for technical exchanges and knowledge sharing. The formal establishment of BARA took place on December 11, 2025, and the announcement was made during the Humanoids Summit Silicon Valley event.
Context of the Collaboration
Robotics and AI technologies have become integral in various sectors including manufacturing, logistics, disaster response, healthcare, and construction. However, translating research results into practical applications requires international exchanges, collaborative opportunities, shared insights, and a unified approach toward standardization. AIRoA has proactively worked with academic, governmental, and industry stakeholders to establish a solid foundation for the social implementation of robotics and foster an open collaborative environment. This new partnership aims to strengthen and deepen the international framework of robotics collaboration between Japan and the US.
Details of the Collaboration
The partnership between AIRoA and BARA is not merely symbolic; it is poised to yield several concrete initiatives:
- - Facilitation of Exchange Opportunities: The collaboration will promote exchanges among robotics stakeholders in both Japan and the US.
- - Challenge Sharing and Collaboration: It provides a platform for addressing and sharing societal implementation challenges, promoting collaborative initiatives.
- - Formation of Discussion Forums: The partnership will cultivate discussion venues focusing on international dialogue and research collaboration.
- - Joint Hosting of Events: The organizations will collaboratively host events and closed sessions aimed at addressing the current challenges in robotics.
BARA is set to hold its first closed session in February 2026, which will include participation from AIRoA, marking an exciting start to this partnership.
Comments from Leadership
Tetsuya Ogata, the Chairman of AIRoA, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the collaboration: “I anticipate that our partnership with the Bay Area Robotics Association will create significant collaborative opportunities essential for advancing robotics research and its societal implementation in Japan. By working together, we can share more knowledge and opportunities to contribute to solving societal issues.”
Modar Alaoui, Founder and Chairman of BARA, highlighted the region's importance: “For many years, the Bay Area has served as a critical hub that links research, industry, and societal implementation in robotics. I am hopeful that our collaboration with AIRoA will further strengthen the partnership between Japan and the US in the ecosystem of humanoid robotics and its real-world applications.”
About AIRoA
Vision of the AI Robot Association
The AI Robot Association (AIRoA) aims to pave the way for a future where humans coexist with technology through the societal implementation of AI robots. AIRoA is committed to addressing societal challenges, enhancing industrial competitiveness, and realizing a sustainable society through deepened collaborations that transcend public and private sectors. Their mission is to promote the adoption of robots that create new values in daily life and contribute significantly to creating a safe and rich society.
Overview of AIRoA
- - Japanese Name: 一般社団法人AIロボット協会
- - English Name: AI Robot Association (AIRoA)
- - Objective: Innovating robotics development technologies through the fusion of AI and robotics. Promoting the utilization of robotics in society.
Activities
- - Promoting initiatives to foster the development of AI robots.
- - Collecting, managing, and publishing necessary data for fundamental model development.
- - Operating development communities and publishing individual models.
- - Measuring and publicizing efficiency improvements through AI robots.
- - Assessing and publishing safety evaluations of AI robots.
- - Other necessary initiatives to achieve the goals of the organization.
Membership Inquiries
For inquiries related to membership, please contact
[email protected].
Recruitment Inquiries
AIRoA seeks individuals to lead in the Physical AI domain, utilizing various robots for data collection, and collaborating on the development of foundational models and platforms. Detailed job postings can be found at the link:
Recruitment. For inquiries, contact
[email protected].
Contact Information for AIRoA
For inquiries about this announcement:
About BARA
The Bay Area Robotics Association (BARA) operates out of Silicon Valley as a member-driven platform for the robotics industry. BARA connects robotics companies, investors, and startups across humanoid, industrial, service, and mobility sectors to accelerate commercialization and real-world deployment. By facilitating partnerships and capital collaborations, BARA strengthens connections with robotics ecosystems around the globe.
Contact Information for BARA
For inquiries regarding this announcement: