#Japan #Tokyo #Takenaka Corp #iREX 2025 #Jinki GIKAI

Jinki GIKAI and Takenaka Corporation Collaborate on Innovative Bridge Reinforcement Robot

At the upcoming 2025 International Robot Exhibition (iREX 2025), Jinki GIKAI Co., Ltd. will showcase their advanced robotic solution for installing steel brackets essential for bridge seismic reinforcement. This marks a significant achievement as they collaborate with Takenaka Corporation, which has been at the forefront of construction innovation.

Development Background

In December 2022, Jinki GIKAI and Takenaka entered a capital alliance to fuel joint development focused on enhancing robotics in civil engineering. Their initiative aligns with a larger vision of deploying robotics to modernize construction processes, encapsulated in the concept of “Robots Open New Horizons in Civil Engineering.” The collaboration aims to mechanize the labor-intensive task of installing steel brackets for seismic reinforcement, which has historically presented various operational challenges.

Addressing Traditional Challenges

Traditional methods for installing heavy steel brackets under bridge girders involve significant manual labor, which presents safety risks and is time-consuming. Workers typically rely on cranes to lift materials, but the height limitations and the need for precise manual adjustments can slow down the process. Safety has been a longstanding concern in these high-altitude tasks.

The Human-Machine Stewart Platform Ver. 2.0 (GSP 2.0)

The GSP 2.0 represents the next iteration of their robotic installation system, integrating a nut temporary fastening system, a bracket gripping mechanism, and the Stewart platform itself. This sophisticated design allows remote operation from a control unit, enabling precise positioning and alignment of steel brackets under challenging conditions.

Key benefits anticipated with the GSP 2.0 include:

• - Significant time savings: Installation time per bracket is expected to decrease from approximately 120 minutes to around 30 minutes.
• - Increased safety: The system minimizes the need for workers to operate at dangerous heights, enhancing overall site safety.
• - Improved efficiency: The robot can quickly adapt to varying bracket shapes and positions, thereby streamlining the installation process.

Demonstrations and Collaborative Goals

The robot's capabilities were first presented at the Highway Tech Fair 2025, further solidifying its expected utility. During the International Robot Exhibition, Jinki GIKAI plans to conduct live demonstrations involving the GSP 2.0 mounted on a rough terrain crane. This practical exhibition aims to showcase the robot's ability to perform high-altitude installations effectively.

As the project continues, the team will conduct field trials targeting the real-world application of the robotic system by 2026. Plans for commercialization will follow, focusing on identifying and partnering with construction firms to integrate the technology into existing workflows.

Looking Ahead: Future Prospects

The integration of robotics in construction is no longer a distant dream; it's unfolding before our eyes. Jinki GIKAI’s ambitious project with Takenaka Corporation sets a benchmark for future innovations in the industry. The advent of systems like the GSP 2.0 not only promises transformative impacts on construction efficiency and safety but also paves the way for a new era where technology and engineering coexist to redefine infrastructure development.

For those interested, the International Robot Exhibition will occur from December 3 to 6, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight. Jinki GIKAI invites everyone to visit their booth in Hall 7, E7-61, for an engaging exploration of this revolutionary technology.