#Japan #Tokyo #ABEJA #GENIAC #VTLA Model

ABEJA Collaborates on a Groundbreaking Project for Manufacturing

Tokyo-based ABEJA, led by CEO Yosuke Okada, has announced its participation in an innovative project orchestrated by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). This initiative, aimed at constructing a dataset for the VTLA (Vision-Tactile-Language-Action) model through sensory data collection in manufacturing environments, collaborates with prestigious companies such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Fanuc, FingerVision, and Yaskawa Electric. This project is part of a broader research and development agenda focused on enhancing information and communication infrastructure in the context of the post-5G era.

Background of the Project

ABEJA operates under the guiding principle of implementing a "rich world" through its enterprise platform. This platform not only facilitates the practical application of AI but also aims for continuous advancement in its technological capabilities. By effectively integrating data, decision-making, and operations, ABEJA enhances processes in real-world settings, establishing a robust foundation for industry-specific applications.

Japan's manufacturing sector faces pressing challenges such as a declining workforce of skilled laborers and the need to innovate in diverse production techniques. The demand for digitizing complex manual tasks, which go beyond traditional automation technology, has become increasingly urgent. There is a strong expectation that the application of AI to include non-visual sensory information, such as tactile and force data, will revolutionize manual tasks in manufacturing.

In the context of escalating international competition in the fields of AI and robotics, the effective utilization of high-quality manufacturing data, a hallmark of Japanese industry, is perceived as essential for strengthening industrial competitiveness.

Project Overview

The project focuses on advancing the implementation of Physical AI in manufacturing settings by collaborating with three leading robotics manufacturers, academic institutions, and companies specializing in sensing and IT technologies. ABEJA will help develop the VTLA model, which will comprehensively handle visual, tactile, linguistic, and action-centric data collected from manufacturing processes.

Additionally, the project will involve designing, collecting, and accumulating a suitable dataset for the VTLA model, ultimately establishing a data ecosystem that promotes automation of intricate and delicate manual tasks that have previously posed challenges.

ABEJA is committed to collaborating with various stakeholders to define dataset structures and facilitate the design of the data ecosystem.

Key Highlights of the Project

• - Joint collaboration among three robotics manufacturers to standardize data specifications and collection frameworks, creating a universal dataset applicable across diverse robots and devices.
• - Rapid development focused on the swift evolution of technology, fostering an early formation of the data ecosystem.
• - Collaborative pilot testing of the VTLA model involving startups and universities with expertise in tactile information.

By promoting a united front within the robotics industry, this project aims not only to accelerate the integration of robots in manufacturing but also to address broader societal issues, such as the declining workforce.

Through this initiative, ABEJA harnesses the shared knowledge within AI and robotics sectors to expedite the practical implementation of robotic technologies across various industries.

Project Timeline: August 2026 – July 2027
Public Disclosure:

• - METI: Press Release
• - NEDO: Funding Opportunity

About ABEJA

Founded in September 2012 and headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, ABEJA focuses on empowering businesses through AI. The company provides an enterprise platform designed to ensure the successful practical application of AI, aiming for sustained growth and enhancement of its solutions. For more information, visit ABEJA Inc..