#Japan #Tokyo #Punch Industry #Dymon #YAOKI

Punch Industry Renews Partnership with Dymon for YAOKI Project

Punch Industry Co., Ltd. has announced the renewal of its technical partnership agreement with Dymon Co., Ltd., a venture specializing in robotics and space technology. This partnership originally began in 2023, contributing to the Project YAOKI 1 (PY-1) lunar exploration mission, where Punch provided 3D measurement services that were critical in developing YAOKI, Japan's first privately operated lunar rover.

Under the new agreement, effective from May 2026, the scope of collaboration includes the continued sharing of elastic measurement data aimed at mitigating shock and vibration during the transportation of YAOKI's deployment case and the rover itself, from rocket launch to moon landing. Additionally, new provisions have been added to support the development and processing of metal and thermoplastic parts that will be incorporated into the YAOKI rover.

Punch and Dymon are also set to conduct various experiments, simulating the moon’s conditions with extreme low pressure and fine regolith, emphasizing Punch's expanding role in the project.

Overview of Project YAOKI

Project YAOKI is an ambitious initiative led by Dymon that focuses on sending the YAOKI lunar rover to the moon. The goal is to gather high-resolution imagery and data on lunar resources and to help build habitats for future human activities. YAOKI is designed to be exceptionally lightweight, weighing approximately 500 grams, yet it possesses the strength required to operate in the harsh lunar environment. With launch costs soaring to around 100 million yen per kilogram, the importance of developing robust yet lightweight robotic solutions cannot be understated in the current landscape of the aerospace industry.

The initial launch occurred in February 2025, successfully achieving a soft landing on the moon’s surface. Despite some technical challenges, where the YAOKI rover was not deployed as expected due to the lunar lander's positioning, all operational functions were successfully controlled remotely from Earth, resulting in valuable data acquisition.

Punch's Contributions to PY-1

In the first phase of this project (PY-1), Punch Industry's innovative 3D measurement services played a vital role in ensuring that the clearance between YAOKI and its deployment case was optimal. The clearance was filled with sponge-like elastic material; both too much and too little material could potentially jeopardize YAOKI’s functioning during transportation and operational phases on the moon. Punch used its expertise in 3D measurement technology to derive the ideal thickness of the elastic material, thereby securing YAOKI’s successful operation once deployed on lunar soil.

Participation in PY-2

The renewed contract is not only focused on 3D measurement but also on the processing of thermoplastic materials for YAOKI’s wheels and the development of metal components essential for the motors that drive these wheels. In spite of YAOKI being lightweight, there will be efforts to further reduce component weight and potentially introduce additional functions for lunar exploration.

Punch is committed to leveraging its precise metal processing capabilities to ensure the success of the project and contribute significantly to the advancement of the aerospace industry.

Punch Industry's Commitment to the Aerospace Sector

Since 2016, Punch Industry has prioritized expanding into the aerospace sector as a key management focus, enhancing its R&D capabilities. In addition to Project YAOKI, Punch has secured collaborative research agreements centered on metal processing for rocket engine components, further solidifying its role in the aerospace industry’s evolution.

Punch aims to utilize the technologies gained through its involvement in the aerospace sector to enhance both existing and new projects on Earth, striving to become a company that meets societal needs through its contributions to manufacturing.

About Dymon

Founded in 2012, Dymon Co., Ltd. is at the forefront of robotics and space technology development, focusing on lunar exploration, terrestrial robotics, and educational entertainment industries. Dymon’s CEO and Founder, Shinichiro Nakajima, leads the company from its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.

For more information, visit Dymon’s Official Website.

About Punch Industry

Punch Industry is a leading manufacturer of precision mold components and automation equipment. Founded in 1975, the company has consistently displayed excellence in metal processing technologies, achieving the top global market share in custom mold components. Punch is committed to supporting the manufacturing industry for future prosperity through innovation and advancement.

For further inquiries, please contact Punch Industry Corporate Communication at [email protected].