#Japan #Tokyo #Humanoid Robotics #ATOM #NSK

NSK and ATOM: A Strategic Partnership for Humanoid AI Robotics Development

In a significant move toward advancing the domestic humanoid AI robot industry, NSK Ltd., based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, and ATOM, headquartered in Koto, Tokyo, have announced a comprehensive memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at establishing a strategic partnership for the development and implementation of humanoid AI robots.

Context and Significance

As the humanoid robot industry shows promise as a key driver of Japan's economic competitiveness, the number of players actively engaging in this field remains limited. Moreover, reliance on overseas production and procurement of components presents substantial challenges concerning stable supply chains and mass production.

This MOU is intended to address these obstacles. By combining NSK’s capabilities in precision parts development and mass production with ATOM's expertise in AI and robotics technology, the partnership aims to create a unified development and implementation framework domestically. Additionally, it will facilitate the efficient collection of real data necessary for advances in AI, considerably contributing to establishing a robust foundation for Japan’s robotics industry.

Both companies view this collaboration as a step toward advancing the entire Japanese humanoid robot sector. They are committed to creating a foundational structure that enables domestically developed humanoids to compete effectively in the global market, taking proactive measures to forge collaborations across diverse industries.

Overview of Partnership

The MOU outlines two primary areas of collaboration:

1. Joint Verification of Actuators
NSK will conduct joint verification of humanoid robot actuators developed by the company, utilizing ATOM's humanoid robots for practical evaluations. Insights gained from these real-world assessments will be leveraged to enhance the performance of domestic actuators and accelerate the resolution of issues related to mass production.

2. Collaborative Collection of Physical AI Data Utilizing Manufacturing Sites
NSK’s manufacturing facilities will serve as a platform for ATOM’s humanoid robots to gather physical AI data collaboratively. By harnessing data derived from actual production environments, the partnership aims to improve the performance of physical AI foundational models, thus enabling the development of robots capable of executing advanced tasks in manufacturing processes.

Insights from Company Leaders

Akitoshi Ichii, President and CEO of NSK, commented, “Humanoid robots represent a new frontier where Japan’s manufacturing prowess in precision technology can shine. Building on our tribology technology honed through developing bearings and ball screws, NSK is dedicated to creating high-quality actuators that will support the agile movement of robots. The realization of a society where robots work alongside humans requires an excellent synergy of advanced AI and reliable hardware. Our precise components must ensure the movement of ATOM’s humanoids, focusing on reliability and durability as demanded by real-world scenarios.”

Shunsuke Aoki, CEO of ATOM, added, “The integration of physical AI and hardware is essential for the implementation of humanoid robots. However, achieving high-quality fusion between the two remains a significant challenge, with few successful global precedents. NSK, a leader in precision components, will complement our capabilities in developing physical AI foundational models, allowing us to realize the highest quality domestically produced humanoid robots. Through this partnership, we aim to solidify our position as a leader in Japan’s physical AI and humanoid robot sector, driving growth and fostering opportunities across Japan's various hardware manufacturers and the broader supply chain.”

About NSK

Founded in 1916, NSK began by producing Japan’s first bearings and has since contributed to various innovative products and technologies, including automotive components and precision instruments. Having established a presence in approximately 30 countries, NSK ranks third globally in the bearing industry and continues to lead in technologies such as ball screws and electric power steering.

For more information about NSK, visit NSK's Website.

About ATOM

Founded in November 2025, ATOM aims to boost Japan’s GDP by 1% through the development of domestic humanoid AI robots and research on physical AI foundational models. The startup develops dual-arm bipedal robots equipped with physical AI frameworks for environmental perception, decision-making, and action generation, striving to deliver robots capable of adapting to various environments and working alongside humans. They are committed to establishing a leadership position in Japan’s physical AI and humanoid robot sectors through collaboration with domestic hardware manufacturers and the entire supply chain.

For more information about ATOM, visit ATOM's Website.