#Japan #Tokyo #Dentsu Research #Innovators Under 35 #Kento Kawarazuka

Dentsu Research Institute Honors A Robotics Pioneer

On December 17, 2025, Dentsu Research Institute, located in Minato, Tokyo, awarded the prestigious "Dentsu Research Institute Award" to Kento Kawarazuka, a lecturer at the University of Tokyo's Next Generation Intelligent Science Research Center, during the Innovators Under 35 Japan 2025 event organized by MIT Technology Review (Japan). This award is part of an international initiative aimed at recognizing innovators under 35 who are working to solve global challenges and shape the future.

The Innovators Under 35 initiative, hosted by the media division of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), seeks to identify and celebrate young innovators worldwide. Previous awardees include prominent figures such as Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, and Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook). This year marks the sixth installment of the Japan version of the award, with ten remarkable individuals chosen from multiple fields including AI, robotics, energy, and biomedicine.

Overview of the Dentsu Research Institute Award

The Dentsu Research Institute Award is a special acknowledgment given to one of the ten recipients of Innovators Under 35 Japan based on their achievements, contributions to societal issues, and alignment with Dentsu’s vision of "HUMANOLOGY for the future - Creating the future with people and technology." This year, the award recognized Kento Kawarazuka for his innovative approaches to humanoid robotics research and development.

At just 31 years old, Kawarazuka has made significant strides in the field of robotics, particularly through the development and sharing of open-source designs for metal quadruped robots. Notably, he has led groundbreaking research on humanoids that mimic human muscular structures and functions, providing insights into methods for enabling robots to understand and control their complex bodies autonomously. Over the past decade, he has authored 56 major papers and contributed to over 110 publications, earning respect in academic circles and receiving awards such as the Best Paper Award at ICRA2024.

Reasons for Awarding Kento Kawarazuka

Kento Kawarazuka has invigorated the field of robotics, particularly amidst a pivotal shift in research methodologies driven by foundational models. His original research has served as a source of inspiration for many researchers and enterprises, energizing them to undertake new challenges in this rapidly evolving domain.

Not only has he contributed to theoretical advancements, but he has also been active in sharing knowledge through lectures and writings, effectively bridging the gap between academia and industry. Dentsu Research Institute commends him for his outstanding contributions and anticipates even greater achievements from him in the future.

Kawarazuka's Research and Contributions

As a leading young researcher in the field of robotics and AI engineering, Kawarazuka has achieved remarkable recognition by developing sophisticated humanoid robots that function similarly to humans. His research includes analyzing the biomechanics of human reflexes and muscular structures to accurately replicate these systems in robotic forms.

One of his notable projects is the MEVIUS system, a metal quadruped robot that was released as the first-ever open-source design. Unlike traditional open-source robotics, often limited to 3D-printed materials that cannot withstand vigorous movements, MEVIUS stands out for its robust composition using commercially available metal parts and customized components. All design files, production steps, and control software for MEVIUS are available open-source, enabling researchers and developers worldwide to replicate his work.

Kawarazuka aspires to rejuvenate the waning field of humanoid research in Japan, positioning it once again at the forefront of global developments. As interest in humanoids surges, his endeavors represent a pivotal step for Japanese robotics in reclaiming their significance on the international stage.

The Dentsu Research Institute continues to promote innovation by participating in events like Innovators Under 35 Japan and providing special awards. Their commitment extends to identifying and supporting young researchers and activists while advancing technology across the spectrum of innovation.

About Dentsu Research Institute

Dentsu Research Institute operates under the guiding principle of "HUMANOLOGY for the future – Creating the future with people and technology." The company integrates its functions of system integration, consulting, and think tank operations to engage earnestly with the broader society, from corporations to individuals, effectively solving challenges through technological innovation. They are focused on fostering X Innovation, transcending the boundaries of technology, industry, enterprises, and communities, with a vision to create new value for the future.

For further information, please visit Dentsu Research Institute.