#Japan #Yarbo #Sapporo #Sapporo City #DFA Robotics

Sapporo City Collaborates with DFA Robotics on Snow Removal Solution

In an effort to tackle the ongoing challenges associated with winter snow removal, Sapporo City has partnered with DFA Robotics, a subsidiary of Change Holdings based in Tokyo, to begin a pilot program for an innovative automated snow removal robot named “Yarbo.” This initiative marks the first phase of their collaboration agreement, aimed at utilizing robotics to assist in addressing regional and social issues. The pilot program will commence on January 27, 2026, with a special unveiling event for the media and potential implementing companies.

The Need for Automation in Snow Removal

Given the severe depletion of manual labor resources and rising operational costs during the snowy months, the need for innovative solutions has become pressing. Sapporo, known for its heavy snowfall during winter, faces particular challenges related to snow removal, making this collaboration essential. In December 2025, Sapporo City and DFA Robotics formalized their partnership to strategically address these pressing issues through advanced robotic technologies.

Pilot Overview

The pilot will operate from January 28 to February 6, 2026, primarily in real-world snowy conditions, to assess the robot's effectiveness, safety, and operational efficiency. Goals include collecting data that can inform future deployments and fine-tuning the robot’s operational protocols for optimal performance in varied winter conditions.

Event Details

The unveiling event will occur on January 27, consisting of two main parts:

• - Morning Session: Directed towards private sector stakeholders, featuring a demonstration of the Yarbo robot, including a Q&A session to foster potential business relationships in snow management, property management, and other related sectors.
• - Afternoon Session: Aimed at council members and press representatives, this will include a live demonstration followed by discussions focusing on the utilization of robotics in solving local and societal challenges.

Technical Specifications of Yarbo

The new snow removal robot, Yarbo, boasts impressive specifications:

• - Snow Clearance Area: 557 square meters
• - Charging Time: 1.5 hours (for 20-80% capacity)
• - Power Source: Lithium-ion battery
• - Operating Temperature: From -25°C to 45°C
• - Operational Range: Includes 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth support
• - Clearing Width: 61 cm, with a throwing range of 2 to 12 meters
• - Autonomous Operation: Remote control options available, with 1.5 hours of working time on a single charge.

Future Goals

DFA Robotics aims to apply its extensive expertise from existing robotic deployments, which include over 3,500 units for service robots across various industries, to optimize the capabilities of Yarbo in the challenging Sapporo winter environment. Notably, this initiative is positioned as a stepping stone towards broader applications of robotic technology in automating snow removal across public and commercial spaces.

About DFA Robotics

DFA Robotics envisions the creation of next-generation social infrastructure, focusing on enhancing human potential rather than replacing it. By deploying diverse service robots in industries like hospitality, healthcare, and logistics, they aim to alleviate labor shortages and enhance productivity. The company benefits from a robust support network, ensuring efficient and timely after-care for all their robotic solutions.

Conclusion

The collaborative pilot program between Sapporo City and DFA Robotics represents a significant advancement in smart city initiatives, utilizing robotics to alleviate community burdens associated with seasonal challenges. By proceeding with this innovative approach, they hope to create a reliable pathway towards incorporating autonomous solutions into everyday urban maintenance procedures, ultimately contributing to safer and more efficient winter environments.

For those interested in attending the unveiling event or seeking additional information, interested parties are encouraged to register via the provided channels.