AI Robot Association Consolidates Research and Operations at Heiwajima Base

The AI Robot Association (AIRoA), led by Chairman Tetsuya Ogata and based in Ota City, Tokyo, has officially moved its registered office from Hongo, Bunkyo City to Heiwajima, Ota City. This relocation, effective June 26, 2026, aligns the association's legal address with its primary hub for research and development, a facility that has been operational since September 22, 2025.

Background of the Relocation

The advancement of Physical AI, which involves the recognition and judgment of real-world environments by AI, necessitates the collection of large, diverse datasets generated by robots in actual settings. AIRoA recognizes that a continuous learning and testing environment is key to achieving this. Since the beginning of operations at Heiwajima, AIRoA has been systematically collecting robot data, developing foundational robot models, and conducting practical validations.

The move to Heiwajima will centralize the governance and operational activities of AIRoA, facilitating a more coherent and efficient working structure that better reflects the organization’s activities.

Research and Development at Heiwajima Base

Spread across approximately 3,500 square meters, the Heiwajima base is equipped with mock environments simulating manufacturing sites, homes, and retail stores. This space serves as AIRoA's primary research and data collection center to support advancements in robot technology.

At the facility, various types of robots and diverse data collection methodologies are employed to gather operational data. This allows for training and real-world testing of foundational robot models. By conducting data collection, model development, and validation in a single location, AIRoA can swiftly incorporate findings into subsequent stages of data collection and model refinement.

In the 2025 fiscal year, AIRoA aims to collect approximately 80,000 hours of operational data from remotely operated mobile manipulators, refining data formats and learning pipelines tailored for large-scale dataset processing. Starting in the 2026 fiscal year, the focus will expand to include dual-arm mobile manipulation and a broader array of robots and data collection techniques.

To develop a robust research infrastructure that cannot be achieved by a single organization alone, AIRoA fosters collaborations with companies, universities, and research institutions. The insights and data gathered at the Heiwajima base will continuously feed into the research and development of foundational models for practical robots, ultimately contributing to the open research landscape within Japan’s Physical AI sphere.

Future Developments for AIRoA

Moreover, AIRoA is not stopping at Heiwajima. The association plans to expand its research and data collection operations with new locations in Japan, including the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation and Kyoto. The facility within the National Museum will launch as the