#Japan #Tokyo #Humanoid Robots #Safety Standards #Play Robotics

Play Robotics: A New Era in Humanoid Robot Safety

On April 9, 2026, a revolutionary company named Play Robotics was established in Chuo, Tokyo, with the mission to provide safety verification and integration support for humanoid robots worldwide. In a time where safety standards specific to humanoid robots are still under development, Play Robotics aims to bridge the gap by researching and evaluating these machines in line with deep industrial safety knowledge.

The Urgency Behind the Creation

By 2030, Japan is projected to face a labor shortage of between 6.44 and 7 million workers, according to a report by Persol Research Institute and Chuo University. In light of this shortage, humanoid robots have come to the forefront as a solution, with prices now around 2 to 3 million yen. Furthermore, global market projections suggest the humanoid robot market will exceed 15.2 billion dollars by 2030. However, despite the favorable technological advancements and pricing, companies looking to deploy robots are still confronted by substantial barriers unrelated to technology and cost.

Currently, rules and knowledge concerning safe coexistence between humans and humanoid robots are insufficient. Although ISO 25785, the safety standard for humanoids, is in development, details about safety requirements for robots, such as ensuring safety in case of unexpected movements or during interaction with humans, haven't even begun to be established. Given Japan’s urgent labor shortage, waiting for the completion of these standards is not viable.

Purchasing a humanoid robot is merely the first step; it requires a comprehensive approach to ensure functionality at the workplace. This includes software development tailored to the specific job, training and adjusting the robot's movements, safety design, establishment of operational frameworks, and effective implementation within the organization. However, very few companies are equipped to handle these last-mile challenges from both a technical and organizational perspective.

That is why Play Robotics was founded.

Strategic Focus of Play Robotics

1. Humanoid Safety Verification Lab: Playground
Play Robotics continuously monitors major humanoid robots globally, assessing safety, performance, and suitability for various applications from an independent standpoint. The company will provide sponsor companies with monthly research reports, real-life demonstrations, consultations, and opportunities for inter-company exchanges. This allows companies to efficiently gain the necessary information to make informed decisions worth millions of yen without needing to establish their own investigative teams.

2. Integration Support: Plug & Play
Based on the accumulated knowledge from research, engineers and consultants will collaborate with businesses on risk assessments, safety designs, and implementation support, remaining involved until the robot is fully integrated. Play Robotics ensures safety is at the forefront while combining technologies such as motion capture, reinforcement learning, and teleoperation to direct the overall design and planning. Their focus is on maximizing safety through the following three areas:
- Human Safety: Controlling the force applied during human contact to prevent injuries.
- Protection of Items: Regulating grip strength based on materials to avoid damage to items or equipment handled by the robot.
- Robot Protection: Using force feedback mechanisms to detect collisions or stresses, enabling the robot to adopt protective actions.

Even if other companies handle development, Play Robotics will conduct risk assessments independently, ensuring safe integration.

In the future, they aim to offer subscription-based leasing that includes maintenance and updates, allowing companies to adopt robots without upfront investments or the need for specialized personnel.

3. Media Outreach: Playful
Through platforms like YouTube and podcasts, Play Robotics will provide updates and examples of humanoid robot implementation to alleviate public anxiety and invoke excitement about coexistence with robots.

Why This Initiative Matters Now

The labor crisis projected for 2030 indicates a dire need for solutions to meet staffing shortages, particularly in the service, logistics, and caregiving sectors. With bankruptcies linked to labor shortages on the rise, the demand for robot deployment is more crucial than ever. Furthermore, the Japanese government is aggressively supporting the robotics industry through subsidies and easing regulations, aiming to capture a 30% global share in AI and robotics worth approximately 20 trillion yen by 2040.

Following the steep decline in hardware costs, humanoid robots that once sold for tens of millions of yen are now available at significantly lower prices. For instance, the Unitree G1 is priced around 2 million yen, while the EngineAI T800 is expected to launch at 3.7 million yen. This dramatic reduction lowers the barriers for adoption.

However, a shortage of safety design specialists capable of applying industrial robot safety principles to humanoids is noticeable, highlighting an immediate need for expert companies to step in. This void becomes crucial, especially as standards like ISO 25785 are still in progress.

Message from the Leadership

Takashi Sano (CEO)
As we look toward a future entwined with robots and AI, many harbor vague anxieties regarding job security and human relevance. This unease stems from a collective understanding that change is imminent, yet the path forward remains unclear. At Play Robotics, we aspire to illuminate that path by crafting a world where humans and robots seamlessly collaborate. We firmly believe that as we enter an age of coexistence, our uncertainties will dissipate, leading us to what could be the most favorable era for humanity.

For this vision to be realized, safety is paramount. To foster an environment where humans and robots can work together without harm to one another requires thoughtful design and meticulous planning. We are committed to ensuring safe delivery of robots to workspaces worldwide, ensuring that automation enhances human endeavors in exploration and creativity—fostering a culture of 'Play.'

Future Developments

In 2026, Play Robotics plans to establish a specialized safety verification lab for humanoid robots, procuring and researching dozens of significant units globally. Alongside, they will initiate the distribution of monthly research reports to sponsor businesses. Discussions concerning the integration of humanoid robots into manufacturing facilities are already underway, leading to experiments based on safety design. After 2027, they plan to progressively delve into robot integration and leasing businesses based on their research findings.

Invitation for Partnership

Play Robotics welcomes inquiries from businesses considering humanoid robot integration as well as those interested in sponsorship opportunities for reports, live demonstrations, and consultative sessions. They are also open to collaborating with systems integrators and development companies seeking third-party expertise in safety design and risk assessments.