#Japan #Shibuya #Shibuya Startups #Demae-can #Neubility

Autonomous Robot Food Delivery Experiment in Shibuya

On August 24, 2026, Shibuya Startups, Demae-can, and Keio SC Creation announced a trial run of food delivery services utilizing autonomous delivery robots in the Sasazuka area of Shibuya. The project will span from August 24 to September 30, 2026, through a partnership with Neubility Inc., makers of the autonomous robot named "Neubie".

In recent years, food delivery has become an integral part of everyday life, offering increased convenience as it diversifies. However, to ensure sustainable and effective delivery services in the future, it is vital for the industry to explore new delivery methods, including the use of autonomous robots.

During this trial, the Neubie robot will deliver food from local shops like "Curry Shop C&C Sasazuka" and "Doutor Coffee Shop Front Sasazuka" to residents in the vicinity of Shibuya, within approximately a one-kilometer radius around Sasazuka Station. This initiative is part of Shibuya's startup pilot program "Testbed City."

Background of the Initiative

Shibuya Startups aims to support global startups entering the Japanese market by facilitating the implementation of technology that contributes to regional development. Through the deployment of Neubility's autonomous robots, this trial aims to explore the potential of robotics in a society facing labor shortages.

Urban environments present unique challenges due to dense populations of commercial facilities, restaurants, and residences, necessitating constant attention to safety, coexistence with the local community, and operations that reflect actual use cases. Currently, there are few models utilizing autonomous robots for delivery in Japan, making this the first true instance of such a trial by Demae-can in Tokyo.

The collaboration for this initiative includes Demae-can, known for its food delivery expertise; Neubility, with its innovative delivery technology; Shibuya Startups, supporting the local testing and aiding in regional relations; and Keio SC Creation, which focuses on creating new opportunities for local businesses.

Through this trial, the partners aim to verify the next generation of delivery solutions within urban settings, while also generating new sales channels for local eateries, enhancing services for residents, and fostering regional vitality through partnerships with shopping districts and commercial facilities. The objective is to build a new delivery model that benefits users, member shops, and the community while improving the overall convenience of urban living.

Trial Details

• - Project Focus: Testing food delivery using autonomous robots.
• - Location: Sasazuka area, Shibuya, Tokyo.

The delivery range will initially be within a 300-meter radius and will expand to approximately one kilometer from the target stores.

• - Trial Duration: August 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 (tentative).
• - Participating Stores: Curry Shop C&C Sasazuka.
• - Robot in Use: "Neubie" by Neubility.

An operational system will be established to ensure the safe movement of the autonomous robots through remote monitoring throughout the trial period.

Roles of Each Company

• - Demae-can: Provides the delivery platform while coordinating with member stores and validating operational capabilities.
• - Neubility: Manages the autonomous delivery robot operation in Japan.
• - Shibuya Startups: Facilitates support for pilot tests while coordinating with local stakeholders.
• - Keio SC Creation: Aids in the creation of tenant opportunities using robot delivery and partnerships with the community.

Company Profiles

Demae-can is one of the largest delivery services operating in all 47 prefectures across Japan, dedicated to enhancing time value through technology since its inception in 1999.
Keio SC Creation began operations in July 2024 under the Keio Group, focused on creating sustainable commercial environments in collaboration with local communities.
Shibuya Startups seeks to establish an international startup community in Shibuya, aiming to leverage technology for regional prosperity while addressing Japan's societal issues.

For more information, please contact:
Demae-can - Akira Yano, CEO, link: Demae-can Corporate Website
Keio SC Creation - Kenji Kosakai, CEO, link: Keio SC Website
Shibuya Startups - Katsuro Tasaka, CEO, link: Shibuya Startups Website

Note: The names and services mentioned in this news release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. The information in this release is subject to change without notice.