Mitsubishi Electric is making significant strides in the AI and robotics sector by investing 5 billion yen (approximately 227 million RMB based on current exchange rates) in the construction technology startup Akari Inc.. This partnership aims to enhance real-time motion calibration technology for robots, enabling them to dynamically adjust their actions based on various scenarios and master multiple tasks. This collaboration represents a crucial step towards achieving full automation.
This investment highlights the urgent challenges faced by the Japanese manufacturing industry. With a declining population and increasing labor shortages, Japanese manufacturers are rapidly adopting robotics and artificial intelligence technologies. In addition to Mitsubishi Electric, Japan has seen the emergence of companies like Mujin Inc., specializing in robot controllers and operating systems, along with leading global factory robot manufacturers such as Fanuc Corp., Yaskawa Electric Corp., and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.. Recently, SoftBank Group also announced a $5.4 billion acquisition of the robotics business from ABB Group, indicating a robust investment in the “AI + Robotics” integration sector.
Analysts Shirley Wong and Breanne Dougherty from Bloomberg Intelligence have noted that Japan is undergoing a strategic industrial adjustment, prioritizing the integration of AI in robotic technology for both the manufacturing and defense sectors to directly address the severe labor shortages. Government funding is also being directed towards AI-driven robotic projects in critical industries such as shipbuilding. With the implementation of “Physical AI” and an increase in defense spending to 2% of GDP, these policies are supporting Japan’s position as a leader in regional automation.
The capital markets have responded positively to these developments. Between 2024 and 2025, stocks of Japanese defense manufacturers have seen sustained growth, with Kawasaki Heavy Industries leading in cumulative gains. The robotics sector is expected to accelerate significantly by 2025, with stock prices for Fanuc and Yaskawa Electric projected to rise by 49% compared to 2024, indicating a shift in market focus from AI concept speculation to actual applications.
Founded in 2021, Akari emerged from research at the University of Tokyo and has since been providing AI services to construction companies such as Haseko Corp. and Toda Corp..
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