【Provisional】

New Robot Strategy
Japan’s Robot Strategy- Vision, Strategy, Action Plan -The Headquarters for Japan’s Economic Revitalization
10/2/2015

Part I

General Statement ................................................................................ 2

Chapter 1

Prologue ...................................................................................... 2

Section 1 Current situation surrounding “Japan as a robotics superpower”.................................................................................................. 2
Section 2 Drastic transformation of robots and Japan’s future .................. 4
Section 3 Goal of robot revolution ............................................................. 7
Chapter 2

Measures for realization of robot revolution ...............................11

Section 1 Robot creativity – Thorough reinforcement of robots in Japan .11
Section 2 Utilization and popularization of robots – “Daily life with robots”
across Japan ........................................................................... 13
Section 3 Development and progress of robot revolution on global
perspectives – Toward new advanced IT society .................... 16
Part II

Action Plan: Five-year Plan ................................................................. 18

Chapter 1

Cross-Cutting Issues ................................................................. 18

Section 1 Establishment of "Robot Revolution Initiative (RRI)" ............... 18
Section 2 Technology development toward the next generation ............. 20
Section 3 Policy on the Global Standardization of Robotics ................... 27
Section 4 Field-Testing of Robots ........................................................... 35
Section 5 Human Resource Development .............................................. 38
Section 6 Implementation of Robot Regulatory Reform .......................... 41
Section 7 Expansion of Robot Award ...................................................... 46
Section 8 Consideration of Robot Olympic (Provisional Name) .............. 48
Chapter 2

Particulars by Sector ................................................................. 51

Section 1 Manufacturing Sector .............................................................. 51
Section 2 Service fields ........................................................................... 58
Section 3 Nursing and medical fields ...................................................... 63
Section 4 Infrastructure, disaster response, and construction fields ....... 71
Section 5 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery, and Food Industry .................... 771

Part I

General Statement

Chapter 1

Prologue

Section 1

Current situation surrounding “Japan as a robotics superpower”

Subsection 1

Japan as a robotics superpower

Robots have become rapidly common in Japan since the 1980’s primarily in the
manufacturing sector. In particular, the automobile, electric and electronic industries
showed a significant growth against the backdrop of greater labor productivity in line withthe full-fledged employment of robots as the major destination for supply of robots. It goes
without saying that these industries have played an active role for Japan to usher in an era ofJapan as No. 1 driven indeed by the utilization of robots.
In addition, robots have always been in the spotlight in Japan for diverse potentials andthere have been noteworthy innovative achievements such as pet-like robots aiming toprovide comfort and surprise to human or world-leading research and development on
human-shaped robots and study of service robots.
Japan’s excellence in the field of robotics has particularly been notable in the area ofindustrial robots which have been employed ahead of others. Japan has maintained its
global position as the world’s number one supplier of industrial robots in value, and also
tops in the number of units in operation till present. As of 2012, Japan earned the shipment
value of about JPY340 billion which accounts for approximately 50% of the global share aswell as the number of units in operation (based on stocks) of roughly 300,000 units which
accounts for 23% of the global share. In addition, Japan holds great share of over 90%
worldwide in the field of key robot elements such as precision reduction gear for robots,
servo motor and force sensor.
As evidenced above, Japan continues to maintain its status as “Robotics Superpower ”
till present built on its world-renowned strengths in diverse areas of robot production,utilization, supply of key parts, research and development.

Subsection 2

Japan as an advanced country of challenging issues

Japan has been faced with the issues of declining birth rate and ageing society which
are progressing at an unparalleled speed worldwide and thus Japan has become one of thefirst among other nations to encounter such challenges as a decline in the number ofworking-age population, shortage in labor and higher social security costs as a result of theissues above.
Indeed the number of senior citizens aged 65 and above hit the record-high level ofover 31.9 million as at 1 October 2013 and their percentage against the total population(population aging rate) also marked a record 25.1%.

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The number of working-age population is also on the decline and currently dips below
the level of 80 million to 79.01 million. Social security costs hit a record JPY108.5568
trillion in the fiscal year 2012 amid such environment, accounting for 30% against thenational income.
In addition, there are myriad issues that require immediate systematic actions from theentire society for protection of our lives including enhanced disaster preparedness andupgrading of aged social capitals to cope with heavy rain disasters occurring more often
than ever in recent years.
For industries, there is no doubt about declining global competitiveness in the
manufacturing sector for instance and amount of value-added production has been shrinking
to the point where nearly JPY20 trillion has been lost at least in the past 20 years. There istendency that some sectors count on overseas production for lower operation costs.
However from a viewpoint of maintaining and fortifying global competitiveness of theJapanese economy towards the future, enhancing domestic geographical advantage is achallenge that is as crucial as keeping pace with the expansion of overseas market.
To meet these challenges, advancing reform of the socioeconomic system is of course
indispensable, and further initiatives must also be taken by gathering all knowledge andexpertise available including utilization of new technical innovation.

Subsection 3

Catch-up of other countries by the robot as a key to growth

Robots are back in the limelight once again in recent years as the key to growth acrossthe world including both developed countries like Europe and America as well as emerging
economies represented by China.
The US government released the “National Robotics Initiative” in 2011 providing tensof millions of dollars every year to support fundamental research on robots mainly in thefields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and recognition (voice, image etc).
In addition, Google, a major IT enterprise originating from US, drew global attention
last December when it bought over seven venture companies one after another (worth
USD60 million) to obtain promising robot technologies possessed by these companies.
Among the seven acquired companies is one of the top players in DARPA Robotics
Challenge held by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the UnitedStates Department of Defense since 2012.
In Europe, the “EU SPARC Project” was launched in 2014 as a research and innovation
project in the field of robotics through collaboration between the European Commission andaround 180 private companies and research bodies in order to go ahead with thedevelopment of practical robots for use in the manufacturing, agricultural, health andhygiene, transportation, civil social security and household sectors. As part of the overall

3initiatives there is a project worth EUR2.8 billion in total through investments ofapproximately EUR700 million from the European Commission and EUR2.1 billion fromprivate companies and research bodies.
Key highlight of these movements in Europe is the transformation of society where
physical objects are interconnected through network which is called Internet of Things(IoT 1) has become more realistic in line with the rapid progress of digitalization as well as
advancement of network and cloud technologies. Countries in Europe and America areseemingly aiming to win the lead in utilization of new robots by cashing in on thesechanges. On the other hand, China has been aggressively employing state-of-the-art
industrial robots as part of the countermeasures against rising labor costs, or efforts tosecure higher quality. The Chinese government advocates the “Development Plan forIntelligent Manufacturing Equipment Industry” (智能製造装置産業発展計画) (2012)”
aiming to hit a domestic sales target for industrial robots of 3 trillion yuan by 2020 which is
ten times as much as the current level. As evidence of the trend, robots have been embraced
rapidly in China and the annual number of robot units (flow) employed in 2005 of 4,000 has
soared to 37,000 in 2013, beating Japan and pushing China to the top of the world.

Section 2

Drastic transformation of robots and Japan’s future

Subsection 1

Drastic transformation of robots

Amid such environment, robots have started to make drastic transformation themselves
along with technology innovation and changes in business models.
The very first change is that robots are shifting themselves from those doing simple
routine tasks to “autonomous” ones equipped with self-learning abilities and action
initiatives. There is much expectation for further enrichment of robot capacities in line witha great leap in the advancement of AI technology (image, voice recognition, machinelearning) including utilization of deep learning in addition to the progress of separate
technologies such as sensor technology and higher performance of software and information
processing capacity, which altogether will enable a more skilled processing.
The second highlight is that robots grow from the conventional ones that are put underunilateral data control to new ones acting as a source of added value such as new service bymeans of piling up and making use of various data on their own, triggering a trend of “robot
transformation into an information terminal device” replacing such existing devices aspersonal computers and mobile phones. These robots may possibly be embraced across thecorners of our daily lives and for instance, robots are expected to advance into the area of1

A situation where several physical objects are equipped with sensor and connected to the Internet

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routine communication tools and contribute to provide life support such as assistance inhousehold choirs as well as safety and comfort.
The last point is a trend where robots become interconnected for mutual cooperation asa “networked” tool beyond the scope of individual tasks as a single robot, through whichrobots will function not only as a single robot but also as a part of various systems and theirimportance has been growing more than ever with the arrival of IoT society.

Subsection 2

Encroaching crisis on Japan as a great country of robotics

As robots transform themselves to “autonomous” “information terminal device” and“networked” ones, they are used mainly in the field of automated production process inJapan aimed at stable production and energy saving and thus the mainstream of Japanremains that robots are utilized with tailored specs for individual usage only in specificareas of the manufacturing sector such as the automobile, electric and electronic industries
equipped with excellent mass production technology.
On the contrary, public-private initiatives have been gaining momentum in the
manufacturing sector of America and Europe on top of initiatives taken at the individual
corporate level for the establishment of new business model such as the case of Google asaforesaid. For instance, the Industrial Internet Consortium 2 was set up in US and Germany
is aggressively pushing forward the Industry 4.0 3 Strategy aiming at development of new
production process and optimization of supply chain on the whole. To capitalize on thesetrends, establishing the global standards and modules in the eyes of mutual alliance is the
key to success and much focus has been gathered on how to win a status as a new platform
for exchange of a wide range of information.
Should Japan lag behind such trend in terms of ideas about robot development orperspectives of business models, Japan will be isolated from the rest of the world in thefield of robotics as well and be eyed as Galapagos which will draw more concerns over thesituation in Japan where craftsmanship enjoys a victory but business suffers a defeat. To
ride these global tides, it is imperative to recruit human resources equipped with knowledge
in the fields of system establishment, launch and programming including areas given highadded value in the course of robot employment even at present like designing production

2

3

A consortium of over 60 companies headed by GE and including Cisco, IBM and Intel, deliberating
on sharing of the best practice and matters requiring standardization with respect to a system utilizing
data collected from industrial equipment loaded with measurement device and analyzed for the
purpose of maintenance, servicing or design and development.
Part of the strategic measures mapped out by the German government in November 2011 under the“High-Tech Strategy 2020 Action Plan”, based on which 57 key German companies formed a council
including BMW and Siemens aiming at overall optimization of development, manufacturing andlogistics processes.

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process and teaching, or software knowledge involving utilization of digital data anddevelopment of AI which will grow more important than ever in future. However, there is
not enough opportunity to nurture and utilize such human resources in these fields in Japan.
As evidence of the trend, it has become a growing trend in recent years for precious brightstudents to find jobs overseas on their own, posing an immense challenge in both terms ofhuman resource nurturing and utilization.
The same applies to the field of system integrator (“SIer 4”) as the key to systematic
utilization of robots which is only employed in projects catering to specific major
companies in the automobile, electric and electronic industries at present. Immediate
measures must be taken to supplement the shortage in quality and quantity of SIer in order
to cover an extensive range of new fields other than the automobile industry such as
manufacturing and service sectors as well as major small-to-medium companies.

Subsection 3

Formation of future Japan built on new robots

A major innovation in robotics including robot technology and robot utilization systemwill, once achieved, could serve as an extremely effective tool in the easement of social
challenges faced with Japan in the eyes of global robotics trend and current situation
surrounding Japan.
Furthermore, such new innovation in robotics can be accelerated by setting and striving
to reach a specific and integrated goal. Therefore, Japan has a huge potential of honing itself
to become global hub of robot innovation by capitalizing on its status as a leading nation ofchallenges, and as a result, Japan will be able to spread across the world its future-oriented
system utilizing robots.
In particular, huge amount of data collected through practical and specific utilization ofrobots will serve all the more as a driving force for the advancement of robots (data-driven
innovation 5) in IoT era where digital data and virtual network play an active role. Therefore,
the entire Japan can be positioned as the center for world-leading innovation anddemonstration site for utilization of the world’s state-of-the-art robot technology (robot
demonstration) through relentless efforts in the formation of a society where robots are put
to maximum use by myriad sophisticated users in both business (B to B) and consumer (Bto C) markets.

4
5

System Integrator“DATA-driven Innovation for Growth and Well-being”(December 2014 by OECD)

6

Section 3

Goal of robot revolution

Subsection 1

Transformation of robots in Japan

Robot revolution refers to:1) turning what used not to be positioned as robot in conventional manners into robots
through the advancement of sensor and AI technologies (eg. automobile, household
appliance, mobile phone or housing will be considered a type of robots.);2) utilizing robots in the actual site of manufacturing as well as various scenes of daily life
which will lead to;3) forming a society where new added value, convenience and wealth are created throughthe reinforcement of global competitiveness in the field of manufacturing and service
as well as settlement of social issues.
To make this robot renovation come true, Japan’s robots must be changed.
First of all, “easy to use” platform must be available to achieve universal user
friendliness as well as equipping robots with flexibility to cater to various needs acrossfields. So far, robots have primarily been embraced by major companies in the automobile,electric and electronic industries upon tailoring for a merger into large-sized key productionlines. Future robots in demand will be the ones catering to the needs of greater
manufacturing fields including the major three “supplies” industries (food supplies,
cosmetic supplies and medical and pharmaceutical supplies), service industry where scopeof tasks ranges widely with different requirements as well as small and medium-sizedcompanies relying mainly on human workforce. Having this in mind, robots catering to theneeds of small and medium-sized companies must be designed not to be large for specifictasks like welding or coating but be smaller and capable of performing multi-purpose tasks
while ensuring cost-effectiveness in the actual operation.

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Similar efforts must be taken in the fields where robots have already been well utilizedin operation. It is imperative to set high goals apart from the scope of conventional
technology and seek methods in order to develop a robot which is readily available forfrequent changes in manufacturing process adaptable to high-mix low-volume production or
to establish a method of designing reasonable production system by use of the robots withaforesaid flexibility.
In addition, structural transformation must take place on the side of robot suppliers,
SIer and users to gain higher added value than ever for enhanced application of these robots
based on the resourceful perspectives of capitalizing on technology development toreinforce individual competitive edge as well as benefits of standardization as a common
asset of all the parties involved while identifying source of competitiveness of each party
built on unique creativity and recognizing common cost structure.
In the course of transformation into “flexible robots with universal user-friendliness” asillustrated above, it is also important to make module-driven robots to become themainstream robot model under a common platform catering to diverse needs throughdifferent module combinations.
The initiatives above must be followed by the next step of advancing the module-driven
robots to IT-integrated ones to meet the demand for creation and utilization of robots
equipped with such functionality as “autonomous”, “data-terminal” and “network” acting as
the global trend leader. Through such initiatives, robots will continue to serve as a sourcefor new added value in the fields of manufacturing and service in order to keep pace withblooming data-driven innovation and extensive rivalry in data acquisition and utilization
while performing the function of delivering a wide range of information and contents topeople acting as a key device for major innovation in the areas of entertainment or dailyinteraction.
Moreover, robot concepts must be stretched as well for the maximization of a trend of
new innovation and potential for development through flexible approach to robot concepts.
In contrast to the conventional viewpoints of reckoning robots as a machine equipped withthree systematic elements of sensor, intelligence/control and actuator 6, there is an emerging
fresh structure built on the advancement of digitalizatioin, enrichment in cloud computing
and other network foundations and progress of AI where robots can be driven byindependent intelligence/control based on AI enabling access to various people and objects
in real world without the help of specific actuation system 7. Further advancement of IoT

6
7

Definition of industrial robots set out by JIS
For instance, a system of developing and offering sensor and intelligence/control systems alone issufficient for robots to function such as loading drive application on smart phone OS (iOS or Android)for smart phones to function as remote controller device.

8

and standardization of data-driven devices such as actuators will make it feasible forintelligence/control system alone to offer a range of robot functions in various scenes ofsociety. The conventional definition of robots may no longer be conclusive in the adventof the new phase in robotics as illustrated above where only the machinery equipped withthe three systematic elements constitute robots 8. We must keep broad perspectives of robots
for the future in mapping out a shape of next-generation robots.
In addition to above, a society and structure must undergo a transformation to take fulladvantage of robots. Despite rapid advancement of robots, some point out that there is ahuge limit in what robots can do as compared to what human can do to recognize and copewith diverse situations and therefore we should not expect a dramatic leap in robotics in
mid-term. Having said that, it is crucial to meet the requirements for a society where humanand robots can coexist and cooperate on a daily basis for the maximization of robot
capacities. Such kind of society can be called “robot barrier-free society” which should
realized.
Once a “robot barrier-free society” comes true, there will be routine collaboration
between robots and human of all ages from children to seniors. Robots will help release
human from cumbersome tasks and enrich interaction for a higher quality of life than ever.
In addition, taking full advantage of robots for greater safety, comfort and attractiveness ofa community will contribute to the formation of a highly attentive and convenient
community that human alone may not come by. In particular, routine operation of robots inthe actual scenes of medicine and nursing care in the ever-progressing aging society withdeclining birth rate will enable provision of advanced medical care that used to be
impossible or quality nursing service with lesser burden which will bring about a deeper
appreciation for robots by each individual. Tactful employment of robots in various scenesof society will lead to a formation of various new industries (maintenance, contents,
entertainment, insurance etc) one after another in collaboration with robots.

8

The statements do not deny that robots create new value by having near-human appearance or
response9Subsection 2

Three pillars of robot revolution

Japan’s strategy will be summarized into the following three pillars for the achievementof robot revolution envisaged above.
1) Global base for robot innovation – Drastic reinforcement of robot creativity
In order for Japan to emerge as a hub for successive creation of revolutionary robots
through drastic reinforcement, it is proposed that Japan set up a structure triggering
innovation through promotion of public-private partnership, creation of more occasions formatching of users and manufacturers, as well as pressing ahead with normalization andstandardization under the perspectives of human resource development, next-generation
technology development and global expansion.
2) World’s leading society maximizing robot capacity – showcasing (realization of daily
life with robots)
In order for Japan to create and make full use of robots truly useful in the wide fields ofmanufacturing undertaken not only by large but also major small and medium-sizedcompanies, service, nursing and medical care, infrastructure and disaster preparedness,
construction and agriculture, is necessary that Japan press ahead with strategic development
and employment of robots while improving environmental readiness as a prerequisite toutilize robots.
3) World’s leading strategy for a new robot era
In a data-driven society where digital data is put to a sophisticated use under IoT, every
object is connected through network and generates big data daily. Furthermore, the data
itself serves as a source for added value. Japan should map out a strategy based on
perspectives of a new robot era in the advent of such society.
To make such society come true, initiatives must be taken to set up rules to promotebusiness built on autonomous data accumulation and utilization through interconnection
among robots as well as to win the global standards. In pursuit of above, it is imperative toensure security and safety rules as well as their standardization for maximum stretching ofpotentials derived from the new robot era.

It is also necessary that Japan press ahead with a robot project worth JPY 100 billion
through solicitation of private investments in robot development by making full use ofmultiple pump-priming policies ensuring systematic and environmental readiness throughregulatory reform by the government.
In the course of these initiatives, Japan should advocate the viewpoint that robots do
not function as a simple human replacement but must be utilized as an effective tool of“supplement to human and partner to help human move up to a more value-added phase”.

10Chapter 2

Measures for realization of robot revolution

Section 1

Robot creativity – Thorough reinforcement of robots in JapanThe first measures to achieve robot revolution are “thorough reinforcement of robot
creativity”.

Subsection 1

Building infrastructure for innovation

Concerted efforts must be taken first and utmost to realize innovation of creating robots
one after another which will lead to social reform by means of building system andinfrastructure for Japan to emerge as the world’s top robot innovation hub.
As specific measures towards the achievement of robot revolution, a wide range ofstakeholders must clarify each of their assignments as well as sharing the progress withother parties. As part of such initiatives, “Robot Revolution Initiative” will be set up as acore collaboration channel to press ahead with material progress. The Robot Revolution
Initiative will undertake such tasks as 1) promotion of public-private collaboration andmatching between users and manufacturers as well as collection and dissemination of
relevant information, 2) planning and drafting of international joint research projects inview of global developments such as joint development of robots for disaster preparedness
by Japan and the US, 3) strategic drafting and utilization of global standards, proposal on
regulatory reform and setting up rules on data security, and 4) sharing and popularization of
the best practice.
In addition, infrastructure must be established for demonstration experiments (robot
demonstrative experiments) to examine the way of utilizing a wide range of new robots as a
key drive for robot revolution and a frontier-runner. A field for demonstrative experiments
will be provided equipped with sufficient space for robot demonstrative experiments as well
as freedom from conventional institutions capitalizing on special zone system. Furthermore,a system will be established which will continue to act as a innovation hub towards the
future where domestic and foreign challengers undertaking robot revolution will get
together and precise response will be ready to meet several requirements for various
demonstrative experiments that may lead to exploration of potential needs.
In pressing ahead with the initiatives above, a close liaison will be maintained with theCouncil for Science, Technology and Innovation in charge of overall coordination andestablishment of comprehensive strategy on science, technology and innovation.

Subsection 2

Human resource development

Initiatives must be taken to nurture key human resources for the achievement of robot
revolution such as SIer for assembly of robot system, or IT specialists to operate core11

software in the robot system.
First, some measures should be introduced to increase occasions for building robot
spending systems headed by SIer on the actual scenes for nurturing SIer through OJT. In
addition, skilled personnel will be utilized having expertise and knowhow on design andformation of robot-led production line so far in order to enhance the base for core personnel
exerting Japan’s potential to the maximum.
Furthermore, positive consideration should be given from a medium to long-term
perspective on measures to nurture specialists for creation and employment of robots
through such initiatives as support for human resource development such as SIer taking fulladvantage of public vocational training for employed workers, certification andqualification systems , education and development of relevant resources at research
institutes and universities, and support for personnel challenging new development or startof business.
To nurture specialists, sufficient care must be given to ensure information security.
In addition, measures should be discussed for people to deepen literacy for robots
which is imperative for collaboration and coexistence with them such as wide disseminationof knowledge on robots as part of primary and secondary educations or making full use ofsocial educational facilities such as science museum for people to get familiarized withrobots and their effective usage on a daily basis while understanding operation structure ofrobots.

Subsection 3

Preparing for the next generation(1) Development and promotion of next-generation technology
In order for Japan to remain the state-of-the-art mainstream technology towards the
future in the fast-changing robot and AI fields, research and development of thenext-generation technology for robot and AI is imperative. In doing so, research anddevelopment will be focused on the core technology (AI, sensing and recognition,mechanism and actuation, control etc) as brain, eyes and fingers of the robots valued in adata-driven society while incorporating innovation in extensive fields beyond the frame of
conventional wisdom (energy source, material, communication, security, big data, humaninterface etc). In addition, developed technology will be put to a practical use immediately.
Refreshing operability and usability of robots is as important as enhancing robot
functions through development and practical operation of these technologies. For instance,
advancement in the field of voice recognition technology is expected to help develop arobot with greater operability and usability through human instinct.

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In technology development, research and development of several element technologies
will be carried out at the same time while encouraging open innovation throughinter-technology collaboration and information sharing by hosting such occasions asworkshop or award competition (challenge program).

(2) Normalization and standardization in view of global development
To be prepared for upcoming global development of robots created in Japan, it isimportant to set global standards and specifications in advance and go ahead with practicaloperation in line with such standards and specifications.
In the course of above, under the technological trend that highly integrated andcollaborated robot systems are becoming key factor, intensive efforts must be made fornormalization and standardization of individual device, software including middleware(robot OS etc), interface for building networked robot systems, communication protocol for
device interoperability as well as functionality appraisal for robot system consisted of thesedevices and software.
Furthermore, discussions must be held swiftly for normalization and standardization ofsurrounding technologies such as palette in logistics and building designing in maintenancein order to advance the employment of robots.
In promoting these standardization initiatives, public and private sectors will
collaborate in discussion of specific measures and dissemination of information to global
society through active engagement with the Robot Revolution Initiative for theestablishment of infrastructure on which robot-related business in Japan can getcompetitiveness in global market.

Section 2

Utilization and popularization of robots – “Daily life with robots” acrossJapan

The second measures for the realization of robot revolution are the “utilization andpopularization of robots” aimed at maximum use of robots to settle various imminent
challenges while emerging as the state-of-the-art robot innovation hub at the same time.

Subsection 1

Utilization in various fields based on goals by the sector(1) Fundamental viewpoints on the utilization of robots
Extensive employment of robots in labor-intensive and low-productivity areas of eachfield or areas of monotonous repetitive works and heavy labor will be encouraged to help
make up for a shortage of workforce as well as taking full advantage of human resources inareas of high added value.
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In addition, scope of robot utilization will be enlarged by encompassing the entire
operational process as a whole including not only a single phase of robot employment but
also other processes before and after the employment of robots.
For instance, a foundation will be established to undertake formation, distribution,
processing and utilization of data on work flow and work environment as an effective tool
for smooth transition from human work to robot work. By taking these measures in a way tosuit the reality of each field, the entire system will be optimized for maximum utilization ofrobot functions in various fields.
Through such initiatives, we aim to drastically improve productivity and go ahead withrealization and popularization of a ground-breaking process such as 24-hour automatedoperation which will lead to a greater added value and drastic reinforcement of productivity
in Japan on the whole.

(2) Stipulation and implementation of KPI by sector
We will set up a strategic goal as KPI to be achieved by 2020 as well as an action planfor the fulfillment of goal in each field of manufacturing, service, nursing and medical care,infrastructure and disaster preparedness, construction and agriculture base on which we willtake necessary actions.
We will consistently press ahead with the entire process from robot development formarket entry to employment on the actual scene through proactive engagement by every
stakeholder including robot users, manufacturers, universities and administrative bodies forthe achievement of goal by 2020.

(3) Various fields where further utilization of robots is expected
There are several fields with high potential for robot utilization in addition to the above
fields advocating KPI by sector such as the entertainment field where robot is not a humanreplacement but creates new values on its own, or the space field where robots performtasks under extreme conditions where human being is unable to adapt, and there is much
expectation for future development of these fields in a form of ripple effect on other fields
encouraging greater application of robot technology and outcome of technology
development.
In conclusion, we will continue to monitor the development of relevant technology andmarket trend in these potential fields while carrying on discussions to promote utilizationand popularization of robots in more fields by stipulation of KPI and action plans like thesefields described above.

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Subsection 2

Cross-sectional initiatives to support flexible utilization of robots(1) Promotion of robot employment centered by system integrator
It is imperative to strengthen functions of system integration which pick up various
needs from users, gather manufacturers, match users and manufacturers and establish arobot system for robots to be utilized in various fields.
In addition, for SIer to establish a business model as an independent service operator ofabove functions as well as strengthening business foundation, a technology infrastructure
must be set up enabling simplified system integration and flexibility to satisfy diverse needs.
Enlarged application of module-driven robots (hardware/software) is a key to tackling thesechallenges. Expansion of business while curbing integration costs will be feasible throughdevelopment and supply of modules by various companies based on widely-accepted
standards to meet various purposes through their combination by SIer.

(2) Greater entry by various operators
For robots to be put to a daily use across Japan, not only existing robot manufacturers
but also small and medium companies, venture capitals and IT enterprises are expected toenter the robot market. For instance, there may emerge companies which used to be a robot
user but were motivated to enter and show their strength in new projects to create andutilize robots in the field of robot maintenance, management and improvement. To enable
such scenario, the Robot Revolution Initiative will go ahead with information sharing andinfrastructure building.

(3) Reform of regulations and institutions for utilization of robots
To promote and enlarge utilization of robots in real society, a well-balanced reform of
regulations and institutions must be carried out from a viewpoint of both deregulation andestablishment of rules.
In particular, among many institutions not based on the scenario of robot utilization,
reform is necessary to encourage advanced utilization of robots. Measures will be taken to
establish new rules for collaboration of human and robots based on thorough understandingof reality about robots and collaboration with the Regulatory Reform Council whileabolishing unnecessary regulations at the same time.

15Section 3

Development and progress of robot revolution on global perspectives –Toward new advanced IT society

The third measures for the achievement of robot revolution are to create a platform forinnovation led by robots in a new advanced IT society while aiming at leading the world’s
robot revolution.

Subsection 1

Winning strategy in a data-driven society(1) Intensifying competitions surrounding object data in real society
In line with the progress of IoT generating a wide range of data and transforming added
value obtained from resourceful utilization of data and socioeconomic aspects, a data-driven
society seems coming.
Competitions are growing more intense at present over acquisition and utilization ofdata as a source for value in a data-driven society. Similar competitions have taken place on
the Internet over the online data loaded by people along with the growth of the Internet, andthey have entered a new phase of competitions to obtain immense data collected via thesensor employed in various activities of real society in recent years.
So far, major Internet business companies have seized the global platforms in the fieldof search engine and social networking service to collect every sort of information available
on the Internet. In addition, they continue to extend their own platform by providing
services with higher added value capitalizing on the collected data and thus winningadvantageous positions in global data competitions.
In ever-intensifying data competitions in real life in future, there will be anothercompetition for establishment of a platform to obtain data collected from sensors tagged tovarious activities in real life. In such case, robots will form the core in a data collection
platform in future due to their huge potential for utilization across fields in society and act
as a key device for winning the data collection competition in a data-driven society. In theback of the major Internet business companies’ minds is such intention that drive them toaggressively merge robot companies.
Transforming the entire Japan into a so-called “robot town” by bringing about a “daily
life with robots” in society across Japan not only in industrial but also routine life scenes
upon realization of robot revolution ahead of the world means that Japan succeed at
establishing a platform status to win global competitions over various data obtained fromreal society.

16

(2) Need for strategies on global perspectives
Global trends in the manufacturing filed such as Industry4.0 and Industrial Internet aredesigned to create a next-generation production technology equipped with efficiency andflexibility through connection and control of various relevant systems. This is considered apart of competitions over object data in real society in terms of advanced control using AIof the key data collected and digitized from various conditions of business activities. In
order for Japan as the global leader in production technology to continue leading thecompetitions over acquisition and utilization of digital data in this field, it is imperative to
set up a advanced platform as a highly value-added production system and operate them
globally.
Competitions will grow more intense over data in real society across fields beyond thescope of manufacturing in future. In order for Japan to strengthen competitiveness tosurvive such situation, advanced technology must be developed to lead the next generation
while setting up a “robot barrier-free society” where robots are utilized in various fields atthe same time. In addition, Japan should cooperate and collaborate with the world to set up
global standards and various rules so that Japan can establish a platform to take fulladvantage of robots and make the most of data obtained from them as well as opening up a
global market where Japan can exert its strength thoroughly embedded in the aforesaid
platform.
In the course of above, robots must be positioned and employed not as a simple humanreplacement but as a collaboration and supplement partner. To make the most of such
structure, human must strive to enhance its inherent value for a transition into a field of
higher added value while improving the robot-operation system. The robots must be
operated under a collaborating system with human where both parties supplement eachother to draw an upward spiral for improvement.
As proposed above, measures for a data-driven society are more extensive focused
mainly on robots while considering several factors across industries including supply chain
management and marketing. These measures must be developed into a social reformmovement through informatization towards the future in various fields of mobility,
healthcare and energy. In the course of these initiatives, extensive collaboration must be
made with the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation or Industrial
Competitiveness Council including reflection on the 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan
(Provisional translation) in order to accelerate discussions by the entire government.

17Part II

Action Plan: Five-year Plan

Chapter 1

Cross-Cutting Issues

Section 1

Establishment of "Robot Revolution Initiative (RRI)"

In order to make Japan as No.1 robot innovation base in the world and integrally
promote and maintain the structure and environment to continuously develop robots thatlead to a social revolution, "Robot Revolution Initiative (RRI)" will be established to serveas the center for wide-ranging stake holders who will clarify issues that they should work on
by themselves, share progress status, and work together to specifically promote Japan's
Robot Strategy.
RRI will share not only the implementation status of the government policy but also thestatus of actions of extensive stake holders concerned, and implement necessary
improvement.

(1) Primary functions
1) Promotion of matching such as needs and seeds and development of solutions
RRI will maintain venues to promote innovation such as a forum to promote matchingof related parties including manufacturers, system integrator (SIer), users, financial
institutions, universities and research institutions, and related academic societies andperform environment maintenance, introduction of fund provision, and consulting so thatthese related parties can realize joint development or technical cooperation among them.
In addition, RRI will request users to present challenges and issues concerning robot
utilization, extract technical challenges to truely fulfil the needs of users, and lead toimportant development in manufacturers, universities, and research institutions.
Moreover, as a premise for such efforts, it is necessary to encourage development andintroduction through markets, by sharing specific contents of user needs and market size.

2) Strategic planning and utilization of international standards and security measure
RRI will promote international standards to realize robot revolution, such as planningand diffussion of international standards concerning the next-generation production systemutilizing robots, intercountry collaboration to promote module-type robots in Japan andoverseas. In order to accelerate specification proposal to the venues of international review
and preceding discussion among related parties in Japan, RRI will establish a venue forreview to promote standardization activities in the field of robots
Assuming that robots will play a major role in autonomic accumulation and utilizationof data while in collaboration with one another, RRI will examine the establishment and18

maintenance of rules on security of robots.

3) Sharing and diffusing best practice
Efforts of advanced robot utilization are already underway in some fields and areas.
Revolutionally and versatile examples of robot introduction will serve as potent tools to
encourage robot introduction in other fields; therefore, RRI will collect and share widely theexamples of introduction served as the best practice to encourage the diffusion andintroduction of robots, thereby contributing to the realization of society where robots are
difussed throughout Japan in every corner of daily life.

4) Planning of international research projects for international deployment of Japaneserobots. US-Japan joint development of disaster responding robots, etc.
RRI will support the establishment of a structure in carrying forward joint researches,etc., that will contribute to the realization of robot revolution. RRI will collect internal andexternal information, organize research consortium through the provision of venues formatching, and organize and examine cross-cutting issues on robot research aiming to set up
concrete project like US-Japan joint development of disaster responding robots.
Furthermore, RRI will plan and prepare for the holding of Robot Olympic (tentativename) and examine how to collect Japanese and overseas participants with cutting-edge
technology (See Chapter 3, Section 7).

5) Proactive use of research and development institutions in Japan and utilization ofalumniThe National research institutes such as National Institute of Advanced Industrial
Science and Technology (AIST) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology
Development Organization (NEDO) provide technical guidance to participants in RRI.
Rejuvinate local companies through collaboration with universities and research institutes
in each area.
RRI will also conduct personnel development in collaboration with educational
institutions.

19Section 2

Technology development toward the next generation(1) Background
Processing capability of computers is advancing in an exponential fashion according to
the Moore's Law. There is a view that one computer will exceed the processing capability ofa human brain in 2020 and the intelligence of the entire human beings in 2045. It is
anticipated that such advances in processing capability of computers will drasticallyenhance robot's ability to think in the future.
However, even if robot's ability to think enhances, robot's performance as a whole will
not advance without improvement of element technology such as way of thinking, physicalcapability, and perception of robots as well as the base technology integrating them.
Therefore, in order to achieve a drastic advancement of robot's performance as a whole, it isnecessary to advance element technology of robots.
Meanwhile, another important perspective is to enhance processing efficiency throughcooperation between humans and robots on the premise of input from humans according tosituations, instead of aiming to solve all problems with the technology of robots alone.
If such robotic element technology and cooperation between humans and robots
advance simultaneously along with progress in coordination among data terminals,
networks and cloud services, it may not only result in the enhancement of labor productivity
and resolution of labor shortage but also a revolution in the industrial structure itself.

(2) Basic philosophy
In order to fully benefit from exponential performance improvement of computers infast-changing fields of robots and artificial intelligence (AI), it is necessary to promoteresearch and development to win in the data-driven society through the realization ofcooperation between humans and robots after understanding the trend and levels of robot
and AI-related technology in Japan and overseas. In addition, in order for important element
technology to achieve these, it is necessary to promote research and development ofinnovative next-generation technology. At that time, it is important to continuously sharethe final, innovative, assimilated "exit" image in addition to individual technologies byutilizing not only the technologies of the field that has been studied as the core robot
technology but also technologies of other extensive fields. These research and development
will be promoted effectively and efficiently in cooperation with Council for Science,
Technology and Innovation.

20

(3) Technology that should be developed
Since various element research and technology are unified in robots and AI, related
research and technology fields are very broad. Important element technology that will be
actually used in industries and the society and can significantly impact them include
artificial intelligence; sensor and recognition system; mechanism, actuator and their control
system; software such as OS and middleware; core technology and base technology such as
safety evaluation and standard; and technology converted from other broad areas. The
following are the examples and issues of element technology.

1) Artificial intelligence (AI)Technology required for robots to think and act according to instructions from peopleor the situation in the surroundings. Since processing capability of computers is advancing
exponentially according to the Moore's Law, what can be realized with AI technology has
dramatically expanded. However, there are following challenges at present:

Although it is possible to provide one answer to one question based on given
information, it is difficult to give a natural response based on the analogy of the context
of conversation or instruction or by reading between the lines, or respond to unknown
situations (machine translation is still developing).

Pre-programmed movements can be made, but it is difficult to autonomous change ordetermine tasks by recognizing task progress or situations in the surrounding, or makea movement by imitating the craftsmanship.

It is necessary to study modularization of AI and software (e.g., thinking system andreflex system in the brain structure) in terms of concentration of research anddevelopment resources and improvement of development productivity.

These challenges will require advancement and unification of data-driven AI andknowledge representing and reasoning AI (e.g., technology to realize analogy and reading
between the lines of unknown conversation through learning to read between the lines froma large amount of conversation data, or to realize autonomic deduction of optimal
movement by checking existing knowledge against the current situation), research anddevelopment of such technology as brain-like AI (e.g., development of advanced
intelligence that imitates information processing in the brain by modularizing AI that
imitates the regions of the brain such as a cerebral neocortex model, a hippocampus model,
and a basal ganglia model and by combining them).

212) Sensing and recognition technology
Technology to import information concerning the situation in the surroundings into
robots. Thanks to advances in semiconductor technology, sensors themselves are becoming
less expensive and smaller, realizing easier utilization in terms of quality as well as quantity.
However, there are following challenges:


It is difficult to differentiate partially-hidden objects (occlusion) or objects whose
outline cannot be cut out.

Objects cannot be recognized in specific environments such as backlight and darkness.
Images need to be processed faster than the traditional speed at the time of automatic
movement in a narrow space.



It is difficult to use a sense of smell to identify the location of a human body at disastersites or pick up necessary sound from noise.

It is difficult to identify specific voice when several people are talking simultaneously.



It is also difficult to recognize various objects such as soft objects using a sense of
touch.

It is necessary to recognize surrounding environment according to situations in a
flexible manner (even without a map) by unifying multiple data of surrounding
environment indoors as well as outdoors.

In order to recognize someone's will and feelings, it is required to presume by sensing
brain waves, blood flow, and pulse in addition to movements and language.

These challenges require research and development of environment-learning vision
sensor, voice processing and recognition technology under low signal noise ratio, smell
sensor, distributed touch sensor system, and sensor fusion system integrating these sensors.

3) Mechanism, actuator, and control technology
Technology for robot's devices (e.g., motor, arm) to act externally. The power weightratio (PWR) of servomotors has now become 5 times greater than that in 20 years ago,
realizing an error of a few μm as movement accuracy. However, there are following
challenges:


It is difficult to realize both power (output) and dexterity (movement accuracy) with thesame size and weight as humans.



The current mechanism with high stiffness and actuator with little flexibility are notsuitable for flexible movement. Meanwhile, artificial muscle is not suitable for accurate
positioning.



It is necessary to handle objects that humans use daily, such as objects of complex form

22

or flexible material, without obtaining information in advance.
Modularization should be considered for manipulators and hands, instead of exclusive
development as needed.

These challenges require research and development of servomotors with low-cost andhigh power weight ratio (PWR), multi-degree-of-freedom actuators imitating the humanjoint, high-molecular light-weight artificial muscle and a control theory for smooth controlof such a highly non-linear system, and general-purpose hand system for bilateral control.

4) OS, middleware, etc.
In order to make a robot and robotic system, element technology, parts, and the robot
itself need to be integrated using basic software such as OS and middleware. This will
enhance compatibility and development productivity. These technology have following
challenges:


It is currently necessary to have the development and integration environment and tools
to concentrate resources on the development of high-level applications for recognition,
reasoning, and autonomic control (e.g., simulator to check movement of software
without actually creating and using a robot; OS, middleware, and programming
language that are easy to use and standardized to some extent) correspond to the future
development of element technology.

Interface of robots and modules needs to be standardized when robots with different
OS communicate with each other, or a new module is implemented on a robot.

These challenges will require research and development of simulators simulate working
environment, and OS and middleware that can work with simulators, as well as
general-purpose OS and middleware that can be used as the standards.

5) Security and safety evaluation and standard
Technology and techniques are required to create robots and securely and safely diffuse
them. These technologies have following challenges at present:

The current technique is insufficient in identifying and evaluating the risk of
unexpected potential accidents that result from the expansion of the area to utilize
robots.



It takes time for studies of subjects for safety, etc. (including administrative response).

Rules for the protection of personal information collected by robots and personal
information collection by robots (e.g., photo taking) are not examined sufficiently.



People's acceptance of robots needs to be enhanced through the enhancement of human23interface.
There is a security risk that commingling of a malicious program may cause
malfunctioning of robots or unintended data leak.

These challenges require techniques for safety evaluation and risk prediction,
establishment and standardization of test methods, rules for handling information collectedby robots, and examination and research and development of security technology.

In addition, technologies converted from broad fields other than the above havefollowing challenges:
Light-weight and long-lasting energy source (e.g., battery) will be required.



As it is heavy, it requires power to move (if the weight of the frame can be reduced, thesize of actuators such as a motor can be reduced, resulting in further weight reduction
and a favorable cycle). If the robot itself is heavy or has heavy arms, it is dangerous asit cannot stop immediately and causes a great impact when it runs into something.



It is necessary to remotely control robots without distant restriction (radiowaves do notreach or cannot be used depending on sites) or autonomously coordinate multiple
robots. (e.g., high-speed / ad-hoc network technology, tele-operation/autonomous
exploration technology for ocean resources exploration)

It is necessary to make robots to grasp their own present locations and the situation in
the surroundings such as the presence of obstacles, through the maintenance of theenvironment to provide highly accurate location information with the use of satellite
positioning and sensors.

Shield mechanism, heat-resistant materials, and corrosive-resistant materials for
operations under extreme environments such as in water, high-temperatureenvironment, and toxic environment, need to be converted or improved from thoseused in other fields.

These challenges require research and development of long-life, compact and light-weightbattery technology, wireless electricity supply technology, communication technology, andmaterial technology.

4) Ideal situation of research and development
In an early stage, it is necessary to research and develop many element technologies inparallel to technology requiring continuous long-term research and development as well as
technology requiring to achieve short-term research and development results. In addition,
promote competition among different technologies by cooperation and information sharing
among different technology through holding of workshop by research institutions such as
24

NEDO, AIST, and National Institute of Informatics (NII) as needed, and promoteinter-technology competition by utilizing the award (competition) system such as challenge
programs, and facilitate research and development with the introduction of open innovation.
(It is possible to conduct research and development oriented for issue-solving by
maintaining the venue for cross-cutting research development and collecting leading
researchers depending on fields and contents of research.)
Among element technologies for research and development, promote element
technologies which should be put into practical use by 2020 and 2025 by using the planningand operation of DARPA 9 project with innovative and non-continuous targets (e.g., targets
such as one-digit higher performance, one-digit lower cost). Specifically, program manager(PM) will specify important element technology as the second-generation technology andconcentrate investment on the technology. Establish a stage gate midway through researchand development so that narrowing down of promising technology and review of
implementation structure can be flexibly performed based on PM's judgment.
In addition, in order to lead them to practical use quickly, integrally promote thestandardization such as environment maintenance and data format, including the review oflaws and regulations and social systems along with the review of technology diffusion andbusiness strategy. Proactively utilize systems such as the special district system for theverification toward the practical use of new technology.
Universities and research institutes are expected to play a large role not only in the fieldof application but also in basic research. Universities are particularly expected to promote
the systematization of robot technology, which is rapidly developing in collaboration withvarious fields, as an academic field that will serve as the base of research with an overview
and future perspective.

9

At the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the U.S. Department of Defense
promoting non-continuous innovations concerning national defense in the U.S., PMs are given
substantial authority and discretion. With the stage-gate system, narrowing down of promisingtechnology and review of implementation structure can be flexibly conducted based on PM's judgment.
As a result, they effectively utilize new and novel ideas and technology such as venture companies
and effectively carry forward high-risk, high-impact research and development, the mission of
DARPA

25

<Related measures and policies>◇ Development of core technology of next-generation robot (The Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry)‑

Develop core technology for robot element technology that is necessary but not yet
developed. In addition, research and develop common infrastructures including
various techniques and technology such as risk and safety assessment methods andsecurity technology.

26

Section 3

Policy on the Global Standardization of Robotics

If Japan’s robots hope to be used all over the world, it is important that our robots are
not an isolated system, but one with compatible hardware and software with connectible
interfaces on top of a common infrastructure.
It is also important that we establish internationally compatible regulations and aframework for the widespread use of robots the world over so that once the necessary
domestic requirements are met, Japan’s robots would be able to be used anywhere in theworld.
Therefore, we should take the lead to promote internationally accepted standards basedon the strength of our technology and at the same time advocate further domestic standards
to promote the use of robots in Japan.

Subsection 1

Common Infrastructure with a View Towards Modularization of
Hardware and Software(1) Background
One of the objectives of the robot revolution is to induce change in Japan’s economy,
industry, and the lives of its citizens by finding new areas of application for these
instruments to boost productivity, free the workers from the hardship of excess labor, andresolve labor shortages.
Although there are many areas and applications for robots in manufacturing, the service
industry, agriculture, and construction, the rate of automation by robots in welding, painting,and assembling and mounting standard parts is still low in large-scale factories. In areas
other than industrial robots (i.e., service robots), robots have yet to gain a foothold in termof their use and popularity partly due to the lack of a “killer application” that would satisfy
the needs of its users and resolve the issue of high prices and difficulty in maintenance.
One of the ways to resolve these issues is a strategy to promote modularization, theutilization of middleware or operating systems for robots, international standardization, andthe creation of a common platform.

(Middleware and Operating Systems for Robots)
Since conventional robot systems are often built with hardware and software unique toa specific task, a large fraction of the parts and the software cannot be reused. This in turnraises the cost of not only the hardware but the software that controls the robots.

27

Common parts could be utilized in a wide variety of robot systems if the functional
elements of a robot could be modularized and common parts of its hardware and software
shared. In this way, a robot could be constructed at a lower cost. Moreover, by using acommon software platform, a variety of functions necessary for the robot can be installed
into the platform while the robot integrator can focus its attention on achieving a specificdesignated function.

(Standardization)
In order to realize such mechanism, standardization and commonization of interfaces
between components both software and hardware produced by different manufacturers areindispensable.
In the past, the de facto standard established by a handful of dominant corporations
prevailed. However, de jure standards such as the ISO have gained ever more importance as
the level of technological complexity has progressed. This has made de facto standards
more difficult to establish as interest in the creation of international standards has grown in
the rest of the world. In contrast with the past when a standard was determined once a
product was put on the market, European countries are taking a longer term perspective by
incorporating standardization into their planning at the R&D level in cooperation withcorporations, academia, and research institutions. They have employed a strategy toestablish standards, which has given the region’s corporations an international advantage.
Europe provides a case in point in that it is no longer sufficient to merely improvecommon parts accessibility, but to establish a national strategic perspective of securing theinternational competitiveness of our corporations involved in robotics and to lay afoundation that will lead the robotics industry into the next generation. As in Europe, it isimportant that Japan tackle the issue of standardization that is integrated to and in parallelwith its R&D efforts.

(Platform)
Recently in the field of information technology, a variety of “cloud” services are
increasingly being offered on the internet server with the individual users using theirterminals to merely request and receive services.
In the field of robotics, there is also a trend to connect a variety of devices to theinternet to offer a multitude of “cloud” services. Businesses that offer a cloud service
platform are able to gain access to the user’s request and terminal information, (i.e., theso-called big data) which enable them to use this data to hone their business strategy, refine
their products and services, and provide effective support, advertisement andrecommendations with the potential to further build their customer base and expand their

28

businesses. It is evident that to succeed in the next generation of the robotics market,
establishing a platform and capturing big data is crucial.

(2) Specific Examples(Middleware and OS for Robots)
Given that robots are systems that physically interact with the real world, robots need to
be operated with OSs (operating systems) different from that of a regular personal computer.
Additionally, recent robot systems require a certain degree of coordination with a variety of
sensors and other robots connected to the internet. OS for robots and middleware are thetools that offer such functions for these robots.
Examples of such middleware are ORiN (a specification established by a council
consisting of major robot manufacturers in Japan), which provides common interfaces toaccess conventional industrial robots; the RT-Middleware, which is an open source
development project promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry projects;
and V-Sido, a development started from the so-called “the MITOH Project (the Exploratory
IT Human Resource Project)” By IPA. A variety of other OSs and middleware have beendeveloped recently, such as ROS as well as OROCOS and YARP.

(Standardization)
A number of standards have been established for robots and mechanized systems for
manufacturers such as IEC 61131 (standard programing specifications for PLCs), IEC
61158 (fieldbus-related standards), ISO 15745 (an application integration framework), andISO 15704 (a device profile). Technological progress has provided us with newcommunication devices, protocols, control devices, and robots. Manufacturers have also
ratchet up their efforts to establish their products as the international standard.
Germany’s Industry 4.0 has recently been a focus of attention. This is an attempt tosignificantly improve production and sales efficiencies and production flexibility bycapturing not only a company’s management and production system, but all information
along its value chain and integrating this on a computer. Standards have been establishedto integrate such business and production management with actual production management
systems such as ISO/IEC 62264.
The only standards currently available to robots are ISO 10218, which is applicable toindustrial robots and robot-related devices and ISO 13482, a recently establishedsafety-related standard for service robots. Moreover, the aforementioned ORiN interface
standard for industrial robots is referenced as an administrative example of ISO 20242-4.
The modular interface for RT-Middleware was standardized by the OMG (Object
Management Group), an organization to promote the standardization of software. Other
29

examples of standards under discussion include a standard for robotic vacuum cleaners, IEC
TC59/WG5, a safety standard for cooperating robots, ISO TC184/SC2, a safety standard for
robotic devices for nursing care (WG3), and a modularization of software and hardware forrobots that move on wheels (WG8). In Japan we should be prepared to commit to thesestandards guided by a defined strategy or actively promote the universal application of thesestandards.

(Platform)
There are a number of variations to what are called platforms for robots. One of these is
the software platform that runs robot applications and forms the basis of its sales. For
instance, there is NAOqi, which is used on Softbank’s Pepper developed by Aldebaran
Robotics; the RT-Middleware, an OS and middleware for robots; and ROS, ORiN, and
V-Sido are examples of such platforms. Cloud can now also be considered as a platform
offering a universal form of service to its customers. KOMTRAX offered by Komatsu, thedatabase function equipped on PLCs offered by Omron, the UNR platform used by service
robots, and RSi may be classified as cloud based platforms. M2M (machine to machine: amethod to improve production efficiency by facilitating the communication between
machines and the exchange of information) and IoT (internet of things: a technology andinfrastructure that allows objects to obtain information via the internet and control them atwill) have also not only recently been implemented on an individual basis, but the
infrastructure of such services are in the process of being offered. These examples can also
be considered as forms of robots.
Robot hardware can also be considered as a platform. Softbank’s Pepper is a platformin so far as it is equipped with a variety of service applications. There is also the HRP-2
which was first created as a platform for a research robot under MITI’s Humanoid Robot
Project, which then evolved to S-ONE under SCHAFT Inc. (awarded first place in the
DARPA Robotics Challenge for rescue robots and subsequently acquired by Goggle).
In both examples, a variety of software, applications, customer information, data
information regarding the product, and ultimately the customer and robot hardware itself
have been assembled onto this platform. These elements are assembled by corporations thatpossess a platform containing such valuable functions and services. Since a positive
feedback occurs where more information is gathered by increasing one owns value, it isimportant to form different platforms in a variety of fields

30

(3) Our Vision for 2020
The creation of an OS and middleware for robots and the variety of related interfaces,
the standardization of data in addition to a variety of different platforms, which are allnecessary if Japan is to lead the coming robot-led industrial revolution, are beyond thescope of any individual company
As such, the active promotion of an OS and middleware for robots, which constitute thecore of controlling the robot, is crucial if we are to foster the creation of an industry for the
next generation.
The applications that run on an OS and middleware for robots and the variety of
sensors necessary in a module, an area at which Japan excels, as well as the robot andsoftware vendors should always follow and conform to the specifications determined by the
OS and middleware of the robot. Furthermore, since the OS and middleware of the robot
directly controls the robot and plays an important role in its safety and security, an
involvement by a public institution (in the form of authorization or certification) is
necessary from the perspective of product safety.
A wide variety of robots can be produced efficiently and at low cost by the year 2020 if
such an environment to certify robots is facilitated. Robots that have received some form ofcertification to assure safety and security from the perspective of user protection should
become more accessible to the public helping to improve productivity and our quality of life.
Japan could be a world leader in the robot industry if the country were to take the lead inestablishing various international standards that would allow our domestic hardware andsoftware to retain its international competitiveness.
If such a goal were attainable, it is imperative that Japan establish a clear strategy
towards a common OS and middleware or platform together with the standards to which
they conform. Standardization should be pursued within a framework of cooperation
between industry, academia and government. In doing so it is important that attention is
given to not only crafting middleware and networking from the robot’s perspective, but totake a broader view under the premise that robots will be used in conjunction with machine
tools and carrier equipment other than robots.
In order to achieve this vision, the forthcoming “Council for a Robot Revolution
Initiative” (see Subsection 1) should act as the control center in gathering necessary
information and communicating its position to the rest of the world and take the lead in
forming international standards.

31

Subsection 2

Building an Internationally Coordinated Regulatory Framework(Japan-EU Regulatory Cooperation)(1) Background
Given their frequent contact with people, life supporting robots require a high degree ofsafety. However, safety standards have not been yet established. There also exist highhurdles for their practical introduction to users. Product development risk on the part ofcorporations was also significant. Given these obstacles, a resolution was passed during aninternational conference in 2006 to hold an international discussion on the topic ofinternational standards regarding life supporting robot safety. Subsequently, an international
standard regarding the safety of life supporting robots went into effect in February 2014 led
by Japan, which has been a pioneer in the development of life supporting robots.
ISO13482 has become the standard for life supporting robots excluding medical use. Its
corresponding CE marking (a certified seal mandatory for manufacturers wishing to market
their products within the EC markets) has been recognized as the harmonized standard
under Machinery Directive (ISO13482 EN).
However, there is a possibility that confusion may arise for manufacturers in obtaininga CE marking in the EU since some life supporting robots may not be recognized undercertain operational rules as a machine, but as a medical device.
Therefore, discussions concerning regulatory cooperation will be held between Japanand the EU to facilitate manufacturers in obtaining a CE marking in the EU.

(2) Specific Examples
Japan and the EU will discuss the concept and underlying thought process with regard
to defining the difference between a “machine” and a “medical device” as it pertains to life
supporting robots in the EU. Both parties will also establish guidelines to provide somedegree of predictability to concerned parties in obtaining a CE marking for life supporting
robots.

32

(3) Our Vision for 2020
After the Japanese manufacturers of life supporting robots are domestically ISO13482
certified, there should be an environment where a CE marking can be readily obtainable.
We should be able to benefit from life supporting robots not only in Japan, but in a variety
of applications all over the world to help us address the many social issues of our times,
such as the aging population, lower birthrates, and labor shortages.

Subsection 3Standardization to Promote the Use of a Network for Robots(1) BackgroundAs M2M and IoT progress, robots will be connected over a network such as the internet
allowing robots to cooperate with each other, allowing artificial intelligence to control
robots remotely, allowing the management and utilization of data on cloud, and other ways
conceivable. On the other hand, regardless of the robot’s purpose or usage, or thedifferences in hardware applications, among the various functions such as sensing and AI, it
is important for the early practical application of robots that we establish a needed common
function (a “common platform”) to promote the usage of a network for robots.
Therefore it is necessary that we establish a number of standards regarding a common
platform to create a network for robots.

(2) Specific Examples
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has been responsible for standards,
led by Japan, to set required conditions and functional requirements for the use of a network
for robots. We expect they will continue to contribute to the expedient creation of suchstandards. In addition, we should be prepared to actively participate in the planning stagesof a communication protocol that would enable robots to talk with each other or standards
regarding the technology to control multiple robots, which are currently underway at the
U.S. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE).

(3) Our Vision for 2020
We predict that a wide array of products which we use daily, such as cars, electricalappliances, and mobile phones will have some robotic features and more than ever linked tothe internet. We also expect that a wide range of information generated from these robotic
devices will be accumulated, analyzed, and utilized as big data via systems such as M2M
and IoT further expanding the possibilities of robots and contributing to the improvement ofour daily lives and resolving social issues.
As for the utilization of the internet by robots in the era of the “robot revolution,” we33should take the lead in establishing various standards concerning a common platform bycapitalizing on our experience and predominant position in this field. We should also
capitalize on our actual past use and application experience to be a front-runner inconceiving new applications for robots and to retain our predominance in the world robot
market.

34

Section 4

Field-Testing of Robots(1) Background
The future goal of the “robot revolution” would predict a society where robots arewidely used in all aspects of our lives and solving some of our social issues. If that is thecase, robots can only attain their raison d’être if they are actually utilized on the ground.
This view suggests that during the final stages just prior to its practical application, an
important process would be to make final adjustments by conducting field tests under thesame conditions as its intended purpose
Conversely, there can be a wide number of problems that may occur which could never
have been predicted during their practical application. If we are to have highly sophisticatedrobots in society, it is necessary that we conduct comprehensive field testing to assure theirsafety. At the same time, we should create a setting to verify and improve the“user-friendliness” of robots.
In order to accelerate the development of robots and their introduction into society,aside from support for their technological development and introduction, we should
consider the merits of a testing site to field-test robots in order to bridge development andtheir practical application.

(2) Examples of Present Testing Sites for Robots
The following testing sites exist in Japan utilizing the special zones for structuralreform or offered by local governments that provide a flexible environment to perform
field-testing for a relatively wide range of purposes:◇ Promotion of the development and introduction of the next generation of infrastructure
robots (MLIT’s field)‑

Conducts testing of robot technology for bridges, tunnels, under water
maintenance, disaster inspection, and emergency disaster recovery under the
auspices of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism◇ Testing support at the Sagami Special Industry Zone for Robots (Kanagawa Prefecture)‑

Supports field-testing by public invitation to corporations by offering a pre-testingsite and conducting tests for life supporting robots used in nursing facilities
utilizing old schools which have been closed.

35◇ Hyogo Prefecture Wide Area Disaster Management Center (Hyogo Prefecture)‑

Trains personnel specialized in disaster prevention and leaders specializing inregional disaster prevention. A facility designed to function as a center for wide
area disaster management in times of duress. Also functions as a testing site fordisaster response robots.

◇ Safety Testing Center for Life Supporting Robots (Tsukuba City)‑

Supports 18 varieties of tests such as running tests, human interaction tests,
durability tests, EMC tests, etc. for the purpose of obtaining safety certified life
supporting robots (under ISO13482, etc.).

‑

Already four different robots have been ISO13482 certified using this facility.

(3) Example of an Overseas Facility Available for Robot Testing
The following facility is available as a site for robot testing:◇ TEEX Disaster City (Texas U.S.A.)‑

A training facility for the purpose of emergency response and improving the skillsof practitioners‑

An arm of the Texas A&M University established in 1997 consisting of the
Brayton Fire Training Field and the National Emergency Response and Rescue
Training Center. The 90-95% of the operating costs of about 8 billion yen a year isappropriated by the facility use fee.

‑

Approximately 80% of the facility is used for fire-fighting and 20% for military
use and a small fraction for use by petrochemical-related companies.

(4) Our Vision Concerning the Creation of Robot Testing Sites
As we contemplate the functions of our present robot testing sites, we should comparethem with what is being done at similar sites overseas and support the testing efforts
conducted independently at private corporations and universities. We should also consider
expanding existing facilities or constructing facilities with new functions as deemednecessary.
At the same time, it is important that we set as our goal to create a site that will foster
future innovation. We envision a site where challengers of the robot revolution can gather
from around the country and abroad, and by offering an appropriate testing environment,36

assure their safety and the improvement of user-friendliness. The following are items which
we feel are important if the continued use of these robot testing sites are to endure into the
future:1.

Assure sufficient physical space for robot testing and freedom from existing
regulatory constraints by utilizing the system of special zoning

2.

A facility which serves the needs of the public and can also support a sufficientamount of demand from the private sector

3.

The test results derived from these test sites should produce a concrete andinstitutionally significant effect that may lead to future commercialization
contributing to further deregulation, public procurement, obtaining certification and
such.

4.

The site is part of a specific and stable administrative organization such as auniversity or local government.

Such efforts should be promoted further together with an objective of establishing adevelopment center for robots suited for a wide range of applications whether it be on land,sea, or in the air. This development center will be located in Fukushima Prefecture andcalled the Fukushima Hama-Dori Robot Testing Zone (provisional name) as a new testingsite to accelerate the practical application of primarily field robots.

37

Section 5

Human Resource Development(1) Background
In order to broaden the range of robot utilization toward 2020, human resources withknowledge of robots will be required in various scenes. In particular, in addition to humanresources that engage in research and development of robots, those that will be the key for
robot utilization, such as those for software and SIers, are expected to further increase theirimportance.
Besides, in areas where robots have not been actively utilized so far, it is necessary thatpeople who are in a position to actually collaborate with robots should newly acquire
knowledge and usage know-how about robots, and measures to deal with it need to beinvestigated.
In considering robot utilization for the future, it is necessary to develop humanresources that have not only knowledge about robots themselves but also comprehensive
knowledge covering related areas such as IT. It is important to consider measures required
to achieve that end from various viewpoints and to take actions.

(2) Future actions
In considering the urgent issue of how to develop and secure SIers, in particular, humanresources that can actually design operational processes or systems at workplaces where
robots are utilized, in relatively short period of time toward 2020, various ways areconceivable. For example, to develop human resources by having people accumulate
experiences at workplaces (OJT) and to make use of retired workers in arears where humanresources are likely be insufficient for now. Another way is that from the viewpoint ofmaking use of limited human resources intensively in short time, an SIer and a user
company establish a joint venture to proceed system construction together to promoteknow-how accumulation and human resources development.
In particular, regarding OJT-type human resource development, it is expected that
effective results can be obtained by setting up a mechanism that provides an incentive tobusinesses, such as linking to a budget project such as a demonstration project for
introduction to workplaces.

(Measures to be taken)◇ Development of SIers by utilizing “Demonstration Project for Robot Introduction”(METI)‑To have SIers accumulate experiences and achievements to develop them on an
OJT basis by designing the scheme of the demonstration project for robot

38

introduction and the feasibility study such that SIers play a central role as theimplementing entity of support projects, and the like.

Furthermore, it is important to promote basic and fundamental research based on needs.
In conjunction with this, it is essential to develop human resources of the next generation
who will perform the development of robots in Japan. It is particularly important to develop
SIers that combine technologies and human resources that promote practical application andcommercialization. In addition, necessary measures should be implemented to raise thelevel of utilization know-how at workplaces.
For that to happen, it is important that educational institutions, such as research
institutions and universities, should newly consider the introduction of interdisciplinary
curriculum concerning IoT and the like. At the same time, they should develop humanresources through the implementation of attractive projects that allure young people anddevelop humans and technologies together, as well as those that not only engage in researchand development but also venture into starting a business and the like.
Also, it is necessary to consider measures for developing human resources that
understand technologies, principles, operation methods and the like about robots at
workplaces by utilizing public vocational training for employed workers, certification andqualification systems of not only robot manufactures but also robot users.
Furthermore, toward the realization of “society where robots are part of daily life”, it isnecessary to cooperate with educational institutions and social educational facilities such as
science museums and museums as well as to make children well equipped with knowledge
about robots from their primary or secondary education stage and to make themfamiliarize themselves with and use robots in daily life.
(Measures to be taken)◇ Utilization of public vocational training for employed workers.
‑

In order to improve technology and skills of human resources such as SIers, theMinistry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Health, Labour andWelfare coordinate on the consideration of the utilization of public vocational
training for employed workers.

As for medium- and long-term human resource development, it is necessary to firmly
identify the method that enables to appropriately and efficiently develop human resources at
each stage and area and to ensure that these development measures work in conjunction
with each other.

39

(Measures to be taken)◇ Part of Program for Creating STartSTart-ups from Advanced Research and Technology(START)‑

Promising technologies, including robotics technologies, are explored fromuniversity researches,under a R&D program that supports commercialization of
innovative technology with management of human resources from private sectors,
who have commercialization know-how.

40Section 6

Implementation of Robot Regulatory Reform(1) Background
When introducing robots into a society, it is required that robots should conform toexisting laws and regulations to which they will be related. In the case where such laws andregulations are considered inappropriate in the light of socioeconomic circumstances andexisting laws and regulations, it is required to streamline regulations such as amendments tolaws, authorization of special zones, and establishment of new laws.
For example, in the case of Radio Act, possible measures include the establishment ofrules aimed at robot utilization such as frequency allocation and regulate maximum
permitted power, and in the case of Road Traffic Act and Road Transport Vehicle Act, thesorting-out of legal position of vehicles equipped with robotic functions. Also, many laws
and regulations for consumer protection are related.
Japan is one of the world’s leading robot superpowers, and its technical advantages still
remain. However, Japan is now being caught up by foreign countries such as USA,
Germany, and China, and in order to accelerate the introduction and utilization of robots allover Japan, it is essential to promote regulatory reforms that are well-balanced in both ofderegulation and rule establishment aimed at robot utilization as well as to create rules toassure the safety of robots from the viewpoint of consumer protection.
In the past, efforts have been made in both of deregulation and the establishment ofrules concerning safety standards, such as mitigating the 80W restriction in Industrial Safety
and Health Act to enable collaborative work between humans and robots without being
enclosed by fences as long as certain conditions are fulfilled and providing the system inwhich the safety certification in compliance with the international standard can be obtained
after ISO13482, which is the international safety standard for life support robots, took effect.
In the future as well, while making effective use of rapidly progressing robots in Japanesesociety, regulatory reforms will be aggressively promoted so that Japan can become theworld-class show case of robot utilization.

(2) Issues in regulatory and systemic reforms and action plan toward 2020
Considering the period up to 2020, it is necessary to identify the occupational field anddomain in each area where productivity improvement can be achieved by introducing robots
and to establish the environment (semi-standardized environment) in which robots candemonstrate their abilities. As part of such activities, the reform of regulatory system withrespect to robot utilization is an important issue, which is divided into two: 1) deregulationand establishment of new legal system and utilization environment to make effective use ofrobots; 2) establishment of the framework required from the viewpoint of consumers. Issues
to be concretely dealt with and action plans are organized as follows.

41

To promote regulatory and systemic reforms, it is also necessary to promote theinternational harmony of regulations and systems on the assumption that they arereciprocally applied both home and abroad, such as explosion-protection standard on robots.
Also, aiming at opening the possibility of new robot utilization that will lead the world,
issues are sorted out at any time to promote necessary reforms with “Robot Revolution
Initiative” playing a central role. At that time, cooperation is made with Council for
Regulatory Reform of the government to promote comprehensive reform in which therelated systems are looked down. Furthermore, the reform should be promoted with close
cooperation with the research and development of hardware technology and software
technology of robots that can be utilized under the established environment to accelerate theconstruction of a robot barrier-free society.

1) Deregulation and establishment of new legal system and utilization environment toeffectively utilize robots(i)

Establishment of new radio wave utilization system that supports robot utilization
As seen in robot operation (control), transmission of image data and the likefrom robots, and sensing for robot detection of obstacles, the utilization of radio
wave in robots is different from existing versatile forms of radio wave utilization.
For this reason, the rules are to be created as a new system of radio wave
utilization.
In this rule creation, it is appropriate to determine technical conditions, such as
frequency band and power, suitable for radio wave utilization by robots, by trying
to achieve frequency sharing with existing wireless system and the like, whileconsidering the utilization form and utilization environment and based on theunderstanding of the actual state of radio wave utilization in Japan.
Also, in radio wave utilization for the operation of uninhabited aerial vehicles, it
is important to continue to consider international cooperation as well, based on thefact that the international consideration of frequencies for uninhabited aerial
vehicles is being proceeded by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
and International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Note that in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, “Study groupon radio wave utilization system for robots” has already started the considerationof establishing the environment for new radio wave utilization system to support
such robot utilization.

(ii) The Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Pharmaceuticals, Medical
Devices, Regenerative and Cellular Therapy Products, Gene Therapy Products,
42and Cosmetics
Regarding brand-new medical devices, including those utilizing robotic
technology, such as surgical operation support robots that enable less-invasive andprecise movement to reduce patient burden, it is aimed to accelerate the pre-market
approval reviewunder the act. The targets of standard total review period from thereceipt of application of brand-new medical device to its approval are to become
14 and 10 months for normal review item and priority reviewreview item,
respectivelyrespectively.

(iii)

Long-term care insurance system
Amid the increasing need for care devices utilizing robotic technology, it isnecessary to accelerate their diffusion by providing appropriate support fordeveloping companies and care workers.
To that end, regarding the item review of the long-term care insurance system,
which is currently carried out once in three years, the system for request receipt,
consideration and the like should be made flexible to be able to rapidly deal withtechnology innovation. To be more specific, requests regarding the coverage of thelong-term care insurance system should be received anytime; current items thatcan be considered eligible should be promptly made known; the addition of new
items should be decided at any time by holding “Evaluation Committee forLong-Term Care Insurance Welfare Equipment” and “Subcommittee forLong-Term Care Benefit Expenses at Social Security Council” when and asnecessary, for example.

(iv)

Road Traffic Act and Road Transport Vehicle Act
Research and development of mobility robots including electric personal
assistive mobility devices has been rapidly progressing at home and abroad. If ourcountry is to have an edge in international competition in the future, it is essential
to further introduce new models through research and development and to get abroad range of feedback from the market.
However, under current laws and regulations, electric personal assistive
mobility devices are classified as motor vehicle or moped depending on the total
displacement or rated power, and they cannot be used on public roads unless thesafety standards are met in principle. Once the safety is secured, they can be driven
on public roads after admitted for relaxation of the standards in accordance with
Article 55 of the safety standards for road transport vehicles (1951 ordinance ofthe Ministry of Transport, No. 67).

43

At present, public road demonstration experiments for electric personal assistive
mobility devices are being conducted in the City of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Pref. byutilizing the special district system. Based on the evaluation results of “Evaluation
and Research Committee for Structural Reform Special Districts”, which isplanned to be conducted during FY2014, the way to deal with these assistive
mobility devices will be considered, including whether to make use of “Special
System for Corporate Field Tests”, which was created in 2014.
Also, regarding autonomous driving, efforts will be made based on the
Public-Private ITS Initiative/Roadmaps, which was determined in the Strategic
Headquarters for the Promotion of an Advanced Information andTelecommunications Network Society (in June 2014), and in consideration of
consistency with the Geneva Convention and the like.
Furthermore, under current laws and regulations, when unmanned farmmachines such as driverless tractors go to farm land, they are not allowed to be
used on public roads. The way to handle this issue will also be considered whilesorting out the consistency with international agreements and conducting safety
verification.

(v)

Laws and regulations related to uninhabited airborne type robots (Aviation Law
and the like)
The expectation for uninhabited airborne type robots (UAV) is great in disastersites and the like, and their diffusion is expected in the future. However, concrete
operation rules for these robots have not been clarified. Therefore, regarding so
called small-size uninhabited aerial vehicles, while identifying their operationalsituation, further examination will be proceeded including the necessity of rules towhich public institutions are related and related laws and regulations.
As for the uninhabited aerial vehicles system (large-size uninhabited aerial
vehicles) which fly by remote control internationally under IFR (Instrument Flight
Rules), domestic rules will be established by participating the consideration of therevision of the international standards at International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO) and based on such revision which is expected to take place in 2019 orlater.

(vi)

Laws and regulations related to public infrastructure maintenance and repair
In maintenance and repair of public infrastructure, human operations are
assumed and “visual” inspection may be required. In order to further improve theeffect and efficiency of maintenance and repair, based on the on-site verification44

results concerning infrastructure maintenance and repair and disaster-responses
and the on-site demonstration results concerning the maintenance and repair of
the infrastructure for port facilities, which were started in 2014 by“Next-Generation Social Infrastructure Robot On-Site Verification Committee”,
the effective and efficient utilization methods of useful robots should bedetermined.

(vii)

High Pressure Gas Safety Act
In addition to the afore-mentioned public infrastructure, in industry
infrastructure such as plants as well, it is necessary to establish robot utilization
rules so that robots function as substitutes for humans with respect to inspection
operations, such as visual inspection, which are assumed to be performed byhumans.
To that end, technology development based on field needs and verification andevaluation using plants and the like should be simultaneously proceeded, and after
clarifying the technology level required in the field, the system concerning theinspection by robots will be considered.

2) Establishment of framework required from the viewpoint of consumer protection(i) Consumer Product Safety Act, Electric Appliance and Material Safety Act
Assuming a society where robots reach every corner of daily life and theutilization of next-generation robots related to daily life, which have autonomy andremote controllability, is expanded, it is necessary to strengthen measures forsecuring consumer safety. With respect to information collection and cause
investigation when a serious product accident occurs due to robots, technicalstandards concerning equipment treated as electric appliances, and the range of
responsibilities of manufacturers and the like, based on the trends of technology
development and specific commercialization, it is necessary to consider treatment
under the current system where robot utilization is not assumed.
To that end, based on the analysis of accident information and the like to becollected in accordance with current laws and regulations, necessary actions andmeasures should be considered.

45Section 7

Expansion of Robot Award(1) Background
It is undeniable that in encouraging industrial development, evaluating and honoring
excellent cases exert a large impact. Awarded cases give a strong motivation to the daily
activities of a broad range of the related people, and for the whole nation as well, they serve
as a springboard for identifying trends of leading-edge technology and enable to proactively
deal with such trends. For this reason, in the robot field as well, “Robot Award” has been
implemented since 2006 (co-hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and
the Japan Machinery Federation), honoring robots that are high in contribution and
expectation for future market creation.
In this project, 63 cases were honored by the sixth round, and various cases were taken
up: not only major manufacturers of industry robots but also small- and medium-size
start-ups having innovative element technology and user companies that solved problems
using robots. The project has played a large role as a messenger to society.
Robot Award, which has accumulated achievements as seen above, should be
developed to a framework to be enhanced by the whole government such that while theaccumulation so far is utilized, the award becomes the driving force to further accelerate
efforts by the related people toward the realization of robot revolution.

(2) Future direction
Currently, the application is accepted for the following five areas:
1) “Industry robot area”
Robot and system that are used in production sites such as factories
2) “Service robot area”
Robot and system that provide various service at office, home, public space and the like3) “Public and special environment area”
Robot and system that operate under public and special environment, such as search andrestoration in disasters and research in the sea
4) “Parts and software area”
Parts, material, or software that constitute part of robots
5) “Robot business/social implementation area” (newly established at the 5th round(2012))
Manufacturers, businesses, and system integrators who have introduced and use robots torealize the service and social implementation of robots, or human resources that played a46

central role in such cases
These areas will be flexibly reviewed and examined based on social conditions andtechnology trends.
Furthermore, based on the understanding that the Robot Award is extremely important asa platform to evaluate next-generation robots and advanced utilization examples and toencourage the participation of a broad range of related people, the establishment of newaward categories by relevant ministries and the expansion of award coverage will be carriedout one by one from the next round onwards from the viewpoint of rewarding excellent
activities by the whole nation. And the Award will be developed into the one that can bebacked up by the whole government including the consideration of the establishment of still
higher award categories.

47

Section 8

Consideration of Robot Olympic (Provisional Name)(1) Background
It was decided that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are to be held in Tokyo in 2020
for the first time in 56 years.
In the Olympic Games of 56 years ago, construction investment for the development ofcompetition facilities and transportation network (such as subways, Metropolitan
Expressways, and Shinkansen) increased, and furthermore, travel demand for seeing
competitions expanded and the penetration rate of color TVs rapidly increased. As such, theOlympic Games acted as a trigger for big changes in society and people’s daily life.
By making best use of a worldwide event, Olympic Games, the research anddevelopment of robots will be accelerated and their broad introduction and diffusion in theJapanese society will be promoted, and at the same time, there are potential that the
Olympic Games function as a driving force of “robot revolution” in which people’s daily
life is changed by robots, and the Olympic Games offer a great opportunity to show Japan,
which transforms its society ahead of the world as the achievement of the robot revolution,
to the people who visit from all over the world.
By accelerating activities aimed at the realization of the robot revolution and bringing“daily life with robots” to all over the country in the year of the Olympic Games, the stateof Japan, where the whole city is integrated with robotic technology, will be shown to theworld as a robot showcase. In addition to this, based on the fact that the Olympic Games area historical festival to strongly deliver the value of human’s challenge to limits, it isworthwhile gathering the leading edge achievements of home and abroad concerning robots
and providing an opportunity to tackle the challenge of reaching a further height.

(2) Concrete activities
As a method to accelerate the research and development of robots and to introduce anddiffuse them into the real world, that is, to proceed the social implementation, competitions,verification experiments, demonstrations, that is, the Robot Olympic (provisional name) is
to be carried out. It is not merely a competition to compete in robotic technology; instead, it
solves actual issues in various areas, such as medical and health care, infrastructure
inspection, agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry, manufacturing industry, service
industry, and entertainment industry; it makes actually useful robots compete each other;and it shows to many people what robots are. The introduction and diffusion of robots will
be promoted by making people feel familiar with robots and search how to solve real issues
with robots, discuss their utilization methods, and think how to work and live a life withrobots.
Concrete examples include the R&D and on-site verification projects for infrastructure48

inspection robots and disaster-response robots, which are being conducted by the Cabinet
Office, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. In the projects, infrastructure inspection robots anddisaster-response robots are brought to the field for inspection. It is not a competition, but
the inspectors, composed of ordering parties (the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,
Transport and Tourism and the like), users, developers (NEDO, the Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry), researchers of robotics, civil engineering and the like, evaluate robot
systems from various viewpoints to help improving the methods for research anddevelopment and operation.
Another example is the “Research and Development of Disaster-Response Robots”
project of “The International R&D, Demonstration Project in Environment and Medical
Device Sector/The International R&D and Demonstration Project on Robots/Research andDevelopment of Disaster-Response Robots (USA)”, which has been carried out by NEDO
since FY2014. This project develops disaster-response robots, participates in a robot
competition hosted by DARPA in USA (Disaster Robotics Challenge), and also plans tocarry out demonstrations in Japan.
In the future, while cooperating with the hosting entities of existing robot-relatedcompetitions, users and operators of robots, manufacturers, researchers and the like, theconsideration will be carried out with Robot Revolution Initiative playing a central role. The
executive committee will be started within this year to establish the system, the concrete
style and competition items will be determined by 2016, and also a preparatory competition
will be held in 2018. And then, the Robot Olympic will be held in 2020.

(3) Goal for 2020
If industry, government, and academia share the common goal of holding the Robot
Olympic (provisional name) concurrently with the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games,
the research and development of robots will be accelerated in five years to come. At thesame time, it may serve as a trigger to actually introduce and diffuse robots into actual daily
life and workplaces.
Robots that will participate in this Robot Olympic (provisional name) should be not
only those for competition but also those that are actually used in various scenes andworkplaces in society or those actually working. And it is important to continue the cycle ofinnovation such that even after the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, new robotic
technology is continuously tested via these competitions, verified, and accepted in society.
We should aim at a society where visitors to Japan can see robots being utilized invarious areas, and should establish the environment such that when new robots aredeveloped, they are demonstrated and introduced in Japan for the first time in the world.
That is what is meant by “to become a showcase for robot utilization”, which can be a49

driving force of the robot revolution.

50

Chapter 2

Particulars by Sector

Section 1

Manufacturing Sector(1) BackgroundIn the manufacturing sector of our country, the introduction of robots has mainly beenpromoted among major corporations for such uses as welding and painting processes in theautomobile industry and parts mounting processes in the electrical and electronic industries.
On the other hand, a great deal of the work in the preparatory process (setup process), suchas parts supply, has continued to be carried out manually in most operations including large
corporations, and especially, medium-scale and smaller companies have been very slow inintroducing robots into their operations.
For example, according to the statistic data on the shipment value of major industrial
robots by size of consignees 10, the ratios of the shipment value to small- and medium-sizedcompanies of the robots for use in welding; materials management and transport control;
picking, lining-up, packaging, and receiving and shipping; and general assembly are 22.4%,
9.5%, 16.2%, and 0.1%, respectively, indicating that the majority of the above shipments is
for major companies.
In the Japanese manufacturing industry, active investments have been made formechanization including the introduction of robots from the1980s and onward, resulting inincrease in labor productivity, but it seems that such investments have levelled off in recent
years regardless of the size of companies. It is important to study once again how to utilize
robots effectively and to try to enhance competitiveness.

(2) Basic concept
It is a big challenge how to introduce robots not only to the major companies that haveproceeded with utilization of robots mainly in the automobile and electrical & electronic
industries, but also to medium-scale and smaller companies, in considering the future
utilization of robots in the manufacturing sector. Also, in view of the fact that certain
industry sectors that are slow in adoption of robots including large companies continue toexist, it is necessary to promote the utilization of robots in such sectors. In addition, there
remain processes where the utilization of robots is not advanced even in the automobile andelectrical & electronic industries. It is therefore necessary to promote the technicaldevelopment and measures to support these industries which account for a high proportionof the total shipment value.
It is necessary for the areas in which robots are effectively utilized to broaden

10Supply and Demand Trends in Robot Industry, 2014 edition (Japan Robot Association)51

multifariously, resulting in an increase in the size of the market for robots so that the use ofrobots can be promoted among medium-scale and smaller companies and in a variety of
manufacturing sites. On the other hand, it is expected that the markets to be created in the
new versatile areas will form a long tail market in total with a number of small-scale market
segments contained.
In these new markets, customization is required in compliance with a wide variety ofusers’ needs. Consequently, the business model there will be different from those for theconventional industrial robots that have enabled to win high-volume orders through thecustomization to meet the needs of major users including automobile manufacturers.
It is important that the SIer should bring together the manufacturers that have a variety
of technologies and expertise and present proposals concerning the utilization of robots
based on the various needs of users and also that such manner of the introduction of robots
as leads to the formation of production lines should gain prominent attention to be utilized
widely, in order to diffuse the use of robots widely in the industry including medium-scaleand smaller companies.
Specifically, it is important to try to improve SIer’s own response capacity throughbusiness opportunities, such as introduction verification projects, and at same time, todevelop a platform for the integration of the robot technologies of various manufacturers bysuch measures as the wide use of standard modularization of hardware and software and thecommon base to bring them together so as to develop an environment to facilitate suchactivities. When the above scheme is realized, the situation will come closer to such a statusthat everybody can utilize robots easily (“easy to use”), and thus, it can be converted to abusiness structure in which the cost reduction concerning system integration and theadvantage of scale through horizontal expansion play a role. In addition, it is also importantto promote the development of element technologies to have the time required for systemdesign and adjustment substantially shortened. It is vitally important to proceed with the
improvement of the SIer in productivity and constitution through these efforts for the
purpose of diffusing the new ways of utilizing robots.
Furthermore, it is important for medium-scale and smaller companies to becomeconvinced of the improvement in productivity and profitability due to the introduction ofrobots before robots are widely introduced to them. Also, besides the development of robots,
it is necessary to develop inexpensive and simple teaching methods that medium-scale andsmaller companies can afford to use and to bring up necessary technicians.
On the other hand, the utilization of robots will remain important even to the major
companies which have engaged in the introduction of robots in the light of improvement inproductivity, international cost competition, and also measures against labor shortage, and itis necessary to increase the utilization of robots in such segments as have so far made little
progress in the utilization of robots including the so-called “three-products industries”,
consisting of food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
52

In addition, it is important to try to pursue the sophistication of production systems
themselves utilizing robots, including coordination system among devices and linkage withthe order situation by utilizing IT, and to establish consistently optimized production lines
and supply chains for the purpose of maintaining and strengthening the competitive edge ofthe manufacturing industries.

(3) Areas where the utilization of robots should be promoted (priority areas)
There exists in medium-scale and smaller companies the minute, labor- intensive work,
such as parts processing and assembly, which is carried out jobs for major companies on a
subcontract. Under the current situation, as these kinds of work are not necessarily simple,
it has been difficult to substitute labor work with robots, and moreover, the utilization ofrobots has not been advanced since many medium-scale and smaller companies have noadequate reserve for capital investment. An approach is required in the aspect of policies
and technical development that will facilitate the introduction of general-purpose multi-skill
robots, etc., superior in cost-effectiveness in response to the needs of work at site and inaccordance with the size and production capacity of the companies in question.
Also, in regard to the three-product industries (food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticalindustries), further progress in the utilization of robots is expected due partly to the recent
development in robot technology while they different among others in the areas where room
for robotization still remains. As a high level of hygiene is required in common in theseareas, the robot is in a sense more suitable than the human operator.
With regard to the food industry, efforts will be focused on the automation of simple
food manufacturing processes and the development and introduction of robots that can
substitute the workers to perform the labor-intensive work, such as preparation of boxedlunch and delicatessen food which is carried out in the backyard process by a large numberof part-time workers employed for the job.
Also, with regard to the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, the utilization ofrobots will be actively promoted for enhanced labor productivity so far as it can be justified
in terms of cost-effectiveness and the takt time of working process.
For large corporations, efforts will be pursued for the development of multi-skill robots
featured by general versatility and adaptability which are capable of meeting therequirements of the processes such as preparation and setup, where robotization has beendifficult in the past. Efforts will be also made to grope for new ways of human-robot
interaction to allow human and robots to work in a coordinated manner and also for the
reproduction by robots of the expert craftsmanship.
Also, with regard to the sophistication of robots themselves, development andverification will be pursued for the coordination system among devices (robot to robot,

53

robot to machine tool, robot to parts, etc.) and also the network-type robots. In addition,
towards the increase in productivity and improvement in quality of product itself beyond theexisting limitation by means of establishment of flexible and consistently optimized
production system against a backdrop of IoT, the thorough automation engulfing all theprocesses to make a whole factory function like a single robot will be pursued through theactivities of the Robots Revolution Initiative, and the standardization necessary to link theworld’s most advanced production systems is to be promoted.
Finally, it is essential to keep the robot as a product competitive internationally, and thecompetition with the robots from newly industrializing countries will be increasingly
intensified in the future. Accordingly, it is critically important to establish a foothold in all
aspects of element technologies, mechanisms, materials, control, and information andtelecommunication for production machinery. Needless to say, it is necessary to enhance thefundamental technological capability of production machinery as a whole, by adopting
aggressively boundary technologies of which employment has conventionally been
withheld, relating to the basic structure, control mechanism , etc. of robots and attempting
to foster cooperation with various industries, so that new innovation may be brought about.

(4) Targeted ideal situation as of 2020 (KPI)
As the targeted ideal situation as of 2020 (KPI) in the manufacturing sector, it isassumed that as a matter of macro index, while the market scale of robots used in the
manufacturing sector in 2020 is to be doubled (from 60 billion yen to 120 billion yen), therate of growth in labor productivity in the manufacturing industry is to be increased to morethan 2% annually as described in the revised version for 2014 of the “Japan Revitalization
Strategy”.
Also, as a part of the efforts by sector, it is targeted to increase the rate of robotizationin the assembly process, which is the key to the achievement of the target in 2020, up to
25% for large-scale companies and up to 10%, which is the current rate in large-scalecompanies, for small- and medium-sized companies 11.
Some 30 unprecedented cases of the utilization of robots will be annually collected andpublished as advanced best practice in the next five years in order to disseminate the casesof the utilization of advanced robots throughout Japan. Such cases will include the creation

11

While the rate of robotization in the automobile assembly process is about 7% as of 2010, the rate of
introduction required for the achievement of the target is preliminarily computed by reference to theanalysis in the ”Industrial Spillover Effect of RT (robot technology) and Market Analysis” (March
2008) by the Economic Research Institute, Japan Society for the Promotion of Machine Industry, andalso on the basis of the market potential as of 2020 based on the possible improvement in working
efficiency due to the advancement of robot technology and potential reduction in the cost for
introduction of robots.

54

of human-robot interaction lines designed rationally with the utilization of dual-arm
multi-skill robots and the formation of production lines based on the utilization of
coordination systems among various devices and network robots.
Furthermore, with regard to the SIer that will be the key to ensuring a flexible responseto the future needs of users, the SIer market will be expanded in a manner to exceed theincrease in the size of the market for robots. In connection with the standard modularizedhardware and software and common base, as prerequisite to flexible system design,arrangements will be made to develop more than 1,000 different types of interoperable
hardware products equipped with the common robot operating system and to have thembrought to the market.

(5) Measures and policies towards target achievement
It is important to make a consistent approach ranging from the development of robots
to the verification at site of the authenticity of introduction based on the needs of users, inpromoting the utilization of robots in the manufacturing area.
With regard to technical development, the priority areas for development will benarrowed down to those described in Item (4) above, and the needs of users concerning theutilization of robots and the way out for commercialization will be clearly defined. Then,the technical development is to be implemented towards the selection of, and concentration
on, the functions to be specialized in.

<Related measures and policies>◇ The technical development project for commercial application utilizing robots (METI)‑Technical development will be implemented for manufacturing and service sectors
towards the selection of, and concentration in, the functions to be specialized in,after the needs of users concerning the utilization of robots and the way out forcommercialization are clearly defined. Human resources that are capable ofdeveloping robot systems in accordance with the needs at the site will be also
developed.

Especially for medium-scale and smaller companies as different from large companies
which are advanced in the introduction of robots, it is important to take elaborate measuresat each stage including, besides the development of robots, matching between needs andseeds, calculation of the cost-effectiveness of the introduction of robots, and also
consultation including management assistance in the introduction of robots, and theverification of the introduction, until the robot market and the system for promotion of theintroduction of robots are made ready.

55

Also, it is important to strengthen the capability of creating robots which are capable ofresponding flexibly to the diversified needs of users in order to broaden the base for theutilization of robots in the new segments of the three-product industries and medium-scaleand smaller companies, etc.
Under the Project for the Verification of the Effectiveness of the Introduction of Robots,
the move is to be accelerated towards the expansion of the SI market and commercializationof interoperable hardware products by means of making it a scheme with the SIer thatserves as the key to the introduction of robots in the years to come, and also adopting
aggressively the interoperable robots equipped with the common robot operating system.

<Related measures and policies＞◇ Project for the Verification of the Effectiveness of the Introduction of Robots (METI)‑

Verification of the effect of the introduction of robots is to be implemented in suchsegments of the manufacturing and service sectors as robots are not utilized yet,for increase in productivity. At the same time, feasibility study (FS survey) will be
implemented concerning the introduction of robots to promote the introduction ofrobots by demonstrating its cost-effectiveness. Also, in the above-mentioned
verification procedures and feasibility study, the service providers (system
integrators) are to be utilized and raised as instrument capable of supporting theutilization of robots and system architecture.

◇ Establishment of “Robots Revolution Initiative”‑

An industry-government-academia forum, which has functions to “promote
matching between needs and seeds, and to create solutions” is to be set up in 2015,
so that such robots as are capable of responding efficiently to the needs fromversatile areas may be created.

It is necessary to advance efforts for improvement of the environment in terms ofregulations, reformation, etc. as well to have robots utilized effectively for promotion of theutilization of robots.
A recent specific effort is the clarification of the safety standards on cooperation work
between men and industrial robots. With respect to the industrial robots capable ofperforming collaboration work with men, it is international practice to allow such robots towork together with men regardless of their output values, so far as certain measures tosecure safety are taken. Meanwhile, in Japan, it was necessary in principle to fence in anindustrial robot whose maximum output is greater than 80W. Then, the safety standards

56were defined to enable the human-robot cooperation in December 2013 on the basis of the“Regulatory Reform Implementation Plan” (adopted at a Cabinet meeting in June 2013).
Accordingly, the collaboration work between humans and robots whose maximum output
exceeds 80W without fence around it so far as certain conditions are met.

<Related measures and policies>◇ Review of regulations‑

With respect to such cooperation work between human and a robot, whose rated
output exceeds 80W, as approved by the international standards, the “Partial
Amendment of the Notification of Enforcement under Article 150 (4) of theIndustrial Safety and Health Law concerning Industrial Robots” was notified in
December 2013. Thus, the safety standards to enable such human-robot
cooperation were clearly defined.

With respect to the robots which are fast in technical progress and of which field of
utilization is expanding into new spheres, it is important to proceed with necessary
regulatory and system reform perpetually while paying adequate attention to safety, in orderto accelerate further introduction of robots.

57

Section 2

Service fields(1) Background
The ratio GDP and the number of employees in the service industry of Japan to all theindustries are as high as about 70%. By comparison of labor productivity, however, Japan’slabor productivity is about 60% of that of the United States, which is lower than othercountries. In light of the anticipated decline in birth rate and surge in the number of the aged,raising labor productivity in the service industry is an urgent problem Japan is facing.
Japan’s service industry has wide room to automation as it still relies on manpower
unlike the manufacturing industry that has improved labor productivity by using robots overa long period of time.
From these viewpoints, labor productivity in the service industry will be improved andvalues added will be increased through innovation by encouraging use of robots in theservice industry, so that human beings can concentrate on high value-added work, rather
than work focusing on manual labor and that, for example, high-quality hospitality can beprovided.

(2) Basic concept
When considering use of robots in the service field, it is important to analyze work andmeasure effect by using specific numbers and data, have a clear picture of work that should
be done by human beings, work that should be done by robots, and work that should bedone by men and robots in cooperation, and strategically narrow down on important fields
related to robots, while taking into account the situations and vision of the future at the sites
where robots are used in the same manner as in the other fields, as the service industry
covers a wide sphere.
Because robots have rarely been used in the service industry, however, the actual
situation is that the user has little expertise in making the use of robots and, conversely, themanufacturer has difficulties in finding the needs for robots. To propel use of robots in theservice industry, therefore, it is important to develop players who will act as a go-between
for users and manufacturers and create a venue for matching demand for and supply ofrobots.
At the site of service, there is high expectation for use of robots from a viewpoint ofrespecting the humanity of workers as such a site is important for pursuing the value thatcan be provided only by men in order to increase the value added of a service by improving
the satisfaction of the customer.

58

(3) Fields where use of robots should be pushed forward (important fields)
Many service industries are labor-intensive. Above all, businesses such as wholesale,retail, hotels, and restaurants are considered to potentially have a lot of needs for use ofrobots because these businesses involve monotonous work to some extent and are sufferingfrom a labor shortage.
Generally, the service industry is divided into processes based on human beings andthose based on objects.
Many service businesses spare not much time for the human-related processes (i.e.,
services in guest rooms or at tables). According to an analysis, waiting staff, who aresupposed to spend a lot of time for the human-based processes actually spend 11.7 to 21.4%of their time at certain inns.
In contrast, some pioneering cases of the backyard object-based processes where
automation has been moved forward by introducing robots can be found, such as a“meal-serving wagon transportations system” (Kagaya), “pharmaceuticals distribution
center advancement robot system” (Toho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., NEC Corporation,
Daifuku Co., Ltd., Yasukawa Electric Corporation) that won the first prize in the “robot
business/social implementation section” of the 2014 robot award.
According to a business hearing conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade andIndustry of Japan, the dominant opinion is that a top priority should be given to automationof the object-based process regarding use of robots in the service industry. In the future,
evolving the field of service by promoting use of robots for the object-based processes,
which is the backyard of hotel and restaurant businesses, and pushing automation forward,
so that human beings can concentrate their effort on processes for creating high values
added is considered to be one direction. 12
In the meantime, it is necessary to bring into perspective a study toward automating
human-based processes, such as development of the next-generation element technologies
for the time being as a medium-term strategy to cope with labor shortage, while promoting
the object-based process, which is mainly in the backyard. It is also needed to use andautomate robots that can reduce the load of office work by men by such means as recording
through voice recognition, so that men can provide services of the higher quality.

12

From the viewpoint of the competitiveness of the robot industry that underpins introduction and spreadof robots, robots that perform work that is simple for both human beings and robots, such astransportation, can be produced on a commercial basis within a short time. By focusing on processes
which are simple for men but difficult for robots to realize, high values added can be achieved over along time.

59For the future research and development and market expansion, it is essential to create
new services, which could not be found in the past, by promoting joint researches withvarious fields. Bringing into perspective the fields where a robot itself can be the source of avalue, including, for example, the fields of education service (foreign language teachingrobots), communication, content, and entertainment, it is also important to understand theneeds in these fields, develop required technologies, and create necessary environments.

(4) Objectives that should be achieved by 2020 (KPI)
As the objective (or key performance indicator (KPI)) the service field should achieveby 2020, Revision 2014 of “Japan Reconstruction Strategy” cites a macro index of a 20-foldincrease of the market scale of robots used in the non-manufacturing sector on which robot
services will concentrate in 2020 from 60 billion yen to 1.2 trillion yen and a three-foldgrowth rate of labor productivity in the service field from the average of 2012 to 2013 of
0.8% to 2.0%.
In addition, use of robots for object-based processes in the backyard should bethoroughly bolstered in each sector, so that, as said above, people can concentrate on
human-based processes.
Specifically, efforts should be made in the logistics field so that operations and delivery
management at the contact points between transportation and a site, such as for locations ofarrival and delivery of goods (where cargos are loaded to or unloaded from trucks from/towarehouses) can be consistently automated by using robots. Even if automating is difficult(for example, in a process where objects in unspecific shape or flexible must be picked up
and placed), use of robots in the field of logistics should be thoroughly pushed forward by,for example, decreasing the weight and improving the performance of assist suits tomitigate the workload at the worksite by using such assist suits.
At present, the rate of use of robots for picking, screening, and checking operations,which hold a key to successful spread of robots, is almost zero. In the latest example of theabove mentioned “pharmaceuticals distribution center advancement robot system”, it is said
that the potential of introducing robots is 80% to 90%. Taking into account this potential
and rate of use of robots which is needed to achieve market expansion by 2020, an increaseof about 30% in use of robots for picking, screening, and checking operations should beaimed. 13

13This rate of use of robots needed to achieve the target of market expansion by 2020 was calculated byusing the situation of using robots at current advanced distribution centers and considering thepotential of introducing robots by developing individual robot technologies and advancing the whole
distribution system.

60

For wholesale and retail businesses, hotels, and restaurants, which are considered thepromising fields of the service industry, automation by using robots should be promoted tofacilitate simple but heavy-load backyard operations like collecting and placing tables andcleaning.
To this end, examples of the best practice related to use of robots in the service field
will be collected and disseminated nationwide to create a virtuous cycle of solving labor
shortage in the service industry, improving productivity, and increasing wages. To collect
good examples of best practice, the result of “Robot Introduction Demonstration Project” tobe described later, as well as the examples introduced at “Robot Revolution Realization
Conference”, will be used. A collection of about 100 example cases gathered in this way
will be published in 2015.

(5) Measures toward achieving goal
To embolden use of robots in the service sector, proceeding with consistent measures,from development of robots that meet the users’ needs to demonstration of introduction ofthem to the actual work place, is as important as in the manufacturing sector. In the service
industry that covers a vast range, it is vital to carefully select fields to which a priority
should be given in developing robots, clarify the users’ needs for use of robots and outlets
for marketing them, and develop technologies toward selection and concentration offunctions for specialization.

<Related measures>◇ Project for development of technologies applicable to creating markets using robots(Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) [See above.]
The service field has few records of having used robots in the past and lacks the costeffectiveness of using robots and expertise in using robots. Therefore, making clear the costeffectiveness of introducing robots and lowering the cost of introduction through afeasibility study (FS) and an introduction demonstration project is considered extremely
effective for expanding introduction of robots.

<Related measures>◇ Robot introduction demonstration project (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)[See above.]
As mentioned above, the service industry, which has few records of having used robots,61

runs short of expertise in using robots, and there are many cases where users do not clearly
understand in what process the robots can be used. To turn around such a situation, the roleof system integrators (SIer) that intermediate between the user and the manufacturer is as
important as in the manufacturing industry. Conducting initial consultation on introductionof robots is believed especially important for the service field. “Robot Introduction
Demonstration Project” is intended to expand the SIer market at a growth rate higher thanthat of the robot market by creating a scheme that gets SIer involved.

<Related measures>◇ Establishing “Robot Revolution Initiative Council” [See above.]
Creating an environment for effectively using robots in the field of service is important.
One of the points at issue is, for example, unification and standardization of containers andpallets used in the field of logistics.
In the logistics field, unification of containers and pallets (arrival pallets, arrival
containers, delivery boxes, delivery pallets) is essential toward materialization of measures
to enhance the overall efficiency through complete automation and 24-hour automaticdelivery to warehouses (which are directly connected with production lines). The size ofsome pallets has been standardized (1,100 mm x 1,100 mm) in compliance with Japan’s
domestic standard, JIS, and international standard ISO. In the future, steps to spreadstandardized pallets should be taken. In EU, for example, the standard of pallets is unified
and palletizing/de-palletizing operation has been automated at contact points between thelogistics operation and work place. Taking these situations into consideration, necessary
actions should be taken.

62Section 3

Nursing and medical fields(1) Background
It is expected that the number of the aged 65 years or older reaches about 7.09 million
over 15 years from 2010 to 2025 and that population aging rate of the entire society (ratio of
the aged to the total population) substantially surges from 23% to 30%, giving rise to anincrease in needs of medical care and nursing.
In addition, the baby boom generation reached 65 years or older in 2012 to 2014 – anincrease of more than one million of the aged per annum. Consequently, the necessary
number of care workers is said to rise from 1.7 million of 2012 to about 2.5 million in 2025.
However, it is reported that 70% of nursing care workers who are currently working are
suffering from a backache, calling for mitigation of the workload at care-giving sites.
In the medical field, minimally invasive and precise-motion surgical robots and similar
medical devices have been developed in recent years and employed at many medical
institutions.
(2) Basic concept
The basic policy is to help people continue their self-sustaining lives in a region they
are familiar with even when they have reached the age at which they need nursing andmedical care.
Specifically, work environments where nursing workers can provide services withsatisfaction will be created by making the best use of robotic nursing equipment while
maintaining the basic concept that care is given by human hands, and a paradigm shift toenhancing the work efficiency and reducing the number of workers will be aided by use ofrobotic nursing equipment at care sites. In the scene of development, specific needs at caresites will be identified so that highly practical equipment that can meet the needs at sites
will be developed, research and development of such equipment will be supported, andmatching of care sites and development sites will be aided.
In addition, through accumulation of health and life data and communication with oldpeople, measures to promote introduction of robots with sensor technologies and artificial
intelligence will be pushed forward with an eye on looking after the aged and preventing
them from falling prey to a serious disease such as dementia.
To mitigate the workload of health care workers, efforts will be made to produce
robotic wheelchairs that, making the best use of sensor and network technologies, allow theaged to move around indoors and outdoors independently and safely.
For the purpose of providing innovative medical device using robot technologies to
medical sites quickly, various supports will be extended at the research and development
stage of the device. Technical evaluation indexes, etc., utilized at the time of review of63novel medical device that is needed at many medical sites and is very feasible will be
formulated and publicized in advance in order to enhance the efficiency of productdevelopment and shorten the time required for approval review.
(3) Fields where use of robots should be pushed (important fields)
A survey conducted in 2011 by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare with 220
nursing facility managers and care workers, “Project for Helping Putting Welfare
Equipment and Nursing Robots into Practice”, found that needs of helping the aged transfer
or move, excrete, and take a bath, and live their everyday lives, and supporting the old withdementia were high in the field of supporting nursing homes. In response, the Welfare of
Health, Labor and Ministry and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry will decide
on important fields of these types of care where problems of using robotic nursing
equipment should be solved by using robot technologies, and move forward toward solving
those problems.
* “Important development field” (mainly in nursing field) Transfer support (wearingtype), transfer support (non-wearing type), transfer support (outdoors), transfer
support (indoors), excretion support, watching over those who have dementia (forinstitution), watching over those who have dementia (for home), bathing support
In the medical field, spread of minimal invasive, precise-motion surgical robots andsimilar medical devices that are expected to alleviate the burdens of patients will bepropelled.

(4) Objectives that should be achieved by 2020 (KPI)
Creating safe and stable work environments will be pushed forward by using robots
that aid the aged to lead self-sustaining life by helping them move around when they go out
so that they can live in a region to which they are accustomed even though they need care,and by introducing to medical sites the nursing robots that mitigate the physical burdens ofcare workers by making it easy for those who they look after to transfer. In addition, use ofsuch robots for preventing people from needing care, rehabilitation, and health promotion
will be propelled. Moreover, encouraging introduction of the robots that are applicable tomedical institutions will also be considered.
Regarding development and promotion of use of nursing robots, a study of items
covered by the nursing-care insurance system will flexibly be promoted in order to keep
abreast with technological innovation of nursing robots and smoothly alleviate the workloadof home health care. In addition, supply of high-quality services that can be achieved only
by human beings will be promoted while enhancing the efficiency of nursing work andlowering the number of health workers needed, by using nursing robots.
64

Development of medical device, including surgical robots, will be propelled so thatsuch device will spread among medical institutions. AtAt the same time, the pre-market
approval review of brand-new medical device, including that utilizing robot technology will
be smoothly conducted. The targets of standard total review period from the receipt ofapplication of brand-new medical device to its approval are to become 14 and 10 months fornormal review item and priority review item, respectively.

As a result, the following goals will be achieved:·

The domestic market scale of surgical robots will be expanded to 50 billion yen by2020 as sales target. 14·

Awareness of nursing methods using the newest robot technology will be changed toincrease the percentage of people who wish to use nursing robots for providing care to80% from the current 59.8% and of those who wish to have robots used when
undergoing care to 80% from the current 65.1%.

·

The risk of care givers of suffering a backache will be lowered to zero by using nursing
robots for helping the aged transfer.

·More than 100 cases of support to put medical care-related equipment using robot
technology will be implemented in 5 years from 2015 to 2020.

(5) Measures toward achieving goal
Related ministries and agencies will cooperate in implementing projects for developing,
putting into practical use, and spreading robotic nursing equipment. Specifically, measures
will be taken mainly in the following important fields designated by the Ministry of Health,
Labor and Welfare and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in order to proceed with
development of robotic nursing equipment that is clearly needed at the work site but has aproblem of lowering the price, by narrowing down on functions.
In addition, creation of environments and extending support toward promotion of
introduction of robotic nursing equipment that is already at the commercialization stage will
be carried out to drastically propel spread and use of such equipment at work sites.
(Fields on which a focus is placed in developing robotic nursing equipment in the future)

14Transfer aids

Potential market of 2020 scale calculated based on possibilities of future expansion of nursing demandat the nursing site, improvement of work efficiency thanks to progress in robot technology, and cost
reduction resulting from introduction of robots.

65

Wearable equipment that assists care workers by using robot technology⇒ Alleviates the physical workload of the care workers in the scene of transfer.
Mobility aids
Walking support equipment using robot technology which can help the aged go out
and safely transport baggage, etc.
Walking support equipment that helps the aged move around, stand up, and sit
down indoors, go to and return from the restroom, and help maintain posture in
restroom⇒ Draws the ability of the aged to the maximum extent to allow them go out for
shopping alone.



Toilet aids
Installation position adjustable restroom that uses robot technology for excretion⇒ Allows the aged who have difficulty to move to restroom to live comfortable,
self-sustaining lives by using toilet placed at their bedside.

Monitoring systems
Platform of equipment that is used at nursing facilities and that uses robot
technology, equipped with sensor and external communications functions
Platform of equipment that is used for home health care and that uses robot
technology, equipped with sensor and external communications functions⇒ Allows even dementia patients to be watched over and lead self-sustaining
lives at their beloved homes

Bath aids
Equipment that supports a series of operations to get in and out of bathroom byusing robot technology⇒ Lightens the workload of a nursing worker by using equipment when theworker helps an old person get in and out of bathroom◇ Project for Helping Putting Welfare Equipment and Nursing Robots into Practice(Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)‑

Creating an environment that prompts practical use of nursing robots will bepromoted by conveying the needs at care sites and conducting demonstration
experiments of prototype equipment at the early stage of development of such
equipment.

(Specific measures)Conducting monitor investigation

66

Support toward putting highly feasible robotic nursing equipment into practicaluse by taking opinions at care sites into the development cycle at the early stage ofdevelopment
Providing detailed support to development companies through exchange of
opinions with care givers, seeking advices from experts, and conducting a monitor
investigation at care sites in accordance with the situation of development ofprototype equipment starting from the stage of conceiving ideaCreating venues for monitor investigation
Listing facilities and offices that can cooperate in a monitor investigation andconducting appropriate matching in accordance with the characteristics ofequipment still in an experimental production stage

Dissemination and enlightenment activities



Promoting enlightenment activities so that every citizen can gain necessary
knowledge and information on robotic nursing equipment
Promoting spread of nursing techniques using robotic nursing equipment

Providing consulting service
Establishing consultation windows that respond to requests from care sites anddevelopment sites for consultation over use of nursing robots

In the future, cooperation with the important fields for this project will be moved
forward by providing as much assistance as possible to putting into practical use the robotic
nursing equipment that will be designated as an important field and will be developed, byusing the framework of projects to support putting into practical use of welfare equipment
and nursing robots.
The PDCA (plan, do, check, and act) cycle of this project will be reinforced, the resultsof monitor investigations will be periodically checked and evaluated, and the effect how far
the nursing robots spread on the market will be measured. In addition, the project will be
implemented to disseminate the expertise and process involved in development of effective
robotic nursing equipment by providing easy-to-understand information on good examples
to the citizen.
To seek understanding of the effectiveness of introducing robotic nursing equipment tocare sites from every walk of life, holding symposiums intended for care service businesses
and health care workers and compiling manuals concerning use of robotic nursing
equipment at care sites will be considered.

67

◇ Nursing-care insurance system (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) <See above.>
As needs for nursing equipment using robot technology has been increasing, it isnecessary to accelerate the spread of such equipment by providing appropriate support todeveloper and nursing workers.
Therefore, systems for accepting and reviewing requests for the items of nursing-careinsurance system, which are at present reviewed once every 3 years, will be made flexible,
so as to be able to quickly respond to technological innovation. Specifically, requests forpayment of nursing insurance will be accepted as necessary, those of the present items thatcan be interpreted will be quickly disseminated, and addition of new items will be decided
as necessary by holding “nursing insurance welfare tool evaluation and review committee”
and “nursing care payment subcommittee of social security deliberation council” meetings
as necessary.

◇ Local medical and nursing security fund (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)‑Supports introduction of nursing robots that contribute to mitigation of burdens
and enhancement of efficiency of nursing work performed by nursing workers
through trailblazing measures to create work environments easy for nursing
workers to work such as nursing facilities◇ Robotic nursing equipment introduction promotion project (Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry)‑

Researches and develops low-price robotic nursing equipment that can actually be“used”. At the same time, lays downs safety, performance, and ethical standards
and creates environments necessary for introducing such equipment.

So far many expensive, advanced robots, such as humanoid robots, have beendeveloped. For example, development of a humanoid that can hold up in its arms a person
requiring by detecting the person with high-accuracy sensors and can work almost in thesame manner as human nursing worker may be a possibility. Nevertheless, it can be easily
anticipated that such a humanoid cannot be purchased by and spread to nursing sites withpoor financial power. Therefore, development of robots that can fill the gap between the
manufacturer and nursing site, has only functions and parts absolutely necessary,eliminating unnecessary functions and parts, as a package, and can be “used” at nursing
sites is a policy issue.
For this reason, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry have decided on important fields where problems should be solved by68using robot technology and started development of inexpensive robotic nursing equipmentthat can be “used” at nursing sites, and will continue to provide development support
toward putting such robots on the market as soon as possible. In doing so, competitions fordevelopment by stage gate method will be encouraged and a time limit will be set fordevelopment so that the robot can be introduced in the market early. Specifically,
introducing in the market the robots intended for two fields, “for transfer support (indoors)”and “for watching over dementia patients (for institutions)”, starting from 2015 will be
aimed, and equipment targeted at the other fields will be put on the market one by one assoon as its development has been completed.
To introduce robotic nursing equipment in earnest, formulating standards including
those on safety will be extremely important. Creating an environment aimed at introducing
robotic nursing equipment has already been started by establishing safety standards ofrobotic nursing equipment, ethical standards concerning demonstration of such equipment,
and performance standards that evaluate that the equipment can be “used”. Other standards
necessary for each of the important fields will be prepared by 2017.
Regarding safety standards, an international safety standard ISO13482 of daily life
supporting robots, including robotic nursing equipment, went into effect in February 2014
on the initiative of Japan, and Japanese robotic nursing equipment won third-party
certification based on this standard. In the future, development of robots conforming tointernational standards like this will be supported and safety standards peculiar to robotic
nursing equipment will be reviewed ahead of the world while using the framework of
regulatory cooperation mentioned above.
It is also indispensable to understand movements peculiar to each country such as theneeds at nursing sites in order to export the results of development. For this reason,cooperation with other countries in laying down rules on robots, including those fordemonstrating and ensuring safety of robots overseas, will be reinforced.

◇ Project for advancing ICT applications in medicine, caring and health care for next
generation (Ministry of Internal Affairs and CommunicationsCommunications)‑

Verifies possibility of using robots to watch over and prevent dementia patientsfrom advancing in severity by gathering the health and life data of the aged byusing sensor technology and by communicating with them through artificial
intelligence.

◇ Project for promoting development of equipment supporting independence of disabled
people (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)‑Supports development of equipment (products that can be put into a practical use)69

for supporting independence of the disabled (including development of software),as well as development of robotic nursing equipment, as the market for such
independence supporting equipment is small and it is difficult to establish abusiness model.
◇ All-Japan projects for development of medical equipment (Health & Medical Strategy
Office of Cabinet Secretariat, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and Ministry of Economy, Tradeand Industry)‑

Promotes development of medical equipment, including that which uses robot
technology, and human resources in cooperation with the Health and Medical
Strategy Office of the Cabinet Secretariat, the Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, andthe Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in providing support through a
Network for Supporting the Development of Medical Devices in an all-Japanframework.

(Examples of medical equipment expected to be developed)Robots that can make possible minimally invasive surgical operations (which leave
only a small scar and lowers bleeding and pain after the operation) that mitigate theburden to the patient by using techniques such as to replicate the movements of thejoint of an arm (such as operating a forceps at various angles or many forceps at thesame time), which is considered impossible with the surgical techniques of human
doctors, and simultaneously obtain various visions

Robots that estimate the effect of medical treatment suitable for a patient and acomplication by gathering medical information (through such things as images andbiomonitoring) to enhance the safety of the treatment

Robotic machines that can cure the diseased part that is impossible to cure by using
dexterous techniques Japan is proud of (such as robot capsule endoscopic surgery)◇ Creation of technology evaluation indexes concerning novel medical device(Ministryof Health, Labor and Welfare)‑Prepares technology evaluation indexes utilized at the time of review ofnovelnovel medical device in orderorder to quickly provide innovative medical
device, including that utilizing robot technology, to medical sites.

70Section 4

Infrastructure, disaster response, and construction fields(1) Background
The present issues in the fields of general construction, infrastructure maintenance andmanagement, and disaster response are as follows:

1) General construction field
As the population and birthrate decrease and the number of the aged increases, thenumber of young workers seeking job in the construction industry is falling and people
leaving the industry is rising. It is therefore a pressing issue to secure and develop
construction workers who can work over a medium term.
In particular, there is a growing concern that the engineers and skillful workers who
have played the central role of the construction production system will run short and thus
steps to ensure the quality of public works in the future are required.
Since the construction industry constructs structures in the natural world, its production
system is directly coupled with climate and geology and has features such as outdoor
production and production in response to a single order. As compared with the otherindustries, therefore, the construction production system has an aspect that raising laborproductivity is more difficult because an original idea suitable to a given situation, which
has to rely on human workers, is always required. This is the reason that the construction
production system is demanded to save power, enhance efficiency, and become
sophisticated, as well as to develop and secure mid-term workers.
The construction industry has more industrial accidents than the other industries
because, due to the on-site characteristics of the construction industry, outdoor work andwork at high places are likely involved. Because the construction industry accounts forabout 30% of accidents resulting in death in all industries, improving safety at work site is
an issue that always calls for workers’ attention.
In the meantime, as securing and developing workers in the construction industry is anurgent problem, improvement of the work environments and sites by getting rid of painful
and dangerous work as much as possible is expected so that women and young people feeleasy to land a job in this industry.

2) Infrastructure field (maintenance and management)
As social infrastructure that was intensively created in the rapid economic growth
period starting from around 1955 has been aging at an accelerating tempo, an increase inwork and expenses needed to maintain, management, and update it is anticipated.
In addition, energy conservation has increasingly been demanded as it is feared that a71

shortage of engineers necessary for inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and updating Japan’s
overall infrastructure, including industrial infrastructure, will run short.
3) Disaster response field
The land of Japan is situated in an area of the world where earthquakes and volcanic
eruption are highly likely to break out. Of the earthquakes registering a magnitude 6 orabove, 20% occurs in Japan. About 7% of the active volcanoes of the world is located inJapan.
In terms of climate, rainy season and typhoons attack the archipelago every year andstorm and flood damage takes place every day due to her steep geographical features.
In recent years, Japan has seen many disasters that claimed a heavy toll – eruption of
Mt. Ontake and Mt. Asama, and landslide disasters brought by typhoons and a seasonal rain
front last year, as well as the Great East Japan Earthquake.
In the situation like this, contribution to accelerating the speed of investigation andresponse immediately after a disaster struck, decreasing the secondary disaster, making aquick recovery and reconstruction is expected.
Ensuring safety is required even during emergency recovery operation in the wake of adisaster because the risk of secondary disaster is high.
(2) Basic concept
To develop robot technology that is useful at actual, specific site, use scenes of therobot technology should be defined based on the specific needs from the society, anddevelopment and introduction should be carried out step by step.
To this end, it is important to grasp the entire process, including pre-process andpost-process, as well as partial operations that use robots, and to streamline the entire
process.
Development and use of industrial robot technology involves many technological andsocial aspects. This is why it is important for industries, academic circles, and thegovernment to share short- and long-term targets and cooperate in working out issues.
To do so, it is important to make the target (development target) and market (market
scale after development) clear and assume who will own industrial robots developed.
In sharing a target among industries, academic circles, and the government and solving
issues in cooperation among them, taking and continuing necessary steps seamlessly andconsistently is important by having a bird’s-eye view of deciding on development targets,development assistance, demonstration and trial of technologies at actual work site, andsupport to accelerate the spread of the technologies.

72

(3) Fields where use of robots should be pushed (important fields)
Taking into account the above background and basic concept in the fields of general
construction, maintenance and management of infrastructure, and disaster response, thefields where a priority should be given to use of robots are as follows:

1) General construction field
The mid- and long-term shortage of workers that is a concern in the constructionindustry will be solved by introducing robots to save energy, automate work, and help
inexperienced, young workers raise their skills to the level comparable to experience
workers, as well as by improving the working conditions for skilled workers andencouraging providing young workers with opportunities to play an active part.
Labor productivity will be improved through automation and productivity enhancement
by using assistance work.
To improve the work site and environment by eliminating heavy labor and dangerous
operations, manual labor at a site with a high risk of human casualty will be decreased by
mitigating hard labor at site.

2) Infrastructure field (maintenance and management)
Response to severe fiscal conditions and shortage of engineers for inspection, diagnosis,
and repair, which will be a concern in the future, will be coped with by enhancing theefficiency of and advancing maintenance and management by developing engineers throughtraining and introducing robot technologies for maintenance and management.

3) Disaster response field
Time required for investigation and emergency response immediately after a disasterwill be shortened by introducing disaster investigation robots to estimate the damage, speed
up the response, improve the efficiency of unmanned operations, and ensure a high safetylevel.

(4) Targeted ideal situation as of 2020 (KPI)
Below shown is the targeted ideal situation as of 2020 in the fields of construction as awhole, maintenance of infrastructure and disaster response.
1) Construction as a whole

73

The whole construction process including the robot technology will be improved bymeans of the bold introduction to the construction site of the robot technology including
computer-aided construction technology in order to promote increase in productivity andlabor-saving with the whole process including the pre-process and post-process viewed as asystem. Also, such construction industry as female, elderly and young workers find easy towork by introducing the robot technology to be engaged in dangerous work and heavy laborat site.
As a result, the rate of adoption of computer-aided construction technology which
contributes to increase in productivity and labor-saving is to be brought up to 30%. In
doing so, the progress management will be conducted with the rate of adoption being
clarified for each subject technology so far as possible.
2) Infrastructure (maintenance)
The support activities with robots will be promoted to respond to the sharply increasing
demand for maintenance.
As a result, the inspection and repair for 20% of the domestic important infrastructureand dilapidated infrastructure will be made highly efficient by up to 2020 by use of sensors,robots and non-destructive testing technology and some other means.
3) Disaster response
In order to carry out disaster response such as a survey of the disaster site to which it isdifficult to get access and emergency rehabilitation quickly and accurately, survey robots
will be introduced for the job which requires quick investigation of the status of fall of earth
and also remotely-controlled and autonomous robots will be introduced for such work as
emergency rehabilitation at the site to which access is not easy.
Furthermore, it is necessary to set up on a regular basis the usage environment for
remotely-controlled robot to enhance the effectiveness of the utilization of these disaster
response robots.
As a result, such construction efficiency as is comparable to manned operations will be
realized even at such harsh disaster sites as the fall of earth and volcanoes.

(5) Measures to Achieve Goals
In an effort to achieve the goals, comprehensive measures will be taken in each phase:(i) supporting technological development, (ii) Encouraging introduction of robots into
worksite, and (iii) improving market environment.

741) Supporting technological development
In areas in which robots should be developed and introduced with priority, thedevelopment and introduction shall be promoted by appropriating part of cost in thedevelopment of technology that meets immediate worksite needs, expanding the measure
step by step in view of such on-site needs and robot-makers’ technology “seeds”.
In infrastructure inspection, such measures are aimed at raising the quality of inspection,
efficiency and sophistication by achieving technology that has so far been impossible, suchas detecting changes that humans have been incapable to find, and accumulating data ofdeterioration over time.
As for improvement of labor-saving production process, technological development
will be supported in integration with the construction project itself. and the achievement
will be shared widely outside the particular order-supply circle.
Technological development to streamline the entire system is also necessary. Alongwith the development of each robot-making technology, information basis and userinterface that process real-time and comprehensive data based on three-dimensional
positioning information shall be developed under appropriate division of work amongindustry, academia and government, thus streamlining the entire system of construction
projects. Specifically, 3D topographic data is to be furnished in greater detail, while 3D
construction blueprint will be made for more efficient inspection.
In order to help nurturing venture businesses and other firms eager to undertake suchprojects, it is necessary to introduce practical-application development schemes, assistancewill be given to the technological development executed in tie-up between the user and thedeveloper.
In an effort to implement the above,

create a framework to assist technological development efficiently, and

upgrade and strengthen subsidization of research & development projects in order tosupport developers of technology.

2) Encouraging introduction of robots into worksite
Supporting introduction of robots into worksite requires testing and evaluation on
actual worksite, as well as feedback to the technology developers. For this purpose, theMinistry of Land, Infrastructure and Industry will support on-site appraisal through its
Regional Development Bureaus as need, while promoting its on-site appraisal project for
next-generation robots for public infrastructure.
Furthermore, introduction of robots will be encouraged by implementing model

75

projects (trial construction) in which the government itself takes initiative in the use ofrobots. The ministry will lay out dissemination targets for newly developed technology ofsuperb practicality, as well as adopting the technology in ministry-undertaken model
construction projects, such as Model Projects.
At the same time, appropriate assistance to selected users (such as small andmedium-sized construction companies) will be given. While assisting small andmedium-sized construction businesses in their efforts to invest in the improvement of
productivity by using robotic technology, the assistance is also extended to the investment
in robotic technology by consultation companies, etc. that undertake inspection anddiagnosis
Special-purpose robots, etc. that are difficult to own for private sector, well-planned
deployment and secured operation by public organizations are needed. By so doing, theministry encourages private investment in technological development and production ofrobots.
3) Improving market environment
It is important to promote standardization in order to furnish good market environment.
To be speeded is to standardize information format among different manufacturers, work
processes, order-givers and suppliers, while also standardize precast products to be used byconstruction work using robots.
As for reviewing various legal systems, what is needed is to lay out an environment inwhich construction robots working in disaster areas and infrastructure-maintenance robots
can communicate without difficulty. Further, robot technology will be utilized to improve
productivity and to save labor in public works, securing the streamlining of the entire
system including supervision and inspection, while always assuring quality of works. For
robots of high practicality, their effective and efficient use is to be determined, based on the
result of on-site inspection related to infrastructure maintenance and disaster salvation
work.
Moreover, in an effort to ensure certification of performance and safety, safety
standards, etc. of power-assist technology at worksite, where heavy and laborious work is
expected, is to be improved, while at the same time helping the private sector to set up arobot-operation certification system with the backing of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,
and Transport, as an effort to nurture workers skilled in robot operation.
Through such robot-related projects, it is hoped that the construction industry will be
freed from the image of hard and dangerous work, and that, together with its continuous
technological innovation, the industry will become more attractive workplace for womenand young people.

76Section 5Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery, and Food Industry(1) Backgournd
In Japan’s agriculture, forestry and fishery industry, the numbers workers engaged inthis industry have either declined or have aged. There is a serious problem with not only the
number of workers willing to engage in such labor, but the labor conditions on steep slopes
under a hot blazing sun are harsh and unforgiving. Similarly, in the food industry, manuallabor such as preparing by hand each lunch box individually suggests that labor shortages inthis area are bound to become a serious problem.
As for Japan’s agriculture, Japan is faced with fierce completion from low cost produce
from abroad and has been forced to either reduce costs or to find a way to add value to theirproducts.
It is against this backdrop that we have turned to robot technology and ICTs as
solutions to significantly increase productivity and to create an environment where the aged,
the young, women, and a diverse combination of personnel can work in concert with robots
Under this scenario, according to estimates by MITI and NEDO 15¹⁶, the potential
market size is estimated in 2020 at approximately JPY 120 billion (approx. 1 billion in JPY
2012) for agriculture and forestry and approximately JPY 100 (approx. JPY 2 billion in2012) for the food industry.

(2) Our fundamental perspective
In the area of agriculture, forestry, fishery and the food industry, we should put ourefforts into significantly improving productivity by actively employing robot technology tomechanize and automate labor to supplement any labor shortages and to employ sensing
technology to conserve energy and improve the quality of production.
Furthermore, since much of the labor is conducted under harsh conditions such as on
steep slopes under a blazing hot sun, we should put our efforts alieving such conditions
which remain reliant of manual labor and by utilizing robot technology as an integral part of
ICT, it should be possible to employ unexperienced workers in areas which require highsophistication. In this way, even the aged will be able to continue to engage in agriculture oryouths, women and people from all walks of life will be encouraged to take up agriculture,
forestry or fishery as their choice of profession.
For example, weeding robots, something in demand in farming villages throughout
Japan, we should lay the groundwork to encourage manufacturers, including medium to

15“Market Trends in the Robot Industry” (July, 2013, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry),“Market Projections of the robot Industry in 2035” (April, 2010, NEDO)

77

small local enterprises, to actively enter the market by assessing the needs of the farmers, toestimate the market size for robots, and to understand precisely the technology that isrequired. It is also important that we proceed with the development of robots by resolving
problems manifested in the field with new ideas borrowed from disciplines outside the fieldof robotics. We should priorities our objectives in resolving the issues we confront inagriculture, forestry, fishery, and the food industry and attempt to bridge the day-to-day
needs with the seeds of development in the robotic industry and at the universities. We needto expediently put the robots that have been developed into actual use on the ground to test
and confirm how effective they can be. This should hopefully lead to quickcommercialization and production in large numbers.
In addition, from the perspective of creating an environment where people and robots
share their work together, we should establish measures to ensure safety as well as prepare
and optimize a world where robots will be used as part of a system. In such a case, forexample, fixtures and containers used for logistics will need to be standardized.
Furthermore, we should take advantage of the manufacturing existing at regional medium tosmall enterprises to promote development and practical application.
In the course of developing new machines and technologies, rather than adding on
multiple functions, we should focus on the practical needs of its users or improve durability.
In doing so, we should be able to lower production costs and gain better acceptance among
farm managers.
(3) Areas where robots can be promoted (priority areas)
We have selected below areas we believe the development and introduction of robots
should be accelerated in the area of agriculture, forestry fishery, and food industry from theperspective of securing labor and significantly improving production.
We should not forget that in developing robots for this industry, the simple developmentof robots is not sufficient, but that it is important to develop and introduce them as a system,
including the processes before and after its development and provide an environment
condusive to achieve this.
1. Work automation utilizing an automated GPS cruising system
Expand work limitations and capture scale merits to lower production costs by
allowing agriculture machinery such as tractors to operate at night, have multiple
machines operating simultaneously, achieve unmanned operations and automatedforward operation for logging, etc.
2. Mechanize and automate labor extensive operations
Alleviate hash labor with the use of power-assist suits for carrying and78

transporting harvested produce. Other examples are weeding robots, robots forplanting and nourishing trees, robots for culturing nets and ship bottom scrubbing,preparing lunch boxes, automated milking and feeding systems, etc. In this way,
robots can be used to alleviate harsh, dangerous, and repetitive labor.
3. Labor saving and high quality production with the coupling of robots andsophisticated sensor technology
By combining sensor technology and sophisticated cultivation (sophisticatedagriculture) based on past data with the useful knowhow accumulated by thefarmer, we can maximize the potential in agriculture, forestry, and fishing in theform of higher yield levels and improvement in quality.
We will focus on promoting the development and recognition of innovativetechnologies to resolve issues in this field of endeavor.
(4) Our vision for 2020 (KPI)
Robots which have led to resolving issues or achieved breakthroughs will be targeted
for commercialization and real world application by 2020 in the areas of agriculture,
forestry, fishing, and the food industry.
(Specific examples)1.

Work automation utilizing an automated GPS operated system
 Promotion of a joint system of man-operated and automated tractors or thepractical application a technology for multiple simultaneous operations
 Promotion of an automated forward logging operation that can autonomously
on a forestry work road2.

Mechanization and automation of labor extensive operations
 Promotion of robots and power-assist suits for harvesting vegetables, theautomated milking and feeding of cattle, removing unwanted brush andtree-planting for forestry, robots and power-assist suits for culturing nets andship bottom scrubbing for fishery Practical application of robots in weeding embankments and ridges between
rice fields or the preparation and arrangement of lunch boxes; theminiaturization and weight reduction of power-assist suits; and thesophistication of automated milking and feeding systems.

3.

Power saving and high quality production achieved by combining robots andsophisticated sensor technology

79

Sophisticated environmental control systems (temperature, CO2 levels,
concentration levels of liquid fertilizers, etc.) for protected horticulture; robots
to select damaged fruit during the processing stages; and robots to determine
the quality of raw timber.



Practical application of a uniquely Japanese environmental control technology
using the analysis of big data

To achieve these, establish/improve the environment needed to introduce robots,
including formulation of rules for securing specifications to be standardized and safety andestablishment/improvement of communication infrastructure and land foundation, while
cooperating with the robot industry, etc.
Through these efforts, contribute to doubling the income of the whole agriculturalindustry in the coming decade, as indicated in the “plan for generating energy for the
agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry and the local communities.”
The following indexes are set as the KPIs for assessing the progress of these efforts.


Achieving the field installation of self-propelled tractors by 2020
Introducing at least 20 models of new robots that will contribute toenergy-saving, etc. in the fields of agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry
and food industry(5) Measures to achieve the objectives(Research and development)

Robot technology development in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry andthe food industry (robot technology development demonstration project in the
agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry [Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries], Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program [Cabinet Office])
Support research and development through cooperation with different fields such as
robot engineering toward the adoption of robot technologies in the fields ofagriculture, forestry and fisheries industry and food industry by identifying the needs,
etc. for technology development in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry andthe industrial circle.
Providing opportunities for matching the needs in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries
industry and the food industry with the seeds in the robot industry and universities(Demonstration of the introduction in the field)

Demonstration of the introduction of robot technologies in the fields of agriculture,
forestry and fisheries (robot technology development demonstration project in the
agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry [Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and80Fisheries])
Promote commercialization of robots at prices that allow introduction in the robot
field through efforts such as supporting the introduction of those robot technologies
coming to a standstill before commercialization/mass production in the fields ofagriculture, forestry and fisheries in considerable size/area, and demonstrating theadvantages such as improved productivity, as well as helping to solve problems withcommercialization and mass production such as establishing a technology systemwith introduction of robots, reducing cost, and securing safety.
(Establishment of environments)
Establishment of environment for efficiently utilizing robots at farms
To promote the establishment and optimization of environments assuming robot
utilization in the whole system of agriculture, such as standardizing utensils,
containers and the like, creating rules aimed at safety assurance for the collaboration
between humans and robots, and improving agricultural land to ensure efficient robot
operations.



Development of players who function as mediator to workplaces toward robot
introduction
To construct a mechanism to examine the effects of robot introduction and to broadly
diffuse its results while closely involved with actual workplaces, such as diffusion
instructors at prefectures and agricultural instructors at Japan Agricultural
Cooperatives. At the same time, to carry out activities to promote matching ofengineers in agriculture field and industry field and to discover innovative ideas sothat technology participation from different fields are promoted

Construction of new business models
To promote activities aimed the construction of new business models throughcooperation between business corporations with leading-edge technology andmotivated agricultural corporations. Also to promote the construction of a mechanism
for the sharing of robots among multiple farmers in the region and the work
contracting by contractors when introducing robots with a high initial cost.

Creation of a mechanism where young researchers of different fields actively engage inthe development of agricultural robots
To increase human resources who consider agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industry
and food industry as future start-up fields.

81Schedule of Regulation,
Institutional Reform82

Laws & Regulations

Issue

Radio Act

Establishment of new radio wave utilization system that supports robot utilization(Treating of radio wave used for remote controlling and unmanned robot such

Fiscal 2015

as the rule of sharing the frequency with existing radio wave systems and thesimple procedure for radio station licenses)
Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2017

After sorting out required conditions anddiscussing technological issues at the
research group for radio wave used for
robots, examine sharing existing radio
wave systems through demonstration tests.

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019

Implement necessary measureson the basis of test results

Laws & Regulations

Issue

The Act on Securing
Quality, Efficacy and
Safety ofPharmaceuticals,
Medical Devices,Time and procedure required for approval/certification of medical devices need to be
Regenerative andreviewed with the advancement of robotic technology
Cellular Therapy
Products, Gene
Therapy Products, andCosmetics
Fiscal 2015

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019

Faster review process for brand-new medical devices: 14 months for normal items, and 10 months for priority items
Phase up the annual ratio of devices approved within the time frames till they achieve 80 percentile in fiscal 2018
60%

70%

70%

83

80%

Laws & Regulations

Issue

Electric personal assistive mobility devices are classified as motor vehicle or mopedRoad Traffic Act / Road
depending on the total displacement or rated power, and they cannot be used on
Transport Vehicle Act
public roads unless the safety standards are met in principle.

Fiscal 2015

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019 & after

Based on the evaluation results of “Evaluation and Research Committee for Structural Reform Special
Districts”, which is planned to be conducted during FY2014, the way to deal with these assistive mobility
devices will be considered, including whether to make use of “Special System for Corporate Field Tests”.

Laws & Regulations

Issue

Laws and regulations
related to uninhabited
airborne type robots Concrete rule about uninhabited airborne type robots (UAV)(Aviation Law and thelike)Fiscal 2015

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019

<Large UAVs>

Japan joins in the effort to revise international standard for UAV at the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO). Domestic legal study is in preparation.

Formulatedomestic rules
based oninternational
standard

Revision of
ICAO international
standard<Small UAVs>
Grasp the current way of operation, and scrutinize the need for rules enforced by public organs, including
regulations

84

Laws & Regulations

Issue

High Pressure Gas
Safety Act

Robot utilization rules with respect to inspection operations, such as visual inspection
which are assumed to be performed by humans

Fiscal 2015

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019Technological development based on work-site needs
Implement test and evaluation utilizing industrial plants,
and promote improvement on the basis of on-site needs.
Consider a system related to inspection
by robots, taking into accounttechnological level needed at worksite.

Laws & Regulations

Issue

Laws and regulations
related to public
Effective and Efficient utilization methods of useful robots
infrastructure
maintenance and repair

Fiscal 2015

Fiscal 2016

Explore ways to make full use ofrobots through tests, trials & appraisals
by a committee for on-site testing of
next-generation robots for public
infrastructure maintenance.

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019

Based on the conclusion of the committee, put robots to actual
use step by step where applicable.

85

Laws & Regulations

IssuesConsumer Product Consumer safety in the use of new autonomous or remote-controlled household robots for everyday use
How to collect information and investigate cause, if and when robots cause serious accidents
Safety Act, Electric
What technological standard should be for devices treated as household electric appliances, on the basis
Appliance and Material of technological development and trend of development for specific products.
Safety Act
Range of manufacturers’ responsibilities.
Fiscal 20xx
(year of marketing)

Fiscal 20xx+1

Fiscal 20xx+2

Fiscal 20xx+3

Fiscal 20xx+4

Collect accident-related information as prescribed by the Consumer Product Safety Act
and the Consumer Safety Law.
→Analyze collected accident information, and explore countermeasures.
Study What technological standard should be for devices treated as household electric appliances,on the basis of technological development and trend of development for specific product,and examine the range of manufacturer responsibility.
(When
accidents occur)(when accidents occur, study necessary measures based on theanalysis of accident information)86

Schedule of Particulars by
Sector87

1. Manufacturing Sector••••* Fiscal year: April - March

Aim at greater use of robots in assembly lines (25% for big firms, 10% for smaller companies)
Collect about 30 best practices in new robot application each year
Develop and market 1,000 or more interoperable hardware products
Expand the market related to system integration (at faster growth rate than robot market)
Perspective

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019

Projects to develop technology for creating market that put robots to best use
Technological development in priority areas that meets users’ needs
As development is completed, technology is put to use for demonstration(Giving
incentives)(improving
environment)(2) Encouraging users to
introduce robots(1)
SupportingRobotdevelopment

Fiscal 2015*

Encouraging use of robots where currently unutilized
Facilitating introduction of interoperable hardware through active system integration

Expanding system-integration market through introduction of robots
Setting up Robot
Revolution
Initiative Council

Matching users’ needs and robot “seeds”

2. Service Fields••

Target at 30% penetration of robots for order picking, sorting, product inspection, etc.
Collect about 100 best-practice examples of robot use for readying trays of food, cleanup,and other backroom operations in restaurants, hotels, wholesalers and retailers

Perspective(Giving
incentives)

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

Projects to develop technology for creating market that put robots to best use
Technological development in priority areas that meets users’ needs
As development is completed, technology is put to verification tests

Encouraging use of robots where currently unutilized
Facilitating introduction of interoperable hardware through active system integration

Expanding system-integration market through introduction of robots(improving
environment)(2) Encouraging users to
introduce robots(1)
SupportingRobotdevelopment

Fiscal 2015

Setting up Robot
Revolution
Initiative Council

Creation of fields to match users’ needs and robot “seeds”

Encourage to obtain ISO-13482 certification Strength certification setup

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Fiscal 2019

3. Nursing and Medical Fileds
•
•

•
•
•

Sales target: expand nursing-care robot market to ¥50 billion by 2020
Change in awareness for new caring methods deploying latest robotics
Increase the ratio of caregivers who want to use robots to 80% (currently 59.8%)
Increase the ratio of care-receivers who want robots to be used to 80% (currently 65.1%)
By using robots for moving the infirm, aim to reduce caregivers’ risks of suffering from lower-back pain to zero.
100-over projects to assist putting robotics-powered medical devices into practical use in 5 years from fiscal 2015
Faster pre-market review for brand-new medical devices: 10 months for priority items, 14 months for normal items

care-giving

Fiscal 2015

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019

Support development of care robots in priority areas (projects to develop
and promote introduction of care robots, projects to put welfare products
and care robots into practical use)
As development is completed, technology is introduced on site

Medical(1) Supporting
development of robots

Perspective

Assist development of medical devices using robotic technology

care-giving

Create global rules (with EU, etc) for overseas tests and standardization, in view of overseas expansion
Provide a field for matching (such as partnerships for care robots)
Aim at more flexible reception and inspection of nursing-care insurance application

ロボット介護機器の使用方法などの普及啓発
Support introductionof care robots to reduce the burden of caregivers

medical(2) Encouraging users to
introduce robots

Develop standards for set up standards for safety, performance and ethics of care robots/review
Propose as international standards
various existing standards
Encourage to obtain ISO-13482 certification Strengthen capability of certification

Faster review process for brand-new medical devices: 14 months for normal items, and 10 months for priority items
Phase up the annual ratio of devices approved within the time frames till they achieve 80 percentile in fiscal 2018
60%

70%

70%

80%

4. Infrastructure, Disaster Response, and Construction Fields•••

30% use of computer-aided construction technology that boost productivity and save labor
Increase efficiency of inspection and repair in 20% of important/old infrastructure through the use of
sensors, robots and nondestructive testing.
Performance equal to manned operation even at landslides, volcanic eruption, etc.
Perspective(1)
Supporting
development ofrobotsFiscal 2015

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019

Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program:
Infrastructure maintenance, renovation and management.
Development of robots that carry out inspection and diagnosis necessary for efficient andeffective maintenance & repair; and robots that can survey & work under dangerous conditions
in disaster areas
Projects to develop & introduce new-generation infrastructure robots(Giving incentives)(improving
environment)(2) Encouraging users to
introduce robots

Technological development in priority areas based on work-site needs
in old infrastructure maintenance, disaster salvation, & construction

Implement on-site performance test and evaluation. Facilitate improvements based on on-site needs,
and “introduce useful technology as they are developed”.

Give appropriate assistance for introducing robots with an eye to smaller construction businesses,
while planning public procurement of special-purpose robots of low marketability,
and map out their deployment & operation

Based on on-site tests, evaluation, & and trial use, implement “standardization” &“certification of performance and safety”, and “review of system”

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5. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery, and Food Industry••

Introduce self-propelled tractors into worksite by 2020.
Introduce 20 or more types of robots that save labor and otherwise contributes to the industry.
Perspective

Fiscal 2015

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019

Grasp the needs of farms, show expected market scale & what special technology is needed.

(1)
Supportdevelopmentof robots

Tackle with such schemes as meetings of engineers from both agricultural and manufacturing sectors,
holding robot contest, etc. to dig up revolutionary ideas
Feedback
Technological development in priority areas that meets users’ needs

Promote introduction of robotic technology that responds to worksite needs into robot production sites(2)
Assistintrodution ofrobotsConsider standardizing utensils & containers used in logistics, formulating man-robot safety rules,
and furnish grounds where robots can be operated efficiently
Create new business models through cooperation between financial & farming sectors, and set up framework for
robot sharing among farmers, and contracting farm-work using robots

Create a framework in which prefectural agricultural advisors and consultants of Japan Agricultural Cooperatives
test the effectiveness of introducing robot in farms, and the results are extensively disseminated90