Cognitech.DEV is seeking five manufacturing companies to test its HOZEN equipment maintenance AI by March 2027. The Japan-based startup also announced a three-stage roadmap for physical AI at Startup CROSSING 2026 on November 12. HOZEN helps manufacturers investigate equipment failures and assess possible solutions.
Joint demonstration projects
Each project will focus on one piece of equipment or one maintenance decision. Cognitech.DEV is targeting maintenance, quality assurance, and production technology departments, including chemical manufacturers. Participating companies must provide equipment trouble records and operating data, with project costs quoted individually.
Company background
Based in Okayama City, Cognitech.DEV develops AI technology for manufacturing operations. The company is led by CEO Ran Yang and CTO Kiji Marudan. It was selected for Okayama Prefecture's Startup HARE-RISE Project, while Marudan joined as CTO in November 2026.
How HOZEN works
HOZEN organizes maintenance records into fault trees to help teams identify possible causes and compare solutions. The system currently supports human decision-making rather than controlling equipment directly. Cognitech.DEV plans to test its predictions against actual results before exploring equipment control within verified operating conditions.
The company is also offering a free preliminary assessment using 100 to 300 historical equipment trouble records. Participants will receive a 30-minute online explanation within five business days, with the assessment conducted under a nondisclosure agreement. Cognitech.DEV will issue a data deletion certificate after completion.