KDDI and ELYZA launched ELYZA Robotics on October 1, 2026, to develop physical AI for real-world operations. The KDDI Group plans to invest ¥30 billion in research and development by fiscal year 2030. It also aims to deploy more than 1,000 robots across work sites by that deadline.
Research and development plans
ELYZA Robotics will combine expertise from ELYZA, KDDI Research, and other KDDI Group businesses. The group plans to build a physical AI team of more than 300 specialists. Research will focus on robot foundation models, data collection, simulation technologies, and systems that coordinate multiple robots.
Leadership and partnerships
ELYZA Robotics is headquartered in Tokyo and has ¥100 million in capital. The company is led by President and CEO Yuya Soneoka and Vice President Naoki Imai. It will collaborate with KDDI Group companies, including Lawson, AltiusLink, and Soracom, alongside external partners.
Applications across industries
The company plans to source industrial, quadruped, and humanoid robots from domestic and international manufacturers. In retail, applications will include inventory management, stocking, and customer service. Logistics applications will cover heavy-load transportation and stockout detection, while manufacturing applications will focus on precision work.
ELYZA Robotics plans to begin proof-of-concept trials across multiple industries in 2026, followed by phased deployment. It will also develop platforms supporting robot training, remote monitoring, and coordinated operations. Future expansion targets include services, agriculture, and construction.