UTokyo IPC has decided to invest ¥275 million in Connected Robotics Co., Ltd. to support the development of robotic solutions aimed at addressing labor shortages in Japan's food service industry.

Information on the Target

Connected Robotics Co., Ltd. (CR Co.), headquartered in Koganei, Tokyo, has developed and is selling a cooking robot service aimed at revolutionizing kitchen tasks in restaurants. Founded in February 2014 and led by CEO Tetsuya Sawatari, CR Co. leverages expertise from manufacturing robot product development and deep learning technologies to maximize efficiency and automation within the food service industry.

Given the increasing labor shortages in Japan's dining sector, CR Co. addresses a critical industry challenge by providing robotic solutions designed to assist kitchen staff and enhance the culinary experience for customers. Their existing products include the "Octo Chef," an automatic takoyaki cooking robot, and “Leita,” a soft-serve ice cream rolling robot, showcasing their innovative approach to food preparation.

Industry Overview in Japan

The food service industry in Japan is currently facing significant challenges due to a shortage of labor, which has been exacerbated by changing demographics. With fewer