March 11, 2021 Selected Nineth Robot Award (MIC Minister Award) Recipient

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has been commending excellent robots and peripheral technologies contributing to robot technologies and robot applications.
In this connection, MIC announces that it has recently selected Groove X Inc. as the ninth Robot Award (MIC Minister Award) recipient for its Lovot, a family-type robot.

1．Overview

The Robot Award is an institution that recognizes particularly excellent robots. For the promotion of the development of robot technology and an expansion of robot utilization, this award was established under the collaboration of MIC, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The first award selection was held in 2006. Since 2008, it has been held once every two years, and this is the ninth time.

2．Result of screening

A public appeal was made for the ninth Robot Award from April 7 to August 31, 2020. As a result, 131 applications were submitted. After being judged by the Ninth Robot Award Judging and Steering Committee (chaired by ASAMA Hajime, Professor, the University of Tokyo) and the Special Judging Committee (chaired by KAWAMURA Sadao, Professor, Ritsumeikan University), each award recipient was decided.

3．Award-winning Robot

Robot Award (MIC Minister Award)
Name: Lovot, a family-type robot
Recipient: Groove X Inc.