September 11, 2024 Announcement: The Winner of the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Award in the 11th Robot Awards

 The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) holds the "Robot Awards" to recognize outstanding robots that have contributed to the development and utilization of robot technology. In the 11th Robot Awards, the winners have been selected, with the Award of the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications going to "Kachaka" by Preferred Robotics, Inc.

1. Overview

 The "Robot Awards" is a program in which the following ministries, including the MIC, collaborate to recognize particularly outstanding robots: the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This initiative aims to promote the development and social implementation of robot technology in Japan. The first competition was held in FY 2006 and since FY 2008 it has been held biennially, with this time being the 11th competition.
(Reference) About the Robot Awards
URL:https://www.robotaward.jp/

2. Results of the 11th Robot Awards

 During the application period from Monday, February 19, 2024, to Friday, April 12, 2024, we received a total of 85 applications. The 11th Robot Awards Examination Special Committee, chaired by Dr. KAWAMURA Sadao, Specially Invited Research Professor and Deputy Director of Ritsumeikan-Global Innovation Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University, examined the applications and determined the recipient of each award.

3. The recipient of the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Award

Name: Kachaka
Winner: Preferred Robotics, Inc.

4. Awards ceremony and joint exhibition

 The awards ceremony and joint exhibition will be held at the venue of "Japan Robot Week 2024" as follows:

< Awards ceremony >
Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Tokyo Big Sight (3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo), East Hall 6, Main Stage

< Joint exhibition of award-winning robots >
Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024 to Friday, September 20, 2024, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Tokyo Big Sight, East Halls 4-6 "Japan Robot Week 2024"
Joint exhibition booth for the "11th Robot Awards" (Booth No. J-35)

(Reference) Japan Robot Week 2024
Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024 to Friday, September 20, 2024, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Tokyo Big Sight, East Halls 4-6
Organizers: Japan Robot Association and Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Ltd.
URL: https://biz.nikkan.co.jp/eve/s-robot/overview.html