Sumitomo Corporation to enhance its robotics-related business

Sumitomo Corporation (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer: Kuniharu Nakamura) is increasing its focus on robotics-related business across the group in an effort to promote a world where robots and humans successfully live and work together. As part of this, we will sponsor the World Robot Summit (WRS) 2018 as a global partner. The WRS is an international event hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) with the aim of accelerating the R&D and practical implementation of robotic technologies.
 
Japan is a global robot market leader with the world’s largest number of units shipped and in service. Aiming to further grow the industry, the government has announced its New Robot Strategy. In view of the nation’s aging population and social infrastructure, the industry is expected to develop and introduce new robotic systems based on the concept of service robots, mainly for nursing care assistance and infrastructure inspection and maintenance.
 
Sumitomo Corporation has already invested in a host of robotic technology ventures and startups while promoting and expanding the introduction of robotic systems in the group’s various operations around the world. Through our sponsorship of the WRS, we will enhance our relationships with robotics-related companies, thereby contributing to the further development of the sector.