Press Releases

North American Companies Invited To Osaka and Nagoya to Build Ties with Japanese Robotics Industry

(CHICAGO, MAY 24 2005)– The extraordinary growth of the Japanese advanced robotics industry will be on display for a major mission from North America, organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). JETRO, with the support of the City of Osaka, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Robotic Trends and The Technology Collaborative will bring this business development and research mission to Nagoya and Osaka, home to a variety of innovative robotics and advanced manufacturing companies, research institutes, and universities. The mission will provide members the opportunity to broaden their networks and obtain a more robust knowledge of Japan's robotics technology industry. More than 30 representatives from North American companies and organizations are expected to participate in the program, which is scheduled for July 9-16, 2005.

This mission is designed to guide members of North American robotics technology (RT)-related companies and institutions, who may have limited experience in Japan, to obtain knowledge on the state-of-the-art and future direction of Japan's RT industry. Selected mission members will also have the opportunity to explore business partnering options in the Japanese RT market. For those that have more extensive experience in Japan, the mission will serve to focus their business or research strategy and open new doors. Among included activities are opportunities to visit: The 2005 World Exposition in Aichi; Core-Tech Japan; RoboTrex 2005; RoboCup 2005 Osaka; World Manufacturing Symposium; plus Market Seminars and Site Tours.

Japan's robotics technology sector is experiencing dramatic growth, with a current market size of approximately $6.8 billion US, predicted to grow to $28 billion US by 2025. Japan currently accounts for 60% of the worldwide total of industrial robotics production, and the Japanese robotics technology industry is at a crucial point, as the next generation of technology becomes increasingly focused on providing assistance to enhance the quality of life, increasing integration with public infrastructure, and improving the environment.

The Osaka and Nagoya areas in Japan are homes to major clusters of companies involved in robotics technology. Numerous innovative products have originated in Osaka and these products represent the spirit of innovation found in the unique business environment of this region. Osaka is home to an estimated 1,000 robotics companies and component suppliers as well as leading universities and research institutes. The Nagoya area is the strongest cluster of manufacturing in Japan, with Toyota leading the automobile industry, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries representing the aviation industry and machine tool makers like Yamazaki Mazak calling the area home. With strengths in such basic industries, robotics and IT are also prospering.

"The potential success for North American and Japanese companies in the advanced robotics field is strong and growing," according to Mr. Takashi Tsuchiya, chief executive director of JETRO's Chicago office. "It is exciting to be able to present new opportunities for discovery, networking and collaboration through the upcoming robotics mission. JETRO's recent initiative in the biotechnology sector opened many doors for North American companies in Japan, and we are confident that the same can be accomplished in robotics technologies."

The application deadline for the mission is Friday, June 17, 2005. The cost of this mission is $1,150 US (airfare not included). Mission space is limited. Representatives of companies and organizations interested in participating should contact Bryan Esenberg or Ralph Inforzato of JETRO at 312-832-6000, or email bryan_esenberg@jetro.go.jp or ralph_inforzato@jetro.go.jp. Additional information can be found at the JETRO website, www.jetro.org/robotics

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