Japan Autonomous Robot Safety Association (JARSA) Established to Launch Safety Operation Support System for Autonomous Robots

The Japan Autonomous Robot Safety Association (JARSA) will begin developing a safety operation support system that combines machine registration, operator training, periodic inspections, and collaboration with insurance systems, with the aim of safely implementing and promoting the widespread use of autonomous robots.

As a first step, the autonomous grass-cutting robot "Taurus80E" is scheduled to be the target model, supporting labor saving and safe operation in outdoor work sites such as agriculture, forestry, solar power generation facilities, road slopes, river management, and park management.

JARSA will collaborate with stakeholders in the fields of manufacturing, sales/implementation support, education, maintenance, insurance, and system operation to create a system for continuous safe operation, ensuring that autonomous robots are not simply "sold and forgotten."

For the purposes of this document, "autonomous robot" refers to a robot that travels and performs tasks under certain conditions based on GNSS, set routes, etc., and assumes safety management tailored to the target machine and operating conditions.

Background of Establishment

In recent years, the introduction of robots utilizing autonomous driving technology has been advancing in fields such as agriculture, forestry, construction, facility management, and logistics. In particular, outdoor work, including grass cutting, faces significant challenges due to labor shortages, an aging workforce, the risk of heatstroke in the summer, and the burden of working on slopes and embankments.

However, autonomous robots are not "immediately safe to operate by anyone upon purchase." Post-introduction operational aspects are crucial, including safety confirmation tailored to the site environment, operator training, machine management, periodic inspections, response to accidents, and risk preparedness through insurance.

JARSA believes that it is essential to establish a safety foundation not only in terms of technology but also in terms of operation to address these challenges, and will proceed with the development of a safety operation support system in collaboration with related companies and organizations.

* "Legal obligation" in this document refers to the responsibility of a business operator to implement safety education and safety management in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, based on the work content and site environment. JARSA will proceed with the development of the necessary education and management systems for the safe operation of autonomous robots, based on this concept.

Five Initiatives Promoted by JARSA

JARSA will promote the following five initiatives in stages to ensure the safe introduction and operation of autonomous robots:

1. Development of a Machine Registration System A system will be established for registration and management of target machines, managing information such as machine details, owner information, operation history, and inspection history. By appropriately managing information for each machine, we aim to facilitate smooth inspections after introduction, insurance renewals, accident confirmations, and collaboration with dealers and maintenance shops.

2. Development of an Operator Training and Certification System To safely operate autonomous robots, knowledge is required not only on how to operate the product but also on site risk assessment, access control, emergency stops, daily inspections, and accident prevention. JARSA will develop operator training programs for users of target machines and plans to issue completion certificates or operator certifications to those who complete the training.

3. Development of a Periodic Inspection System Ongoing maintenance and inspection after introduction are essential for the continuous safe operation of autonomous robots. JARSA will promote the development of a periodic inspection system for target machines, including annual inspections, and will support the confirmation of machine status, management of inspection history, and continued safe operation in collaboration with dealers and maintenance shops.

4. Collaboration with Insurance Systems The operation of autonomous robots involves various risks, including third-party liability, damage to facilities and equipment, and machine damage. JARSA will promote the development of a risk management system for accident response through collaboration with insurance systems.

5. Sharing of Accident Information and Operational Cases The accumulation of cases and challenges obtained from actual operational sites is important for improving the safety of autonomous robots. JARSA will share accident information, near misses, operational cases, and inspection information as needed to improve the system and revise training content.

Target Fields

JARSA is developing its system for autonomous robots used in various industrial fields, starting with agriculture and forestry.

We will continue to support safe social implementation while considering the expansion of target models and fields in the future.

First Target Model: Autonomous Grass-Cutting Robot "Taurus80E"

The autonomous grass-cutting robot "Taurus80E" is scheduled to be the first target model for the JARSA safety operation support system.

The Taurus80E is an autonomous grass-cutting robot that supports labor saving and efficiency improvement in grass-cutting operations. It is expected to be utilized in fields such as agriculture, forestry, solar power generation facilities, road slopes, river management, and park management.

For the introduction of the Taurus80E, JARSA will develop a safety operation model that combines machine registration, operator training, periodic inspections, and collaboration with insurance systems, looking ahead to operation after machine sales. In the future, we will support safe social implementation while considering the expansion of target models and fields.

Participating Organizations and Related Companies

JARSA will promote the safe social implementation of autonomous robots through collaboration among stakeholders in industry, the insurance sector, and education.

Future Plans

JARSA plans to launch a new system to support the safe operation of autonomous robots starting in July 2026.

Currently, we are developing the operator training system, machine management system, periodic inspection system, and collaboration with insurance systems. Details regarding the system content, target models, application methods, training content, inspection system, and insurance system will be announced once they are ready.

In the future, we will promote safe social implementation through safety education, machine management, inspections, and collaboration with insurance systems, with the aim of expanding our scope beyond grass-cutting robots to include autonomous robots used in various industrial fields such as agriculture, forestry, facility management, construction, infrastructure management, and logistics.

JARSA Establishment Message

Autonomous robots are an important technology that will support Japan's industries in the future. Autonomous robots hold great potential for addressing social issues such as labor shortages and increasing work burdens. On the other hand, a system for safe operation is indispensable for them to be accepted by society and used continuously.

JARSA aims to realize a society where autonomous robots can be used with peace of mind through safety education, machine management, periodic inspections, and collaboration with insurance systems, in cooperation with related companies and organizations.

Contact Information

ALLYNAV JAPAN Co., Ltd. / ALLYNAV AG Co., Ltd. (Preparatory Office for the Establishment of the Japan Autonomous Robot Safety Association (JARSA)) Mail: [email protected]