Common Products Opens "Kyotanabe Robotics Lab," an Industry-Academia Collaboration Hub to Promote Automation in Manufacturing and Logistics Sites

Common Products Co., Ltd.'s AI Business Division has been sequentially operating new research and development bases since January 2026 within the D-egg (Gyoseikan) incubation facility located on Doshisha University's Kyotanabe Campus in Kyotanabe City, Kyoto Prefecture. Amidst severe labor shortages in manufacturing and logistics, there is a rapidly growing need for automation and labor-saving at production sites. This facility will promote demonstration experiments and joint research to solve challenges faced by local companies and research institutions by combining the latest AI technology and robotics. With the completion of the latest robot demonstration environment and the establishment of the R&D system, full-scale operation and acceptance of technical consultations have begun. The lab features an environment for verifying automation of complex processes and human-robot collaboration. It includes state-of-the-art industrial articulated robots, digital welding machines, and collaborative robots linked with AI image recognition. Key verification areas include "complete teaching-less" operations using their proprietary industrial robot VISION sensor 'SpectraVISION' and simulations in a "digital twin environment" that virtualizes the entire laboratory. This enables demonstration experiments for next-generation work lines where humans and machines safely collaborate, from automating welding processes that traditionally required skilled technicians to picking and sorting bulk parts in small-lot, high-mix production. The lab aims to be a hub for open innovation, connecting companies, universities, and the region, leveraging its location within D-egg, operated by the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan. It will support local manufacturing and logistics companies by sharing the latest technology and fostering human resources, aiming to become a core facility that contributes to enhancing the overall industrial competitiveness of the region. The development background is the difficulty for regional manufacturing and logistics bases to adopt the latest equipment due to investment costs and technical hurdles, despite severe labor shortages. The lab aims to lower these barriers by providing an environment for hands-on technical verification. Future plans include facility tours and demonstrations for companies and research institutions considering automation or seeking joint research. Facility details: Location: D-egg (Gyoseikan) within Doshisha University Kyotanabe Campus, 1 Jizodani, Kohdo, Kyotanabe City, Kyoto Prefecture. Main equipment: Industrial articulated robots, digital welding machines, AI image recognition-linked collaborative robots. Common Products Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka; Representative Director: Koji Kakitsubo) was established on December 24, 1992. Its business includes reuse business "MOOVNET" platform construction, AI business (image processing/Tech Fusion Hub construction), and private lodging business "OPEN SESAME" development. Corporate site: https://www.cnanet.co.jp/, AI Business Division site: https://www.techfusionhub.jp/.