GMO Internet Group Awarded Contract for Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's "Guard Robot" Verification Project

GMO Internet Group, Inc. announced that it has been awarded a contract for the "Verification Project for the Introduction of a Guard Robot (Quadrupedal) System" promoted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).

In this project, four GMO Internet Group companies will partner with Mirai Robot Inc., a domestic robot developer, to consistently drive the entire process from design and development to introduction verification of a Japan-made quadrupedal robot that fuses AI and robotics technology. The team will conduct demonstrations at multiple garrisons nationwide, aiming to achieve labor savings and establish a 24-hour security system.

Background of the Contract

The JGSDF is developing a remote security system using AI technology to save labor and improve the effectiveness of security at its garrisons. As part of this initiative, a verification project for an autonomous patrol system using quadrupedal robots was planned.

This large-scale project spans multiple specialized fields, including robot development, communication infrastructure construction, cybersecurity, quality assurance, and overall project management. GMO Internet Group has established a one-team approach by combining its group's comprehensive capabilities with the development expertise of Mirai Robot, aiming for consistent quality management and rapid problem-solving from development to operation.

Project Overview

The project involves the new design and development of a domestic quadrupedal security robot, along with phased implementation verification in diverse environments at multiple garrisons nationwide. In addition to performance verification in real-world conditions including paved, unpaved, and cold-weather areas, the project will also include safety verification from a cybersecurity perspective, culminating in a comprehensive evaluation of performance, safety, and operability for practical use.

Project Team Structure

The following five companies will work together to drive all processes:

- **GMO Internet Group**: Overall project management and administration - **GMO Internet**: Provision of communication infrastructure and network technology - **GMO Cybersecurity by Ierae**: Various security verifications and countermeasure proposals - **GMO AI & Robotics**: Robot quality control - **Mirai Robot**: Planning, design, and development of the domestic quadrupedal robot

Future Outlook

The JGSDF has approximately 160 garrisons and other facilities nationwide, suggesting immense potential for the use of remote security systems. Through this verification project, the team will accumulate technical knowledge toward the future vision of "domestically produced, AI-equipped quadrupedal robots autonomously patrolling garrisons to support a 24/7 security posture."