Kobe University Hospital's Delivery Robot Named 'boh boh kun' – A New Initiative to Deliver Health and Smiles from Kobe

Hayakoma Transport Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo Ward, Kobe City; President: Shinji Watanabe) has signed an agreement titled 'Collaboration Agreement for Promoting Industry-Academia Partnerships' with Kobe University Hospital and Lasuite Co., Ltd.

In conjunction with the agreement, Hayakoma Transport and Lasuite have applied original wrapping to the Kawasaki Heavy Industries-made delivery robot 'FORRO' introduced at Kobe University Hospital. Furthermore, inspired by the 'boh boh' brand operated by Hayakoma Transport's 'Kobe Sea Bus,' the robot has been named 'boh boh kun.'

(From left in photo): Junichi Sakaguchi, Director of Lasuite Co., Ltd.; Ryosuke Kuroda, Hospital Director of Kobe University Hospital; the delivery robot 'boh boh kun'; and Shinji Watanabe, President of Hayakoma Transport Co., Ltd.

1. Overview of the Industry-Academia Collaboration Agreement

The agreement aims to promote social implementation that leverages the human, intellectual, and material resources of the three parties—Kobe University Hospital, Hayakoma Transport Co., Ltd., and Lasuite Co., Ltd.—to advance talent development, medicine, health, lifestyle fields, revitalize local communities, and enhance the appeal of 'Minato Kobe' (Port of Kobe).

Both Hayakoma Transport and Lasuite hold health tourism certification and possess expertise cultivated in tourism and hospitality. By combining this with Kobe University Hospital’s knowledge in medicine and health, the collaboration aims to create new health value across Kobe’s urban resources, including hospitals, hotels, tourism, waterfronts, and parks.

2. Background of the Collaboration – Well-being and Community Connection

Amid accelerating population aging and labor shortages, medical institutions are increasingly required not only to provide medical care but also to improve working conditions for healthcare staff and create environments that support patients’ healthy reintegration into the community after discharge. During the press conference, well-being was defined as 'a state of physical, mental, and social fulfillment,' with shared recognition that community connection plays a vital role in maintaining health. By connecting acute-care hospitals with private enterprises involved in Kobe’s sea, hot springs, hotels, and tourism resources, the initiative aims to evolve into comprehensive efforts that support recovery, rehabilitation, social reintegration, and improved quality of daily life beyond treatment.

3. Naming the Delivery Robot 'FORRO' as 'boh boh kun'

At Kobe University Hospital, the Kawasaki Heavy Industries-made delivery robot 'FORRO' supports internal transportation of specimens and medications. While robot technology helps reduce healthcare workers’ workload and improves hospital logistics efficiency, the robot moving through the hospital is also becoming a familiar presence for patients and staff. This time, Hayakoma Transport and Lasuite applied original wrapping to the robot, incorporating scenes of 'Minato Kobe' and positive messages. With the hope of bringing brighter feelings and a sense of security to patients, families, and medical staff, the robot has been named 'boh boh kun.'

Announced by Director Ryosuke Kuroda, Kobe University Hospital

4. The Message Behind the Wrapping – 'boh boh Supports People'

The 'boh boh' brand, operated by Hayakoma Transport's 'Kobe Sea Bus,' carries the message 'boh boh supports people.' It draws inspiration from the powerful sound of a ship’s horn at departure and the cheer 'Move forward, move forward!' Born from the desire to gently encourage people when they feel mentally tired, need a little extra courage, or wish to regain health and vitality. The 'O' in the logo incorporates the image of a lifebuoy, essential for shipping companies, symbolizing emotional support and companionship. Additionally, the meanings of international maritime signal flags—'UW = Wishing you safe passage,' 'UW1 = Gratitude / Thank you,' 'UW2 = Welcome'—are aligned with boh boh’s core value of supporting people. The delivery robot 'boh boh kun' aims not only to transport items but also to gently accompany and uplift the hearts of patients and healthcare staff as it moves through the hospital.

5. Well-being from 'Minato Kobe'

Hayakoma Transport has advanced initiatives in health and wellness using Kobe’s waterfront, including the sightseeing ship 'boh boh KOBE' and the 'KOBE WELLNESS CRUISE,' which combines sea, parks, exercise, food, and culture. During the press conference, they also mentioned a 'companion-style' concept: using treatment and test results from the hospital as an opportunity to reassess health in daily life, walking along Kobe’s coastline, taking boat rides, combining visits to hot springs and hotels, and continuing health improvement in an enjoyable way.

Going forward, the collaboration will integrate Kobe University Hospital’s medical expertise, Lasuite’s knowledge in hot springs, hotels, and hospitality, and Hayakoma Transport’s expertise in ports, ships, tourism, and regional collaboration. The goal is to advance social implementation with a focus on developing health-promoting programs, joint research, talent development, and effectiveness evaluation.

6. Key Comments from the Press Conference

Ryosuke Kuroda, Hospital Director, Kobe University Hospital:

'In terms of well-being, in addition to physical and mental health, social fulfillment and connection to the community are extremely important. Hospitals provide acute medical care, but after treatment, patients need spaces within the community to restore their physical and mental well-being. By collaborating with Hayakoma Transport and Lasuite, we believe new possibilities will emerge to support the health and daily lives of patients and staff beyond the boundaries of medical care.'

Shinji Watanabe, President, Hayakoma Transport Co., Ltd.:

'Kobe is a rare city globally, with sea and mountains nearby and immediate access to nature from the city center. We aim to promote 'health' as a major keyword for Kobe from its waterfront. We hope patients, doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff striving in the hospital will think, 'Once I feel better, I want to go to Kobe Port' or 'Let me refresh my mind by looking at the sea.' I believe it marks a new chapter for Kobe when hospitals, hotels, tourism, Meriken Park, and Kobe Port unite to speak about health.'

Junichi Sakaguchi, Director, Lasuite Co., Ltd.:

'Through initiatives at Kobe Minato Onsen as a health promotion facility and our involvement in health tourism certification, we have worked on health improvement using local tourism resources. We believe it’s important to connect health not just through walking or exercise, but by enjoying Kobe’s history, scenery, and the view of the city from the sea. We are proud to collaborate with Kobe University Hospital and Hayakoma Transport and will continue to dedicate our efforts to this initiative.'

7. Main Future Initiatives

· Promotion of joint projects based on the 'Collaboration Agreement for Promoting Industry-Academia Partnerships' among Kobe University Hospital, Hayakoma Transport Co., Ltd., and Lasuite Co., Ltd.

· Original wrapping for the delivery robot 'FORRO'