New Call for Proposals Launched for "NEDO Challenge, Baggage-Loading Robot ~Tackling Unexplored Airport Domains~"

NEDO announced today, July 7, the launch of a new theme for its "NEDO Challenge" "Prize-Funded R&D Program" (hereinafter referred to as "this program"): "NEDO Challenge, Baggage-Loading Robot ~Tackling Unexplored Airport Domains~" (hereinafter referred to as "this project").

This project aims to improve the productivity of baggage loading operations, which have a high need for automation within airport ground handling, and to respond to robust air travel demand and expanding inbound tourism. Two contests have been held to date. A new contest will now be held for the development of the "loading algorithm," which serves as the "brain" for baggage loading operations.

Figure 1: Logo mark for this project

1. Overview of NEDO Challenge

Since fiscal year 2023, NEDO has been implementing this program, which aims to discover seeds for future societal problem-solving and new industry creation by soliciting diverse seeds and solutions that contribute to solving technological and societal challenges through a contest-based prize-funded R&D method*1. The program seeks to create opportunities for joint research, promote the practical application and commercialization of seeds, and foster new businesses.

2. About the Call for Proposals for This Project

(1) Overview

This project is a contest conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, focusing on improving the productivity of baggage loading operations, which suffer from chronic labor shortages and high workloads in airport ground handling. It consists of three contests: "eyes" for "baggage identification," "brain" for "loading algorithm," and "arms and legs" for "loading robot." Contests 1: Baggage Identification and Contest 3: Loading Robot have been solicited to date. A new call for proposals for Contest 2: Loading Algorithm is now being launched.

Figure 2: Overall schedule for this project

Contest 2: Loading Algorithm is a crucial technology that serves as the "brain" influencing the performance of baggage loading robots. To efficiently and safely load various baggage items of different dimensions, shapes, and materials into aircraft containers, it is necessary to quickly determine the optimal arrangement while considering complex conditions within a limited space.

This contest aims to create an algorithm that will be the "brain" of future baggage loading robots. We are seeking original and challenging proposals not only from experts in mathematical optimization, metaheuristics, reinforcement learning, and physical simulation, but also from individuals interested in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, as well as students studying related fields.

Various events, including opportunities for interaction with experts in the field, are planned during and after the contest period.

Figure 3: Image of baggage loading simulation inside an aircraft container

(2) About "Contest 2: Loading Algorithm"

Contest 2: Loading Algorithm

The objective is to replace and support loading decisions, which have traditionally relied on the experience of skilled workers, with technology. We are seeking development proposals for "loading algorithm technology" that calculates efficient, safe, and stable loading methods and sequences to prevent cargo collapse when loading baggage into aircraft containers, and quickly and accurately instructs the loading robot based on the calculation results.

This contest will be held on the Signate platform (https://signate.co.jp/).

[Prize Money]

1st Place: 5 million yen, 2nd Place: 4 million yen, 3rd Place: 3 million yen (one winner each)

Special Award: Total of 3 million yen

(Total: 15 million yen)

[Future Schedule]

- Application Period, Screening (Public Contest): July 7, 2026 (Tue) 14:00 - October 19, 2026 (Mon) 23:55

- Notification of Screening Results: November 2026 (scheduled)

- Development Period, Mentoring: November 2026 (scheduled)

- Results Review (Private Contest): November 2026 - December 2026 (scheduled)

- Winner Determination and Awards Ceremony: February 2027 (scheduled)

- Prize Money Disbursement: March 2027 (scheduled)

Details will be announced on the special website and other platforms as they are finalized.

Furthermore, matching between winners of Contest 1 and 2 and participants of Contest 3 is scheduled for February-March 2027.

(3) Project Period

Fiscal Years 2026 - 2027

3. Information Session

The public information session will be held online. An archived version will be available later for those who cannot attend on the day.

[Date and Time]

July 14, 2026 (Tue) 17:30 - 19:30

To participate in the public information session, please apply in advance using the form below.

[Application Form]

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lsETtA4tTwKQ1CQa1ICVlg#/registration

* For an overview of the public information session and details of the call for proposals, please refer to the special website and the dedicated page for Contest 2.

[Special Website for NEDO Challenge, Baggage-Loading Robot]

https://www.challenge-gh.nedo.go.jp/

[Dedicated Page for Contest 2]

https://service.signate.jp/campaign/baggage-loading-robot-2026

4. How to Participate in the Contest, etc.

Please refer to the "How to Participate in the Screening (Public Contest)" on the dedicated page for Contest 2.

[Dedicated Page for Contest 2]

https://service.signate.jp/campaign/baggage-loading-robot-2026

Please note that all costs associated with the application will be borne by the applicant.

[Notes]

*1 Prize-Funded R&D Method

In foreign countries, governments and foundations set R&D goals and solicit numerous applicants, encouraging competition among various ideas and approaches through contests. At the end of the development period, prize money is awarded to the top few performers who achieve results exceeding the target level. While there are not yet many examples of this method being implemented in Japan, prize money is stipulated in the Civil Code, and prize money will be disbursed based on the Civil Code under this program.

*2 This Program

Project Name: NEDO Prize-Funded R&D Program

Project Period: FY2023 -

Project Overview: NEDO Prize-Funded R&D Program https://www.nedo.go.jp/activities/ZZJP_100268.html