The global robotics community is preparing for the International Robot Exhibition (iREX) 2025, scheduled to take place from December 3 to 6 at Tokyo Big Sight in Japan. The four-day event, along with its complementary online exhibition running from November 19 to December 19, is held under the central theme, “Sustainable Societies Through Robotics.” This focus aims to explore how advanced automation and intelligent machines can address pressing social challenges, ranging from labor shortages in manufacturing to supporting aging populations.
The exhibition is set to serve as a comprehensive display of innovation, segmented broadly into industrial and service robotics zones, alongside dedicated areas for component technologies and AI integration. Industrial automation remains a primary focus, with several established manufacturers confirming key showcases centered on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into production environments.
For instance, companies are slated to present advanced solutions for complex manufacturing tasks, including visual inspection systems, material handling, and collaborative painting cells. Yaskawa Electric Co., Ltd., is expected to demonstrate its “i³-Mechatronics” concept, illustrating solutions designed to be resistant to changing product types by seamlessly linking design and production data. Innovations in specialized material handling are also prominent, such as Epson’s introduction of a 50-kg payload SCARA robot engineered specifically for the fast and stable transport of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, highlighting the sector’s evolution.
Beyond the factory floor, a significant portion of the influential gathering will be dedicated to the expanding field of service robotics. These exhibits underscore the growing role of machines in non-industrial sectors, including logistics, retail, life sciences, and elder care. A key area of interest involves the development of human-like machines capable of complex interaction and movement. Kawasaki Robotics, for example, is set to unveil the latest iteration of its humanoid robot, RHP Kaleido, promoting the concept of robots evolving into reliable partners through features like autonomous mobility and voice interaction. Similarly, the presentation of new collaborative robots is anticipated, such as the AX6 model, which automates specimen pre-processing for medical research.
The iREX 2025 gathering underscores a technological shift where robotics, AI, and information communication technology (ICT) are converging to drive societal benefit. The event will feature forums and presentations from industry experts, providing context on how these next-generation technologies – from AI-enabled development support functions to high-efficiency mobile robots—are shaping a more productive and resilient future.
