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LexxPluss, a Next-Generation Industrial Infrastructure Company, Selected for SBIR Program to Develop General-Purpose AI Mobile Manipulators

Date: 2025-11-05

Press Release

Kawasaki, Kanagawa – November 5th, 2025 – LexxPluss Inc. (Headquarters: Kawasaki, Kanagawa; CEO: Masaya Aso; hereinafter “LexxPluss”) has been selected by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for its 2025 SBIR Promotion Program (hereinafter “SBIR”). The selected project is titled “Research and Development of High-Speed and High-Precision Mobile Manipulators (*1) Supporting High-Mix, Low-Volume Production”.

*1 　A robotic arm with mobility.

■ About the SBIR Promotion Program Selection

The SBIR program, spearheaded by the Cabinet Office, is an inter-ministry initiative that forms a pillar of the “Japanese SBIR (Small/Startup Business Innovation Research) System”. Its purpose is to promote R&D by research-oriented startups and others who contribute to solving diversifying social issues, as well as to facilitate the smooth social implementation of their results.

LexxPluss’s research project was selected for Phase 2, which provides support for practical application development.

– Project Name: Research and Development of High-Speed and High-Precision Mobile Manipulators Supporting High-Mix, Low-Volume Production
– Implementation Period: 2 years
– Maximum Grant Amount (NEDO Burden): 100 million JPY

■ Development of the Mobile Manipulator

In the manufacturing industry, the urgent task is to automate high-mix, low-volume production due to the deepening labor shortage and market diversification. Mobile manipulators, which enable the construction of flexible production lines, are viewed as a key solution to this challenge. However, conventional mobile manipulators face issues such as complex implementation and performance limitations.

LexxPluss showcased a mobile manipulator jointly developed with Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. at the “Automotive Engineering Exposition 2025 Yokohama” in May 2025.

Through the SBIR program, LexxPluss aims to realize a mobile manipulator that meets the demanding requirements of production sites by:
– Utilizing AI (Large Language Models/LLM) in the implementation process.
– Achieving high-speed and high-precision motion control by leveraging the advanced mobility technology of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR).

Furthermore, Masaya Aso, CEO of LexxPluss, has been serving as a committee member for the “AI Robotics Study Group” organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry since September 2025. The study group aims to identify policy issues in the social implementation of AI robots and consider solutions. Mr. Aso’s participation demonstrates the company’s AI expertise and strong commitment to the development of the entire industry. Through this SBIR project, LexxPluss will advance development toward realizing a new industrial structure that merges AI and robotics.

■ About LexxPluss Inc.

With the mission of “Building Autonomous Infrastructure for Industrial” LexxPluss is a startup focused on solving challenges in the logistics and manufacturing industries that support Japan’s infrastructure. Combining AI and robotics technology, the company develops, manufactures, and sells robotics products that support the construction of next-generation industrial infrastructure, including the “Lexx500” Autonomous Mobile Robot, the “LexxTug” towing attachment, and the “LexxFleet” robot integrated control system.

X： https://x.com/LexxPluss

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