Japanese robotics – where to go?

Purpose – Aims to make an appeal to Japanese robotic community in an attempt to keep global competitivity for the future. Design/methodology/approach – Clarifies the cost structure of the robotic business. Analyses the needs of Japanese society. Leads to suggest the new direction of Japanese robotics. Findings – Specific target robots for the future are suggested. Originality/value – The new direction in R&D is proposed based on the study on the cost structure of the robotic industry and the needs of Japanese society.