Toyoda Gosei, a large Japanese automotive parts manufacturer, has invested in TriOrb Inc., a startup focused on developing mobile robots with omnidirectional movement capabilities. This investment, made through Toyoda Gosei’s Corporate Venture Capital Department in September 2024, aligns with the company’s strategy to enhance automation and productivity within its manufacturing processes.
TriOrb, established in February 2023 out of the Kyushu Institute of Technology, has developed robots that use spheres instead of traditional tires, allowing them to navigate tight spaces and uneven surfaces. This technology is designed to improve efficiency on manufacturing floors, addressing challenges such as labor shortages and heavy workload demands.
TriOrb’s aims to integrate these mobile robots with other robotic systems used in industrial settings, contributing to the improvement of manufacturing competitiveness, a priority in Toyoda Gosei’s long-term business plan. The startup has also received certification from the AIST Group, which includes the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, further supporting its development and growth. TriOrb is headquartered in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan, and is led by CEO Shuichi Ishida. As of August 2024, the company has a capital base of JPY 100 million.
