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Closer, Inc. 2025

Ibaraki, Tsukuba City

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We have developed a robot package that provides easy automation for small and medium-sized production lines, such as the food industry, which is characterized by heavy labor, severe labor shortages, and a lack of automation. This package is widely used by both large and small companies. With our unique software technology, we have achieved a high level of versatility and easy operation that does not require specialized knowledge, solving problems in workplaces that previously could not be automated.

Closer, Inc. 's News & Column
NEW INFORMATION

From RoboCup World Champion to Physical AI Leader: How a

2026/02/18

STARTUP LEAGUE

From RoboCup World Champion to Physical AI Leader: How a "Future Robot Platform" is Evolving Japanese Manufacturing

The "2040 Problem" looming over the future of Japanese manufacturing—severe labor shortages caused by a shrinking population and delayed automation in sectors like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals—has become a critical management issue that can no longer wait.To overcome this crisis, Closer Inc. is a startup triggering a revolution through its unique "robot platform."

Closer, Inc.'s Main Innovation
INNOVATION

Construction of software linking industrial robots and external systems using RPC

Aiming to solve the barriers to robot introduction through software for the food manufacturing industry facing labor shortages. The core of this initiative lies in leveraging RPC, a web technology, to build an open collaboration platform that breaks free from manufacturer-specific specifications. This will enable customers and system integrators to connect robots to AI and production management systems at low cost using generic web development technologies. We will develop generic APIs and web application HMIs to promote automation and productivity improvements for small and medium-sized enterprises.

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Closer, Inc. Representative Introduction
REPRESENTATIVE

Representative Shota Higuchi
Born in Niigata Prefecture in 1997. Graduated from Nagaoka National College of Technology. Currently enrolled in the Intelligent Functional Systems Degree Program (doctoral program) at the University of Tsukuba Graduate School. Won the RoboCup World Championship in 2017. Third-year student at the Masayoshi Son Foundation. Selected for the IPA Uncharted Advanced Program in 2022. Selected for Forbes 30 under 30 Asia in 2024.

Closer, Inc. Basic Informaton
BASIC
INFORMATION

Company Name Closer, Inc.
Representative Name Shota Higuchi
Address 1-1-1 Tenno-dai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture Industry-Academia Liaison Joint Research Center Building 202
Official Site and Social Media YouTube
@CloserRobotics/ | X (Twitter)
Facebook
LinkedIn
Official Website
Founding Date November 29, 2021

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