Extreme Environment Robot Research Institute [HERO Lab.]

The Extreme Environment Robot Research Institute [HERO Lab.] will hold an open lab on Saturday, October 17, 2026, to commemorate the first anniversary of the opening of the research and development building. On that day, we plan to have a special lecture by Professor Shigeo Hirose, Emeritus Professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology, as well as an introduction to the Extreme Environment Robot Research Institute, a tour of the research and development building, and a social gathering. We look forward to the participation of students and faculty who are interested in robotics and research and development.

At the 44th Annual Conference of the Japanese Society of Robotics, Shigeo Hirose, the director of the Extreme Environment Robot Research Institute, received the "Robot Utilization Social Contribution Award." Additionally, Hiroshi Okamoto, a researcher at the Extreme Environment Robot Research Institute, Reiji Takakaku, a research assistant, and Shigeo Hirose, the director of the institute, received the "Outstanding Research and Technology Award" for their work on the development of the "NekoQ," an all-terrain electric cat cart with lifting capabilities for disaster transportation support - evaluating the design of the first prototype and its exhibition at the Osaka Expo.

At the 44th Annual Conference of the Robotics Society of Japan (September 1-4, 2026, at Kanazawa University Kakuma Campus, Natural Science Main Building), the Robotics Division of the Extreme Environment Robot Research Institute presented five research results. Hakusan Industries is sponsoring and exhibiting as a gold sponsor at the conference.

Members of the Extreme Environment Robotics Research Institute have received the "2026 Robotics and Mechatronics Division ROBOMECH Award (Industrial and Practical Field)" from the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers.