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Closer to Simplicity,
Closer to You.
Closer to Simplicity,
Closer to You.
Closer to You.
Robots in today’s manufacturing require large space, big budget, and expert knowledge.
Like the evolution from large industrial computers to small PCs in the 1990s, Closer will enable a small, affordable, easy-to-use 'personal robot' accessible to everyone without specialized knowledge.
Like the evolution from large industrial computers to small PCs in the 1990s, Closer will enable a small, affordable, easy-to-use 'personal robot' accessible to everyone without specialized knowledge.
Robots in today’s manufacturing require large space, big budget, and expert knowledge.
Like the evolution from large industrial computers to small PCs in the 1990s, Closer will enable a small, affordable, easy-to-use 'personal robot' accessible to everyone without specialized knowledge.
Like the evolution from large industrial computers to small PCs in the 1990s, Closer will enable a small, affordable, easy-to-use 'personal robot' accessible to everyone without specialized knowledge.
Our Values
Bringing automation and efficiency to small-scale production
Our Values
Bringing automation and efficiency to small-scale production
Boosts productivity by operating error-free 24/7.
Reduces the challenges of staffing such as turnover and hiring.
Automates heavy lifting tasks to eliminate workplace injuries.
These 'automation benefits' are now available even for small production lines.
Closer is specialized in miniaturizing and simplifying technologies such as AI image recognition and robot control.
We provide compact robots for various 'grab and place' tasks.
Reduces the challenges of staffing such as turnover and hiring.
Automates heavy lifting tasks to eliminate workplace injuries.
These 'automation benefits' are now available even for small production lines.
Closer is specialized in miniaturizing and simplifying technologies such as AI image recognition and robot control.
We provide compact robots for various 'grab and place' tasks.
Boosts productivity by operating error-free 24/7.
Reduces the challenges of staffing such as turnover and hiring.
Automates heavy lifting tasks to eliminate workplace injuries.
These 'automation benefits' are now available even for small production lines.
Closer is specialized in miniaturizing and simplifying technologies such as AI image recognition and robot control.
We provide compact robots for various 'grab and place' tasks.
Reduces the challenges of staffing such as turnover and hiring.
Automates heavy lifting tasks to eliminate workplace injuries.
These 'automation benefits' are now available even for small production lines.
Closer is specialized in miniaturizing and simplifying technologies such as AI image recognition and robot control.
We provide compact robots for various 'grab and place' tasks.
Message from CEO
Message from CEO
Since childhood, I have been passionate about robotics. A turning point came during my technical college research on automated tomato harvesting when a farmer highlighted the severe labor shortage and the lack of suitable robots.
Despite the growth of large industrial robots driven by the automotive and appliance industries, robots for small size production lines in sectors such as food, cosmetics, agriculture remains challenging.
I believe in assigning repetitive and labor-intensive tasks to robots enables alleviating labor shortages and allow people to focus on creative pursuits.
Leveraging Japan’s advanced industrial robot technology, we plan to integrate Closer’s software and modular technology to compete globally.
Despite the growth of large industrial robots driven by the automotive and appliance industries, robots for small size production lines in sectors such as food, cosmetics, agriculture remains challenging.
I believe in assigning repetitive and labor-intensive tasks to robots enables alleviating labor shortages and allow people to focus on creative pursuits.
Leveraging Japan’s advanced industrial robot technology, we plan to integrate Closer’s software and modular technology to compete globally.
Co-Founder & CEO
Co-Founder & CEO
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Intelligent Functional Systems at the University of Tsukuba. Winner of the 2017 RoboCup World Championship. Selected for Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in 2024.
Since childhood, I have been passionate about robotics. A turning point came during my technical college research on automated tomato harvesting when a farmer highlighted the severe labor shortage and the lack of suitable robots.
Despite the growth of large industrial robots driven by the automotive and appliance industries, robots for small size production lines in sectors such as food, cosmetics, agriculture remains challenging.
I believe in assigning repetitive and labor-intensive tasks to robots enables alleviating labor shortages and allow people to focus on creative pursuits.
Leveraging Japan’s advanced industrial robot technology, we plan to integrate Closer’s software and modular technology to compete globally.
Despite the growth of large industrial robots driven by the automotive and appliance industries, robots for small size production lines in sectors such as food, cosmetics, agriculture remains challenging.
I believe in assigning repetitive and labor-intensive tasks to robots enables alleviating labor shortages and allow people to focus on creative pursuits.
Leveraging Japan’s advanced industrial robot technology, we plan to integrate Closer’s software and modular technology to compete globally.
Message from CFO
Message from CFO
The working-age population is declining in most of key markets. 'Automation' is the key to addressing labor shortages, growing businesses, and creating new value. We aim to lead this industry grobally by combining our evolving AI software technology with Japan's renowned robotics hardware.
Co-Founder & CFO
Co-Founder & CFO
After experiencing Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley, Nick has been driving M&A, business development, and startup investments at various companies globally for 20+ years.
The working-age population is declining in most of key markets. 'Automation' is the key to addressing labor shortages, growing businesses, and creating new value. We aim to lead this industry grobally by combining our evolving AI software technology with Japan's renowned robotics hardware.
Closer Technologies
Closer Technologies
Enable Miniaturized High Functionality
Enable Miniaturized High Functionality
Technical Strength
Technical Strength
Software-Led Robot Development
Software-Led Robot Development
Closer is capable to a wide range of system development tasks that typically require the efforts of 4-5 different firms. This allows Closer to provide robots that are truly tailored to the specific needs of small factories at high quality yet an affordable cost.
Closer is capable to a wide range of system development tasks that typically require the efforts of 4-5 different firms. This allows Closer to provide robots that are truly tailored to the specific needs of small factories at high quality yet an affordable cost.
AutoLayout™
AutoLayout™
(Patent Pending)
Enables the robot to automatically generate the appropriate pallet pattern and self-adjusts its movements just by entering the dimensions of a box and pallet.
Enables the robot to automatically generate the appropriate pallet pattern and self-adjusts its movements just by entering the dimensions of a box and pallet.
AI Image Recognition and Processing System
AI Image Recognition and Processing System
(Patent Pending)
Our unique technology recognizes and grasp objects with unclear outlines, even from a disorganized, bulk piles. Plus, software updates allow adding new functions after installation.
Our unique technology recognizes and grasp objects with unclear outlines, even from a disorganized, bulk piles. Plus, software updates allow adding new functions after installation.
Achievements
Achievements
Award Winning team, Endorsed by Government
Award Winning team, Endorsed by Government
Over ¥250 million in grants from government
¥250M
Chosen as one of the 'Top 100 Remarkable Ventures' by Weekly Toyo Keizai in 2023
TOP 100
Selected for the J-Startup in 2023 by government
J-Startup
More than 10 awards received
10+
Collaboration with Government
Collaboration with Government
R&D Grants (with National Research and Development Agency)
Sep. 2023: Chosen for the SBIR Promotion Program to develop and demo a universal robot system for picking irregularly shaped food items.
Smart Food Factory Initiative (with Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
Dec. 2023: Included in the Ministry's Innovation Creation Promotion Fund (Phase 3) to advance food handling technology.
International Expansion (with Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)
Apr. 2023: Gaining supports for Silicon Valley base setup, international trade show participation, etc.
Trusted by Industry Leaders Worldwide
Trusted by Industry Leaders Worldwide
Insight from Our Partners
Insight from Our Partners
Closer's solution is highly evaluated for their image recognition AI technology, ease of implementation without robotics knowledge, and simple integration into existing production lines.
Closer's solution is highly evaluated for their image recognition AI technology, ease of implementation without robotics knowledge, and simple integration into existing production lines.
Yukinori Higashioji
Softbank Corp.
Curator, Executive Briefing Center
I have watched Closer Robotics management the past few years and can attest their committment to customer success.
I have watched Closer Robotics management the past few years and can attest their committment to customer success.
Ken Yoshida
JETRO San Francisco
Executive Director
Company Information
Company Information
Company name
Closer, Inc.
President C.E.O.
Shota Higuchi
Date of Foundation
November 29, 2021
Principal Purpose
R&D, sales, consulting of PickPacker, Closer Robots
Japan Head Quarter
202 Academic Liaison Co-Research Center Building, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki
Open with Google mapJapan Lab & Show space
203 Tsukuba City Industrial Promotion Center, 2-5-1 Azuma, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki
Open with Google map
Malaysia office
Centre of Garage Malaysia 2330, Century Square, Jalan Usahawan, Cyberjaya Cyberjaya Selangor
Open with Google mapCompany History
Company History
2020 Sep
James Dyson Award 2020, National Runner-Up.
2021 Nov
Closer Inc. established
2022 Jul
Selected for NEDO NEP Type B
2023 Mar
Raised 100 million yen in a seed round.
2023 Apr
Chosen for the J-Startup program.
2023 Sep
Selected for the NEDO SBIR Promotion Program (linked type).
2023 Dec
Adopted into the Innovation Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises (Phase 3)
FAQ
FAQ
Can we automate our factory operations with Closer's robots?
We will conduct a detailed interview to determine if robotic integration is feasible for your condition. Please contact us to start the conversation.
How long will it take to see a return on investment?
The time it takes depends on how much labor is currently involved in the processes you wish to automate. Typically, it takes 2-3 years to achieve a return on investment. We can provide an estimate tailored to your situation, so please reach out.
Can I take use of subsidies?
You may be able to make use of subsidies such as manufacturing subsidies. We can advise you on this point, so please contact us first.
I want to see the robot in person.
Currently, it is only available at our headquarters in Japan. If you are based overseas, please contact us for an online demo. We will customize the robot's programming to suit your needs and have it ready within 7 days.
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