[Tsukuba, Ibaraki] — Closer Inc. (Headquarters: Tsukuba, Ibaraki; CEO: Shota Higuchi; hereinafter “Closer Robotics”), a company engaged in the development and sales of AI robots, has established a new base at “LF Tsukuba” to expand its production capacity and strengthen its business structure.
With the opening of this new facility, which is approximately three times the size of the previous site, Closer Robotics has built an integrated system capable of handling everything from development and testing to mass production. This enhancement aims to further accelerate development and manufacturing speed, supporting the growing social implementation of robots.
Additionally, in pursuit of creating an organization with advanced development, production, and support capabilities, the company is reinforcing recruitment efforts for both engineering and business roles. Closer Robotics is steadily moving toward its next phase of growth.
▶ Recruitment Page: https://closerobot.notion.site/carrer
Background of Expansion
Since its founding in 2021, Closer Robotics has addressed challenges in labor shortage areas, such as food factories and small to medium-scale production lines that have lagged in automation. Leveraging its proprietary software technologies, the company has developed and provided field-ready AI robots, including the compact collaborative palletizing robot “Palletizy” and the small-bag transfer robot “PickPacker.”
The company’s products have received high acclaim, leading to increasing inquiries and installations each year. To build a system that can respond quickly and flexibly to growing demand, the company has decided to expand its base.
Previously, Closer Robotics expanded its R&D facilities step by step, starting with the University of Tsukuba Liaison Research Center (2021), followed by Tsukuba Startup Park (2024) and the University of Tsukuba Empowerment Studio (2025). The decision to move into “LF Tsukuba” reflects the company’s commitment to further strengthening its mass production and order fulfillment capabilities.
Features of the New Facility
The new base is equipped with extensive development and testing spaces as well as production lines. It supports simultaneous production of multiple units, enabling high-quality and rapid robot development. Moving forward, Closer Robotics will continue to build an integrated system that covers everything from development to delivery and after-sales support, staying close to user needs.
Location: 25-2 Sakuranomori, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0019
Access: Approximately 3.5 km from Tsukuba Station (Tsukuba Express)
Strengthening Recruitment
— Seeking Teammates to Realize a Society Where Robots Take on Tasks, and Humans Focus on Creativity —
Alongside the facility expansion, Closer Robotics is significantly strengthening its recruitment efforts.
As the company enhances its robot development and production system, it is actively recruiting for a wide range of positions across both engineering and business functions.
Our vision is to create a society where “robots handle arduous tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative endeavors.” We continue to take on the challenge of delivering new value to society by integrating technology and business.
▶ Recruitment Page: https://closerobot.notion.site/carrer
About Closer Robotics
In 2023, Closer Robotics raised 100 million yen in a seed funding round. The company has also been selected for competitive research funds and national projects by public agencies such as JST, NEDO, IPA, METI, and MAFF, promoting R&D and the social implementation of robots.
The company has been recognized with numerous accolades, including selection for “J-Startup,” Weekly Toyo Keizai’s “100 Amazing Startups,” and the “Ibaraki Innovation Award.” CEO Shota Higuchi has also been named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia and received the “New Ibaraki Creation Award,” among other honors.
Company Overview
Company Name: Closer Inc.
Headquarters: Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Established: November 2021
CEO: Shota Higuchi
Business: Development and sales of AI and robotics products
Closer Robotics is a University of Tsukuba-origin AI robotics company. By combining proprietary software and hardware technologies, it provides compact and flexible automation robots to industries that have been difficult to automate, such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The company promotes automation of production lines in small to medium-sized factories with a field-oriented approach.
