Ken Robotec

What Ken Robotec does

Ken Robotec Corporation (建ロボテック株式会社) is a Japanese construction-robotics company headquartered in Miki-cho, Kagawa Prefecture, with branch offices in Tokyo and Singapore. Founded in 2013 as EMO Co., Ltd. and rebranded to its current name in September 2019, the company develops collaborative robots and labor-saving solutions that automate repetitive, physically demanding tasks on Japanese construction sites. Its core technology is the TOMOROBO© series, which uses proprietary magnetic-sensor-based rebar intersection detection to enable autonomous path planning — adapting to rebar pitches of 100–300mm in 25mm increments with ±20mm tolerance — and integrates commercially available MAX RB-440T/RB611T tying tools onto its robotic platforms. The product line spans the REBAR TYING TOMOROBO (ø10–16mm), LARGE DIAMETER TYING TOMOROBO (ø16–32mm), and the Transporting TOMOROBO T-BOX that runs on standard single-pipe scaffolding rails without programming. The T-BOX is registered with MLIT's NETIS system (KT-250047-A) and is documented as deployed at 30+ construction sites with up to 3x productivity improvement in material handling.

The business operates four commercial pillars: (1) TOMOROBO hardware sales (inquiry-based pricing) plus accessories (Slider, Rain Cover), (2) the SOKUTETSU brand of labor-saving rebar construction materials (V Bar Spacer DS, J Wire, Kachisupe) sold through authorized distributors and the Construction DX Support Service that curates and dispatches domestic and international robots, (3) the HATARAKU brand of workplace-improvement consumer products (MASURAKU mask spacer, CLEJIA, Go Anzenni) sold via Amazon and direct channels, and (4) custom contract development of bespoke construction automation solutions. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales to major Japanese general contractors (8 named: Kajima, Shimizu, Takenaka, Daiwa House, Daito Trust, Tokyu Construction, Sumitomo Mitsui Construction, plus Daido Kikai), an authorized domestic distributor network (AKTIO, Okabe, Toyo Commerce, others), the Singapore dealer MAX ASIA PTE.LTD., and event-driven demand generation at exhibitions such as CSPI-EXPO and World of Concrete. The TOMOSAPO user-support program (simulation, operator training, dispatch, permit support) and NETIS registration create service and regulatory stickiness around the hardware base.

As of 2025 the company employs 101–250 staff, has raised approximately $4.1 million across three disclosed funding rounds (2020, 2023, 2025) with investors including UntroD Capital, NCB Capital, NTT Finance, Resona Capital, Awagin Capital, JR East Start Up, NSK, and Mobile Internet Capital, and holds registered Japanese trademarks for TOMOROBO, Domakoro, and HATARAKU alongside patents on the self-propelled rebar-binding robot (jointly with SUN-S). It has won the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award at the 11th Robot Awards (2024) and was selected for J-Startup 2023. In 2026 the company simultaneously launched the 2nd-generation Stuffee autonomous survey robot and the MVC-50HJ ultra-low-profile plate compactor (co-developed with Mikiya Sangyo), and signed three co-development agreements with Takizawa Robotics, A.R.P Corporation, and Yamaguchi Giken to expand into outdoor autonomous mobility, factory automation, and micron-precision manufacturing.

Name

Ken Robotec

Legal name

KEN ROBOTECH CORPORATION

Website

https://kenrobo-tech.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Ken Robotec develops collaborative robots and labor-saving solutions that automate rebar tying, material transport, and surveying for Japanese construction sites, serving major general contractors (Kajima, Shimizu, Takenaka, Daiwa House, Daito Trust, Tokyu, Sumitomo Mitsui) through direct sales and a domestic distributor network, with international expansion via a Singapore subsidiary.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Construction Robotics

NAICS

Construction Machinery Manufacturing (333120), Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing (3331)

SIC

Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530)

akta.pro primary industry

Construction & Mining Robotics (HDAAAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Robots (Articulated, SCARA, Delta, Cartesian) (IMAHAHAA), Attachments & Work Tools MRO (Buckets, Breakers, Grapples, Augers, Forks) (TLAKAHAL)

Keywords

• Construction robotics
• Collaborative robots
• Rebar tying robots
• Construction automation
• Material transport robots

Headquarters

HQ city

Kagawa

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Robot Hardware Sales (TOMOROBO Series): Sale of collaborative robots including REBAR TYING ROBOT TOMOROBO (RTM1-X1-A1 for φ10-16mm rebar), LARGE DIAMETER TYING TOMOROBO (RTM1-X1-A2 for φ16-32mm rebar), and TRANSPORTING TOMOROBO T-BOX. One-time hardware purchase model with optional accessories and consumable parts.
2. Smart Construction Implementation Services: Comprehensive support services including construction simulation, robot deployment consulting, operator training and education, on-site operator dispatch (TOMOSAPO program), and application support for construction permits. Provides end-to-end support from introduction to operation and aftercare of robots.
3. SOKUTETSU Labor-saving Products: Sale of labor-saving construction materials and tools including V Bar Spacer DS, J-Wire (specialized binding wire with rubber for prefabricated rebar units), and Kachisupe (compact side spacers). Sold through distributors and directly via online store and inquiry forms.
4. HATARAKU Workplace Improvement Products: Sale of workplace improvement consumer products including MASURAKU (mask spacer), CLEJIA (weakly acidic hypochlorous acid solution), and Go Anzenni (disinfection/deodorization solution). Sold through distributors, Amazon, and direct inquiries.
5. Custom/Contract Development (受託開発): Bespoke robot and automation solution development services for specific construction site challenges. Four-step process from needs assessment through prototype development, mass-production design, and manufacturing support. Development partnerships with companies like Kyowa Kogyo (seaming robot) and others.
6. Construction DX Support Service (建設DX支援サービス): Robot selection, proposal, and dispatch service for construction sites. The company curates domestic and international labor-saving robots and dispatches selected robots to construction sites as needed. Also recruits robot development companies as service partners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Ken Robotec develops, manufactures, and sells collaborative robots and labor-saving solutions for construction sites. The core TOMOROBO product line includes robots that automate rebar tying (ø10-16mm and ø16-32mm), heavy material transport (T-BOX on single-pipe rails, up to 500kg), and surveying rod-person duties (Stuffee 2nd gen). The company complements these with SOKUTETSU rebar construction materials (V Bar Spacer DS, J Wire, Kachisupe), HATARAKU workplace improvement products (MASURAKU, CLEJIA, Go Anzenni), and supporting services including the TOMOSAPO user support program, Construction DX Support Service, and custom contract development.

Product overview

Ken Robotec offers a portfolio of collaborative robots and labor-saving solutions for construction sites, organized under three main product/service lines: (1) the TOMOROBO© series — including the REBAR TYING ROBOT TOMOROBO (small diameter φ10–φ16), LARGE DIAMETER TYING TOMOROBO (large diameter φ16–φ32), TRANSPORTING TOMOROBO T-BOX, and the Survey Rod-Person Robot Stuffee; (2) the SOKUTETSU (速鉄) labor-saving materials brand — including V Bar Spacer DS, J Wire, and Kachisupe spacers; and (3) the HATARAKU (働楽) workplace improvement products — including Masuraku mask spacers, Clejia and Go安全に disinfectants. The company also provides supporting services: the TOMOSAPO user support program, a TOMOROBO operation simulator, a Construction DX Support Service for robot dispatch and selection, and custom contract development. The TOMOROBO© series uses magnetic sensors to detect rebar intersections and commercially available MAX tying tools (RB441T/RB611T), operates up to 12 hours per charge, and is complemented by accessories such as sliders and rain covers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TOMOROBO© (トモロボ): Labor-saving collaborative robot series for construction sites, including rebar tying robots and material transport robots
• SOKUTETSU (速鉄)
• HATARAKU (働楽)
• TOMOSAPO (トモサポ)
• MASURAKU (マス楽)
• KACHISUPE (カチスペ)
• V Bar Spacer DS
• J Wire
• Clejia (クリジア)
• Goanzen ni (Go安全に)

Products and services

• Rebar Tying TOMOROBO (RTM1-X1-A1) (鉄筋結束トモロボ) Collaborative robot that automates rebar tying at construction sites by integrating commercially available handheld rebar tying tools (MAX RB-440T). Designed for small-diameter rebar (ø10–16mm), it operates up to 12 hours per battery charge and completes a tie in approximately 2.7 seconds per location. Targeted at general contractors and rebar specialty firms facing labor shortages.
• Large Diameter Tying TOMOROBO (RTM1-X1-A2) (太径鉄筋結束トモロボ) Collaborative robot variant of the Rebar Tying TOMOROBO designed for large-diameter rebar (ø16–32mm) used in civil engineering and infrastructure projects. Uses MAX RB611T tying tools and supports complex bar combinations including 3-bar configurations.
• Transporting TOMOROBO T-BOX (運搬トモロボ T-BOX) Autonomous transport robot that carries heavy construction materials on rails made from standard single-pipe scaffolding, eliminating the need for programming, mapping, or sensor calibration. Operated by simple remote control and can carry loads in environments too dangerous or impractical for human transport. NETIS-registered (KT-250047-A) for public works procurement. Deployed at over 30 construction sites across Japan.
• Survey Rod-Person Robot Stuffee - Next Generation (測量相番ロボット スタッフィー 次世代機) Autonomous surveying support robot that replaces the surveyor's rod person by moving to target locations linked with surveying equipment. The 2nd generation, co-developed with Konoike Construction, achieves fully autonomous outdoor operation. A paid usage service is available to all construction companies.
• Thin Plate Compactor MVC-50HJ (薄型プレートコンパクター) Ultra-low-profile plate compactor co-developed with Mikasa Sangyo Co., Ltd. for compaction work under rails, beneath pipelines, and in other low-clearance spaces where standard equipment cannot fit. Total height of 395mm (420mm lower than conventional models).
• V Bar Spacer DS (VバースペーサーDS) V-shaped rebar spacer for mesh placement that is resistant to tipping and detachment. Eliminates the need for wire mesh tying, dramatically improving speed and work efficiency. Custom height orders from 40mm to 2000mm available. Sold under the SOKUTETSU brand through authorized distributors.
• J Wire (Jワイヤー) Specialized tying wire with elastic rubber interposed between steel wires, used in the 'Rebar Jumble Unit Construction Method.' Enables pre-fabrication of rebar units at factories that can be folded for transport and re-expanded on-site, reducing on-site work by two-thirds. Sold under the SOKUTETSU brand.
• Kachisupe (カチスペ) Ultra-compact side spacer for rebar reinforcement that minimizes plastic usage (approximately half that of conventional donut spacers), reducing risk of concrete cracking and honeycombing. Gear-fixed to rebar diameter for compactness. Sold under the SOKUTETSU brand.
• Masuraku Mask Spacer (マス楽) Mask spacer that creates space around the nose and mouth to reduce mask-wearing stress. Made of elastomer AR styrene material; helps reduce humidity and temperature inside the mask and is easy to breathe and speak through. Sold under the HATARAKU brand through distributors, Amazon, and the company store.
• Clejia (クリジア) Weakly acidic hypochlorous acid water solution with strong sterilization and deodorization power. Used for space atomization, hand sanitization, and surface cleaning in construction and workplace environments. Sold under the HATARAKU brand.
• Go Anzenni (Go安全に) Weakly acidic liquid disinfectant with strong sterilization and deodorization capabilities. Effective chlorine-level sterilization at 200ppm with weak acidity gentle on skin; used for space spray, hand sanitization, and equipment disinfection. Sold under the HATARAKU brand.
• Construction DX Support Service (建設DX支援サービス) One-stop dispatch service that selects and deploys optimal labor-saving robots from domestic and international manufacturers for construction sites. Based on building structure, construction process, and budget, Ken Robotec curates the best robots and dispatches them to sites as needed.
• TOMOSAPO User Support Program (トモサポ) Comprehensive user support program for TOMOROBO series users covering the full lifecycle: construction simulation, robot dispatch estimation and booking, operator education and management, and administrative support for bringing robots to sites.
• Contract Development (受託開発) Custom robot and automation solution development service for specific construction site challenges. Four-step process: challenge consultation, prototype development, mass-production development, and mass-production support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3x productivity improvement in material transport operations at 30+ construction sites
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mikiya Sangyo Co., Ltd. (三笠産業株式会社)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Joint development partnership for the thin plate compactor (ultra-low profile plate compactor, model MVC-50HJ), developed jointly with Mikiya Sangyo. This represents the industry's first ultra-low total height plate compactor at 395mm total height — 420mm lower than conventional models — enabling compaction work under rails and in other low-clearance environments.
• Toda Corporation (戸田建設株式会社)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 May 2026Ken Robotec cooperated in the development of a shape measurement robot by Toda Corporation. The robot can stably travel on sloped invert rebar surfaces in mountain tunnel bottoms and generates 3D models from video footage for dimensional measurement, enabling reduction of surveying work, area-based management, and BIM/CIM data integration.
• Yamaguchi Giken Co., Ltd. (株式会社山口技研)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026Development collaboration agreement signed April 2026. Yamaguchi Giken specializes in precision parts machining (micron-level accuracy) and FA equipment design and manufacturing. Partnership focuses on developing next-generation technologies for high-precision missions in construction sites, leveraging micron-level precision manufacturing with field-proven automation expertise. Aims to expand solution coverage area and build scalable manufacturing.
• Takizawa Robotics LLC (滝沢ロボティクス合同会社)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2026Development collaboration agreement signed March 19, 2026 for autonomous mobility robots for construction sites. Takizawa RTEC brings proprietary outdoor autonomous driving technology developed in Takizawa City, Iwate Prefecture — a harsh environment with temperatures dropping below -10°C in winter. Combined with Ken Robotec's construction site expertise, the partnership aims to rapidly develop practical transport and inspection robots functional in harsh outdoor environments.
• A.R.P Corporation (株式会社A・R・P)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Development collaboration agreement signed March 1, 2026. A.R.P brings extensive factory automation (FA) expertise across multiple industries. First development project already underway. Partnership leverages A.R.P's precision engineering capabilities with Ken Robotec's construction domain knowledge to develop practical robotics solutions for challenging outdoor construction environments at unprecedented speed.
• Taniguchi Construction Kogyo Corporation (谷口建設興業株式会社)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 January 2026Kagawa Prefecture subsidy-assisted deployment of Ken Robotec transport solutions at four local construction sites. Solutions deployed include MINI TANK (80kg electric crawler transport cart) and TRANSPORTING TOMOROBO T-BOX (500kg ultra-compact transport robot), facilitated by Kagawa prefecture's Startup Sales Expansion Subsidy program.
• JR East Startup Co., Ltd. (東日本旅客鉄道株式会社/JR東日本スタートアップ株式会社)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023Selected for JR East Startup Program 2023 (課題先行型マッチングイベント STARTUP PITCH#6), leading to joint development of the Stuffee surveying robot. The 2nd generation of Stuffee achieves full outdoor autonomous operation, developed with Konoike Construction's field expertise. Ken Robotec received JR East's Excellent Award at the 2023 DEMO DAY.
• Konoike Construction Co., Ltd. (株式会社鴻池組)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Joint development partner for the 2nd generation Stuffee surveying robot. Konoike Construction provided real-world field expertise from actual construction sites to significantly improve the robot's practical usability. The 2nd generation achieves complete outdoor autonomous operation, and the company is launching a paid service for all construction companies.
• MAX ASIA PTE.LTD.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2023Authorized dealer agreement appointed in June 2023 for KEN ROBOTECH products in Singapore. This represents Ken Robotec's first international distribution channel, operating through its subsidiary KEN ROBOTECH ASIA established February 2023.
• SUN-S Co., Ltd. (株式会社サンエス)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2018Joint patent application filed November 2018 for self-propelled robot for rebar binding, registered December 2019. SUN-S contributed to the foundational technology of the TOMOROBO rebar tying robot. Listed as a customer/client of Ken Robotec.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Scaled Robotics: Spain-based startup building mobile robots that autonomously scan construction sites for progress monitoring. Comparable to Ken Robotec's Stuffee surveying robot and the broader Construction DX Support Service value proposition.
• Built Robotics: US construction technology company that retrofits heavy equipment with autonomous operating systems for earthmoving and trenching. Comparable to Ken Robotec as a construction-site autonomy startup, though focused on equipment rather than rebar-tying.
• Kewazo: German construction robotics startup developing autonomous material-transport hoists and scaffolding robots for job sites. Closely comparable to Ken Robotec's T-BOX single-pipe rail transport robot on the construction material-handling workflow.
• Advanced Construction Robotics: US-based construction robotics company that builds rebar-tying robots (TyBOT) and rebar-lifting robots (IronBOT). Most direct global peer to Ken Robotec's TOMOROBO rebar-tying product line, competing for similar rebar-tying automation workflow.

Broad incumbents

• Shimizu Corporation: Major Japanese super-zenecon with its own extensive Smart Construction robotics program, while simultaneously being a named customer of Ken Robotec. Represents both partnership upside and in-house competitive threat.
• Hilti: Global construction tools and services company increasingly moving into semi-autonomous equipment (e.g., Jaibot for drilling). Adjacent to Ken Robotec's SOKUTETSU consumables and tool-based automation offerings.
• Kajima Corporation: Major Japanese general contractor with long-running in-house construction automation initiatives (A4CSEL, Kajima Robotics Center). Named Ken Robotec customer; a key account and a competitive development channel simultaneously.
• Komatsu: Japan-headquartered global leader in construction and mining equipment with its Smart Construction platform integrating drones, autonomous equipment, and digital site management. The dominant incumbent Ken Robotec must coexist with in Japan.

Emerging players

• Boston Dynamics: US robotics firm whose Spot quadruped is being piloted on construction sites for progress monitoring and surveying. Partial overlap with Ken Robotec's Stuffee surveying robot in the autonomous construction-site data capture workflow.

Others

• Topcon Positioning Group: Precision positioning and digital workflow provider for construction and agriculture. Their construction automation platform is ecosystem-adjacent to Ken Robotec's surveying and DX support services rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KEN_ROBOTECH
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCfFMfzrCfZg81NsDzFJgreQ/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/people/%E5%BB%BA%E3%83%AD%E3%83%9C%E3%83%86%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF/100057325395025
• Instagraminstagram.com/ken_robotech
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kenrobo-tech

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors12 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ken Robotec