Telexistence Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Jin Tomioka; hereafter TX) and FamilyMart Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Kensuke Hosomi; hereafter FamilyMart) introduced a new robot TX SCARA equipped with TX’s proprietary AI system Gordon to the “FamilyMart METI store” to perform beverage replenishment work in the backyard 24 hours a day in place of human workers, thereby automating high-volume work in a low-temperature environment where the physical load on store staff is significant.
TX SCARA is a self-developed SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) robot that can operate in a small space in a store’s backyard. It is automatically controlled by Gordon during normal operation. In the event of a restocking failure, the robot can be switched to Telexistence mode, which allows an operator to control the robot remotely through the Internet for quick recovery. In addition, “Gordon” learns from the store’s past sales data to optimize the replenishment timing according to product sales trends that change with time of day and season. Through the use of robotics and AI technology, robots will take over the task of restocking about 1,000 beverages a day, 24 hours a day. Meanwhile, store staff will be able to stay in the shop floor to perform higher value-added tasks such as customer service.
[Main Technical Features]
TX SCARA: A self-developed robot with optimized joint axis configuration and link length for beverage replenishment in the convenience store backyards. The hardware can be installed without changing the backyard environment of existing stores.
Gordon: TX’s proprietary AI system that uses a self-scanning module to recognize the product availability on the shelf. It also calculates the beverage gripping point and generates a path plan for the end-effector from gripping to placing.
Telexistence Mode: When the automatic restocking fails due to unexpected environmental changes, the system shifts from Gordon mode (automatic control mode) to Telexistence mode. The restocking operation can be completed 100% by remotely controlling the robot via the Internet. The so-called “The Frame Problem” of AI (see note) and the imperfections of artificial intelligence are supplemented by TX’s teleoperation technology.
The Frame Problem: When solving a given task, the current artificial intelligence extracts only the information necessary for the current decision or action from the countless events that can occur in the real world, and ignores the other information in its attempts. The problem is, however, that it cannot autonomously determine what information is necessary for itself and what information it can ignore, and thus the extraction process takes infinite time.
Through the operation of the FamilyMart METI Store, FamilyMart and TX will automate and remoteize shelr restocking work, which requires a large amount of man-hours and places a heavy burden on humans. It will enable a new store operation where store staff can work via robots from anywhere, safely, as long as there is Internet access. At the same time, TX and FamilyMart will continue to build an environment that is easy to introduce robots (a robot-friendly environment), thereby accelerating the improvement of productivity, non-contact, and customer convenience.
This initiative is also part of the “Task Force to Promote the Construction of Robot Implementation Models” led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, in which FamilyMart participates since November 2019, aiming to reduce the number of workers in stores and build a new store operation infrastructure using robots.
Based on the concept of “FamilyMart, Where You Are One of the Family,” FamilyMart aims to be an indispensable place that goes beyond convenience, while staying close to the community and connecting with each customer like a family member.
TX is a robotics company that develops remote controlled robots with artificial intelligence, with the mission to change robots, change the structure, and change the world. Gathered by high expertise professionals from all over the world, the engineering team consistently develops robotic hardware, software and AI technology in-house. TX aims to expand the scope of robotics activities beyond the factory floor and transform the fundamental nature of labor society.
■Store Information Name： Family Mart METI Store Address： Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Building, 1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Store Hours： 7:00 〜 24:00
https://tx-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Logo-TX-FM.png261261TX PR/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/logo-icon_画板-1-300x77.pngTX PR2021-11-02 14:00:002021-11-19 10:21:30Telexistence develops a new robot TX SCARA and installs it at FamilyMart METI Store. Automating backyard beverage stocking operations with a proprietary AI system.
Telexistence Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Jin Tomioka; hereafter “TX”), a leading innovator of remote-controlled robots with artificial intelligence, raised approximately $20M in a Series A2 funding round with multiple investors, led by a group company of Monoful Inc (hereafter “Monoful”).
In addition to existing investors – Monoful, Airbus Ventures, KDDI Open Innovation Fund, DEEPCORE and UTokyo IPC, several new investors participated in this round as underwriters (new investors are undisclosed). With the completion of the Series A funding round, TX has raised approximately $41M in total funding since its inception in 2017, and plans to use the funds to expand its product development team and accelerate product development and implementation for its expanding customer base in the retail store and logistics sectors.
Through this latest financing round, Monoful and TX have strengthened their partnership to further develop and implement the Augmented Workforce Platform (AWP) for logistics warehouse operations. AWP is a platform that enables workers in logistics warehouses to provide labor without being physically present at the warehouse. By providing AWP, TX is building a foundation that will allow workers to participate in the global labor market with greater convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Through this effort, TX is preparing for the trial introduction of a remote-controlled robot to existing logistics warehouses under a partnership with one of the largest logistics providers in Japan.
Currently, robots (especially industrial robots) are mainly used only in automaker factories and via general electric manufacturers. TX aims to expand the scope of robotics activities beyond the factory, transforming the fundamental nature of society. Ultimately, TX aims to create a society in which humans are connected, interacting, and evolving through network structures on multiple spatial and temporal scales.
To achieve this goal, TX will emphasize on:
Innovation that evolves ideas into practical, credible reality rather than new inventions
Quick productization rather than a series of prototypes
Engineering concrete products for the world rather than research to find new discoveries
Action-oriented doers rather than deep thinkers
Practitioners who take on the challenge of solving real social problems rather than theorists who discover new laws in the field of research
TX will further strengthen the organization by seeking the most talented people from across the globe who share these aspirations.
https://tx-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screen-Shot-2021-06-11-at-11.26.20-AM-1.png149149txadmin/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/logo-icon_画板-1-300x77.pngtxadmin2021-06-15 23:27:002022-08-04 08:03:04Telexistence raises $20M (22-oku JPY) in Series A2 round of funding. Pioneering an Augmented Workforce Platform with Aims to Transform Retail and Logistics Industries; Expanding Product Development Team
In October 2021, Telexistence, Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Jin Tomioka) and FamilyMart Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Kensuke Hosomi) will begin introducing Telexistence’s semi-autonomous remote-controlled robot and its Augmented Workforce Platform throughout FamilyMart retail stores, advancing FamilyMart’s operational infrastructure through groundbreaking remote-controlled robotic technology.
https://tx-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Logo-TX-FM.png261261TX PR/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/logo-icon_画板-1-300x77.pngTX PR2021-06-04 13:01:022021-06-05 02:37:28Remote-Controlled Robotics Innovator Telexistence to Introduce Semi-Autonomous Robot Across FamilyMart Chain; Partnership in Collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry to Launch in October 2021
TX was featured in Japan: Powering Tomorrow, a two-part documentary series, explores how the country is tackling challenges head-on through innovation and technology. From its world-renowned advances in MedTech and revolutionary developments in robotics and AI, we meet Japan’s bright thinkers who are breaking new ground to overcome the immediate impact of COVID-19, whilst also working to transform and advance our lives in a post-pandemic future. Watch the streaming on CNBC online: https://www.cnbc.com/advertorial/japan-powering-tomorrow/
On the ground floor of a towering office building overlooking Tokyo Bay, in a space intended to resemble the interior of a moon base, a convenience store is tended by a humanoid robot.
This robot isn’t out front, wowing customers. No, it is in the back, doing the unglamorous job of keeping shelves stocked. It has broad shoulders, wide eyes, a boomerang-shaped head and strange hands, capable of grabbing objects with both suction and a trio of opposable thumbs.
https://tx-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/WSJ.png292292TX PR/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/logo-icon_画板-1-300x77.pngTX PR2020-10-22 05:51:002021-06-04 05:54:39Wall Street Journal: Remote Work Isn’t Just for White-Collar Jobs Anymore
In a quiet aisle of a small supermarket in Tokyo, a robot dutifully goes about its work. Reaching down, it grabs yet another bottle of a flavoured drink that humans like, lifts it and places it on the shelf of a refrigerated unit. Then the next one. People come and go.
https://tx-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BBC.png356380TX PR/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/logo-icon_画板-1-300x77.pngTX PR2020-10-05 05:24:002021-06-04 05:45:08BBC NEWS: The robot shop worker controlled by a faraway human
Japan has the oldest population in the world, and that’s causing an acute labor shortage. With almost a third of the population aged 65 and above, finding workers can be a challenge. Increasingly, companies are turning to technology as a solution — including two of the biggest convenience store franchises in Japan, FamilyMart and Lawson.
https://tx-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CNN-1.png348348TX PR/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/logo-icon_画板-1-300x77.pngTX PR2020-09-15 05:00:002021-06-04 06:13:36CNN Business: Seven-foot robots are stacking shelves in Tokyo convenience stores
FamilyMart Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Takashi Sawada; hereafter FamilyMart) and Telexistence Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Jin Tomioka; hereafter “TX”) started trial operations of the TX robot Model-T and Augmented Workforce Platform (hereafter “AWP”) to build a new store operation model using remote control robot technology.
https://tx-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/FMTX.jpg400600TX PR/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/logo-icon_画板-1-300x77.pngTX PR2020-08-26 13:17:312021-06-04 06:02:29Telexistence Begins the Trial Operation of its Remote Controlled Robot, Model-T, at a FamilyMart Store. Aims to Realize a New Labor-Saving Store Operation Platform
Telexistence Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Jin Tomioka; hereafter “TX”) today announced the appointment of Yutaka Matsuo, Professor at Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, as the AI Technology Advisor.
https://tx-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/matsuo.jpeg183275TX PR/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/logo-icon_画板-1-300x77.pngTX PR2020-08-25 13:14:102021-06-04 06:04:44Telexistence Announces Appointment of Yutaka Matsuo, Professor at The University of Tokyo, as the AI Technology Advisor
Telexistence Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Jin Tomioka; hereafter “TX”) today announced the development of “Model-T”, that uses the Telexistence® technology to enable the establishment of Augmented Workforce Platform (hereafter “AWP”) in the retail industry.
https://tx-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/スクリーンショット-2020-07-20-19.30.05-1.png20511512TX PR/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/logo-icon_画板-1-300x77.pngTX PR2020-07-21 09:57:152021-06-04 06:05:35Model-T, a Semi-Autonomous Remote-Controlled Robot, to be Introduced to Retail Stores and Aims to Realize Augmented Workforce Platform in the Retail Industry.
Telexistence develops a new robot TX SCARA and installs it at FamilyMart METI Store. Automating backyard beverage stocking operations with a proprietary AI system.
/by TX PRTelexistence Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Jin Tomioka; hereafter TX) and FamilyMart Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Kensuke Hosomi; hereafter FamilyMart) introduced a new robot TX SCARA equipped with TX’s proprietary AI system Gordon to the “FamilyMart METI store” to perform beverage replenishment work in the backyard 24 hours a day in place of human workers, thereby automating high-volume work in a low-temperature environment where the physical load on store staff is significant.
TX SCARA is a self-developed SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) robot that can operate in a small space in a store’s backyard. It is automatically controlled by Gordon during normal operation. In the event of a restocking failure, the robot can be switched to Telexistence mode, which allows an operator to control the robot remotely through the Internet for quick recovery. In addition, “Gordon” learns from the store’s past sales data to optimize the replenishment timing according to product sales trends that change with time of day and season. Through the use of robotics and AI technology, robots will take over the task of restocking about 1,000 beverages a day, 24 hours a day. Meanwhile, store staff will be able to stay in the shop floor to perform higher value-added tasks such as customer service.
[Main Technical Features]
The Frame Problem: When solving a given task, the current artificial intelligence extracts only the information necessary for the current decision or action from the countless events that can occur in the real world, and ignores the other information in its attempts. The problem is, however, that it cannot autonomously determine what information is necessary for itself and what information it can ignore, and thus the extraction process takes infinite time.
Through the operation of the FamilyMart METI Store, FamilyMart and TX will automate and remoteize shelr restocking work, which requires a large amount of man-hours and places a heavy burden on humans. It will enable a new store operation where store staff can work via robots from anywhere, safely, as long as there is Internet access. At the same time, TX and FamilyMart will continue to build an environment that is easy to introduce robots (a robot-friendly environment), thereby accelerating the improvement of productivity, non-contact, and customer convenience.
This initiative is also part of the “Task Force to Promote the Construction of Robot Implementation Models” led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, in which FamilyMart participates since November 2019, aiming to reduce the number of workers in stores and build a new store operation infrastructure using robots.
Based on the concept of “FamilyMart, Where You Are One of the Family,” FamilyMart aims to be an indispensable place that goes beyond convenience, while staying close to the community and connecting with each customer like a family member.
TX is a robotics company that develops remote controlled robots with artificial intelligence, with the mission to change robots, change the structure, and change the world. Gathered by high expertise professionals from all over the world, the engineering team consistently develops robotic hardware, software and AI technology in-house. TX aims to expand the scope of robotics activities beyond the factory floor and transform the fundamental nature of labor society.
■Store Information
Name： Family Mart METI Store
Address： Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Building, 1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Store Hours： 7:00 〜 24:00
■Press Kit for News Organizations
Telexistence raises $20M (22-oku JPY) in Series A2 round of funding. Pioneering an Augmented Workforce Platform with Aims to Transform Retail and Logistics Industries; Expanding Product Development Team
/by txadminTelexistence Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Jin Tomioka; hereafter “TX”), a leading innovator of remote-controlled robots with artificial intelligence, raised approximately $20M in a Series A2 funding round with multiple investors, led by a group company of Monoful Inc (hereafter “Monoful”).
In addition to existing investors – Monoful, Airbus Ventures, KDDI Open Innovation Fund, DEEPCORE and UTokyo IPC, several new investors participated in this round as underwriters (new investors are undisclosed). With the completion of the Series A funding round, TX has raised approximately $41M in total funding since its inception in 2017, and plans to use the funds to expand its product development team and accelerate product development and implementation for its expanding customer base in the retail store and logistics sectors.
Through this latest financing round, Monoful and TX have strengthened their partnership to further develop and implement the Augmented Workforce Platform (AWP) for logistics warehouse operations. AWP is a platform that enables workers in logistics warehouses to provide labor without being physically present at the warehouse. By providing AWP, TX is building a foundation that will allow workers to participate in the global labor market with greater convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Through this effort, TX is preparing for the trial introduction of a remote-controlled robot to existing logistics warehouses under a partnership with one of the largest logistics providers in Japan.
Currently, robots (especially industrial robots) are mainly used only in automaker factories and via general electric manufacturers. TX aims to expand the scope of robotics activities beyond the factory, transforming the fundamental nature of society. Ultimately, TX aims to create a society in which humans are connected, interacting, and evolving through network structures on multiple spatial and temporal scales.
To achieve this goal, TX will emphasize on:
TX will further strengthen the organization by seeking the most talented people from across the globe who share these aspirations.
Remote-Controlled Robotics Innovator Telexistence to Introduce Semi-Autonomous Robot Across FamilyMart Chain; Partnership in Collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry to Launch in October 2021
/0 Comments/by TX PR2021/6/4
In October 2021, Telexistence, Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Jin Tomioka) and FamilyMart Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Kensuke Hosomi) will begin introducing Telexistence’s semi-autonomous remote-controlled robot and its Augmented Workforce Platform throughout FamilyMart retail stores, advancing FamilyMart’s operational infrastructure through groundbreaking remote-controlled robotic technology.
Read moreCNBC Documentary “Japan: Powering Tomorrow”
/0 Comments/by TX PR2020/12/29
TX was featured in Japan: Powering Tomorrow, a two-part documentary series, explores how the country is tackling challenges head-on through innovation and technology. From its world-renowned advances in MedTech and revolutionary developments in robotics and AI, we meet Japan’s bright thinkers who are breaking new ground to overcome the immediate impact of COVID-19, whilst also working to transform and advance our lives in a post-pandemic future. Watch the streaming on CNBC online: https://www.cnbc.com/advertorial/japan-powering-tomorrow/
Wall Street Journal: Remote Work Isn’t Just for White-Collar Jobs Anymore
/0 Comments/by TX PR2020/10/22
On the ground floor of a towering office building overlooking Tokyo Bay, in a space intended to resemble the interior of a moon base, a convenience store is tended by a humanoid robot.
This robot isn’t out front, wowing customers. No, it is in the back, doing the unglamorous job of keeping shelves stocked. It has broad shoulders, wide eyes, a boomerang-shaped head and strange hands, capable of grabbing objects with both suction and a trio of opposable thumbs.
Read More on WSJ Online: https://www.wsj.com/articles/remote-work-isnt-just-for-white-collar-jobs-anymore-11603371826
BBC NEWS: The robot shop worker controlled by a faraway human
/0 Comments/by TX PR2020/10/26
In a quiet aisle of a small supermarket in Tokyo, a robot dutifully goes about its work. Reaching down, it grabs yet another bottle of a flavoured drink that humans like, lifts it and places it on the shelf of a refrigerated unit. Then the next one. People come and go.
Read More on BBC News Online: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54232563
CNN Business: Seven-foot robots are stacking shelves in Tokyo convenience stores
/0 Comments/by TX PR2020/9/15
Japan has the oldest population in the world, and that’s causing an acute labor shortage. With almost a third of the population aged 65 and above, finding workers can be a challenge. Increasingly, companies are turning to technology as a solution — including two of the biggest convenience store franchises in Japan, FamilyMart and Lawson.
Read More on CNN Online: https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/14/business/robots-japan-supermarkets-spc-intl/index.html
Telexistence Begins the Trial Operation of its Remote Controlled Robot, Model-T, at a FamilyMart Store. Aims to Realize a New Labor-Saving Store Operation Platform
/0 Comments/by TX PR2020/08/26
FamilyMart Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Takashi Sawada; hereafter FamilyMart) and Telexistence Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Jin Tomioka; hereafter “TX”) started trial operations of the TX robot Model-T and Augmented Workforce Platform (hereafter “AWP”) to build a new store operation model using remote control robot technology.
Read moreTelexistence Announces Appointment of Yutaka Matsuo, Professor at The University of Tokyo, as the AI Technology Advisor
/0 Comments/by TX PR2020/08/24
Telexistence Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Jin Tomioka; hereafter “TX”) today announced the appointment of Yutaka Matsuo, Professor at Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, as the AI Technology Advisor.
Read moreModel-T, a Semi-Autonomous Remote-Controlled Robot, to be Introduced to Retail Stores and Aims to Realize Augmented Workforce Platform in the Retail Industry.
/0 Comments/by TX PR2020/07/21
Telexistence Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Jin Tomioka; hereafter “TX”) today announced the development of “Model-T”, that uses the Telexistence® technology to enable the establishment of Augmented Workforce Platform (hereafter “AWP”) in the retail industry.
Company and Model-T Introduction Movie：https://youtu.be/ReM6RDxg7-0
Read more