Toyoda Gosei invests in ‘omnidirectional’ robots start-up

Kiyosu, Japan – Toyoda Gosei (TG) has made an undisclosed level of investment in TriOrb Inc., a start-up specialising in robots capable of “omnidirectional movement.”

Kyushu Institute of Technology spin-out TriOrb is developing mobile robots with spheres instead of regular tires to enable smooth movement in all directions.

The start-up is also developing autonomous-mobility software for the robots that are intended to improve productivity on manufacturing floors, TG said 30 Sept.

According to the release,the units are capable of moving in tight spaces or on uneven floors where conventional tires are inappropriate.

The robots are, therefore, expected to be used in manufacturing sites and help address labour shortages and/or heavy-lifting tasks.

TG said it invested in TriOrb with a view to utilising the technology for higher automation and efficiency of its manufacturing processes.