Introducing Next-Generation AI Robotics Technology to the Hokkaido Ecosystem

Sapporo City had the privilege of hosting AI Robotics, a leading Singaporean company specializing in advanced autonomous driving technology, for a series of exchange programs with various partners across Hokkaido at the end of November 2025.

The purpose of this invitation program was to introduce cutting-edge technology to the Hokkaido and Sapporo region, aiming to build a foundation for problem-solving and industrial growth in the increasingly competitive global field of autonomous driving.

AI Robotics introduced an innovative approach utilizing Physical-AI, which operates without reliance on external sensors such as GPS or LiDAR—systems that most conventional autonomous driving platforms depend on.

The key features of their technology are transparency and high reliability. By continuously logging system data and mathematically verifying every action, the technology successfully avoids the “black box” issue of opaque internal decision processes. This innovation holds significant potential for safe, low-cost autonomous solutions, particularly in demanding environments such as agriculture, logistics, and cold-weather regions.

Through this visit, we reaffirmed that autonomous driving technologies are diverse, with each category having different processes, costs, and safety models.

The success of this program was made possible through a broad and diverse partnership, including the Hokkaido Prefectural Government, Sapporo Electronics Center, Hokkaido University, STEP and regional partners like Obihiro City and local businesses. Discussions held at key locations, such as the Sapporo Sato-Land Farm Park and Obihiro City’s innovation hub (LAND), opened concrete avenues for technology implementation.

Sapporo City will continue to proactively introduce such excellent international technologies to Hokkaido and Japan, thereby addressing regional challenges and promoting international industrial collaboration. We are committed to building a robust foundation for shaping future growth together.

We sincerely thank all the participating organizations for their cooperation.