Global Robotics Industry Converges on Japan for Humanoids Summit Tokyo 2026

Leaders across robotics, physical AI, and automation gather in Tokyo this May

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tokyo is emerging as a global center for humanoid robotics as industry leaders from around the world prepare to gather for the Humanoids Summit Tokyo, taking place May 28–29, 2026 at the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center.

First announced in December as the Summit’s inaugural Asia edition, the Tokyo event is building strong momentum as the global robotics community focuses on humanoid robots, early deployments, and the broader rise of physical AI. The fourth Humanoids Summit overall, and the first held in Asia, builds on prior events in Silicon Valley and London.

“The future isn’t shaped by the robots on video — it’s shaped by the robots on the job,” said Modar Alaoui, Founder of Humanoids Summit and General Partner of ALM Ventures. “Tokyo is the right place for this conversation. Japan brings world-class robotics talent and a long cultural connection to humanoid technology, making it a critical hub for the industry’s next chapter.”

Information and registration are available at https://humanoidssummit.com/.

Tokyo at the Center of a Robotics Inflection Point

Japan has long been a global leader in robotics. As the country accelerates investment in automation to address structural labor shortages and demographic change, Tokyo is emerging as a focal point for discussions around humanoid systems and next-generation embodied AI. To date, more than 40 speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors are already confirmed, reflecting strong early participation from both international and Japanese organizations.

Renowned roboticist Hiroshi Ishiguro will deliver the opening keynote, including a highly anticipated on-stage live demonstration featuring his Geminoid humanoid robot. Ishiguro is Director of the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory, part of the Department of Systems Innovation in the Graduate School of Engineering Science at Osaka University. Other speakers include leaders from organizations including Google DeepMind and other global leaders in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Japan’s robotics community — including leading academic researchers, industrial robotics companies, and emerging startups — is expected to play a central role in the event.

Participating companies include Apptronik, Archetype AI, AVITA, Booster Robotics, Boston Dynamics, Contact CI, Cooley LLP, DYNA Robotics, FEV Consulting, FieldAI, Fraunhofer, General Motors, Harmonic Drive, Honda, Infineon, Lightwheel, LimX Dynamics, McKinsey & Company, Mentee Robotics, MERPHI, NEC, Panasonic, PSYONIC, Qualcomm, Renesas, RLWRLD, Sanctuary AI, TRON K.K., Toyota, Ugo, and Unitree, alongside dozens of additional companies from the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Live Demonstrations and Industry Insight

The program will feature live humanoid demonstrations, including on-stage presentations with active robotic systems, offering attendees a direct look at how these technologies are evolving in real-world environments.

Sessions will explore key themes shaping the next phase of the industry, including:

• Commercialization and deployment pathways
• Manufacturing scale and supply chains
• Capital allocation and venture investment
• Advances in world models and spatial AI

Humanoid safety will be a dedicated focus of the program, with contributions from Cooley LLP on emerging regulatory frameworks and deployment considerations. McKinsey & Company will provide an analyst perspective on the evolving humanoid landscape and global market trends.

Industry Perspectives

“Humanoid robots help us understand both technology and ourselves. As robots become more present in human environments, it’s important for the global community to discuss not only how we build them, but how we live with them. Gatherings such as the Humanoids Summit Tokyo bring together researchers, builders, and industry leaders to discuss how these technologies will evolve and integrate into society.”
— Hiroshi Ishiguro, Director of the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory at Osaka University and founder of ATR Hiroshi Ishiguro Laboratories

“Japan’s aging population and labor challenges make robotics and physical AI more important than ever. Humanoids Summit Tokyo brings together global innovators at exactly the right moment as humanoid systems begin moving from research into the real world.”
— Toshikazu Okuya, Deputy Director General, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

“At Toyota, we believe robotics and AI will play an important role in supporting people and expanding the concept of mobility beyond transportation. Humanoids Summit Tokyo provides an important opportunity for researchers, innovators, and industry leaders to collaborate on the next generation of human-centered robotics.”
— Tomohiro Nomi, Head of Humanoid Robotics Research Unit, Toyota

“GMO Internet Group is proud to serve as a Signature Sponsor of Humanoids Summit Tokyo. As robotics, AI, and digital infrastructure increasingly converge, we believe it is essential to support forums that bring together innovators from around the world to advance the next generation of intelligent machines.”
— Tomohiro Uchida, Group Senior Managing Executive Officer, GMO Internet Group

“Recent advances in AI, actuation, and perception are bringing humanoid robotics closer to practical deployment. The key question now is how quickly these systems can move from pilots to scalable industrial applications, and forums like Humanoids Summit Tokyo are where those conversations are happening.”
— Ani Kelkar, Partner, McKinsey & Company

Registration

The event is intentionally curated to bring together a focused group of decision-makers across technology, industry, and policy.

With demand already building, exhibition space is nearly fully allocated, and final sponsor placements are currently being confirmed.

Registration remains open, with a limited number of early-price tickets available.

Registration: www.humanoidssummit.com/register

Sponsorship inquiries: www.humanoidssummit.com/exhibit-or-sponsor

About Humanoids Summit

Humanoids Summit is a global platform dedicated to humanoids, physical AI, and autonomy. With established editions in Silicon Valley, Tokyo and London, the Summit brings together leaders across technology, industry, and policy to shape the next phase of intelligent machines operating in human environments.