Introduction to the Research Institute

About the Intelligent Systems Research Institute

We, the Intelligent Systems Research Institute, are dedicated to addressing urgent societal challenges in Japan—such as population decline and an aging society—through cutting-edge science and technology.

By using sensing technologies to capture real-world data in real-time, performing high-level optimization and decision-making in cyberspace, and feeding the results back into the physical world, we advance Cyber–Physical Systems (CPS). CPS represents the next-generation foundational technologies that intelligently and autonomously support a diverse array of societal activities. Through CPS, we aim to dramatically enhance societal productivity and efficiency.

Our division integrates core technologies including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), high-precision sensing, and safe and reliable control systems. We are committed to researching and developing “intelligent systems” that recognize environmental and human conditions in real time, and act and respond autonomously depending on the situation. These intelligent systems collaborate with humans to perform tasks flexibly and efficiently, forming the intellectual backbone of future societies.

Specifically, we advance next-generation robotics and automation, including advanced robots, teleoperated robots, humanoid robots, drones, personal mobility, automated transport services, and technologies to enhance their safety. To accelerate social implementation, we have established a testbed model at the CPS Research Building of the AIST Tokyo Waterfront, simulating real-world environments like logistics and retail. Through this environment, we actively promote demonstration and cooperation across industry–academia–government sectors.

Our division operates from two main locations—the Tsukuba Central Site (with two groups, four teams) and the AIST Tokyo Waterfront (one team)—and works in close collaboration with three implementation research centers established in April 2025:

• Well-being Implementation Research Center
• Next-Generation Manufacturing Implementation Research Center
• Resilient Infrastructure Implementation Research Center

By linking our foundational technologies to real societal problem-solving, we aim for a more sustainable and vibrant future society. Please look forward to the Intelligent Systems Research Institute, the pioneers shaping tomorrow’s world.

Organization Chart

As of April 1, 2025

flowchart TB
  ISRI["Intelligent Systems Research Institute"]
  ISRI --> TIR["Task-Intelligent Robotics Research Group"]
  ISRI --> FR["Field Robotics Research Group"]
  ISRI --> TR["Trustworthy Robotics Research Group"]
  ISRI --> SM["Smart Mobility Research Group"]
  ISRI --> JRL["CNRS–AIST Joint Robotics Laboratory"]
  ISRI --> MEL["Mitsubishi Electric–AIST Human-Centric System Design CRL"]
  classDef institute fill:#12384c,color:#fff,stroke:#12384c,stroke-width:2px
  classDef group fill:#e7f3f6,color:#12384c,stroke:#6bb7c6
  class ISRI institute
  class TIR,FR,TR,SM,JRL,MEL group

Schematic overview of research groups and joint laboratories. See Members for details.

• Intelligent Systems Resesarch Institute was established on April 1, 2025.

Research Site

AIST Tsukuba Central 2 (Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture)
AIST Tokyo Waterfront (Koto ku, Tokyo)