NSK Ltd.
Corporate Communications Department
Strategic Investment in AI Robotic Company, RT Corporation
NSK Ltd. (Head Office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Akitoshi Ichii; hereinafter “NSK”) has entered into a Business Partnership Agreement with RT Corporation (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative: CEO: Yukiko Nakagawa; hereinafter “RT”) and acquired part of RT’s shares through a third-party allotment of new shares. As a result, NSK now holds more than one-third of RT’s voting rights.
RT is a pioneering company in the development and social implementation of “robots that flexibly collaborate with humans,” such as humanoids and other AI-powered robotic systems. RT is building a foundation for the production and supply chain for the next-generation AI robots (not limited to humanoids but encompassing all AI-powered devices), based on Physical AI—artificial intelligence that enables machines to understand and act in the real world.
By combining RT’s advanced AI and robotics technologies with NSK’s long-standing expertise in tribology, analysis technologies, and product technologies such as bearings and linear motion products, the two companies will be able to develop and deliver higher value-added robotic products and services.
Key initiatives under the Business Partnership Agreement include:
●Practical implementation of domestically produced quadruped robots
●Joint development and collaboration for deploying humanoid robots in manufacturing industry
●Strengthening R&D in AI, hardware, and software technologies
●Exchange of technical and sales personnel to enhance proposal capabilities and market expansion
NSK will leverage this partnership to accelerate its full-scale entry into the robotics business, aiming to solve social issues such as labor shortages in manufacturing and service industries through AI and robotics technologies, and to realize “a robotic society that coexists with humankind”.
RT Corporation’s press release is available here (English follows Japanese):
About RT Corporation
Founded in 2005, RT Corporation promotes the vision of “Life with Robot®” and “Work with Robot®,” aiming to build a society where humans and robots live and work together. RT develops original AI robots, including humanoid and quadruped types, integrating embedded and Physical AI with hardware technologies. Its hands-on development approach contributes to labor-saving, productivity, and solving social issues.
RT also leads the spread of foundational robotics technologies in Japan through open-source platforms like ROS. It has built a comprehensive system from R&D to real-world implementation and is committed to educating and nurturing the next generation of robotics engineers.
For more information about RT, please visit RT’s website:
About NSK
NSK produced the first bearings in Japan in 1916 and over the past 100 years, it has supported the development of industries worldwide by creating various innovative products and technologies in bearings, automotive parts, and precision machinery. Since the early 1960s, the company has expanded overseas and now has operations in about 30 countries. It ranks third in the world in the field of bearings and leads the world in ball screws, electric power steering, and other products.