At the International Robot Exhibition 2009, held at Tokyo Big Sight from November 25 through 28, Sumitomo Corporation and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. held a joint press conference to unveil a new robotic cleaning system.

Since it moved its headquarters to Harumi Triton Square in 2001, Sumitomo Corporation has been using a robotic system that automatically cleans its offices overnight. The robot boards the elevator and cleans corridors and other common areas throughout the building without assistance. The new model--known as Office Area Cleaning Robot System--is about 60% smaller than its predecessor; using its sensor, it navigates between desks by avoiding obstacles; and it functions continuously for up to 2.5 hours on a single charge.

Reporters raised a number of questions related to the robot's release date, price, etc. Answering those questions, Hiroki Inoue (General Manager, Construction and Real Estate Division) explained that the company plans to complete field tests by the end of next year and then release the robot, which would retail at around 3 to 4 million yen. Inoue explained, "Due to the declining birth rate and aging population, it is becoming more difficult to hold onto office building cleaners. In such times, a robot that can clean and work with people will satisfy the needs of companies."

Please visit the first issue in the Project EYE series, "11:00 p.m.: Time to Go to Work," in our corporate Web site to read more about Sumitomo Corporation's joint development with Fuji Heavy Industries of this cleaning robot.