We have started collaborating with the small autonomous transport robot "KachakaPro" and our solutions! On-site digital transformation with transport and video calling!
In recent years, against the backdrop of a declining birthrate and aging population, as well as labor shortages, the importance of improving work efficiency and DX (digital transformation) has been increasing in various fields such as hospitals and factories. In particular, in the medical field, there is a problem that staff have a heavy burden of transporting instruments and medicines between consultations, which reduces the time they can spend with patients. In factories and offices, labor is allocated to cumbersome material transportation work, which is an obstacle to improving productivity. The introduction of autonomous driving robots has attracted attention as a means of solving these problems, and cases of using transport robots are actually beginning to increase.
In such a situation,Remote presence technologyiPresence, which provides the service, has developed a new small autonomous delivery robot,Kachaka Pro" We have started selling this product.Carrying thingswithVideophoneThis robot, which can integrate the functions of remote communication, will strongly support the promotion of DX in the field. Conventionally, transport robots have been expensive, costing over several million yen each, and there have been many cases where the hurdles to introducing them have been high.Low cost (100 million yen range) and easy to implementThis article provides a detailed overview of the product, its features, use cases, and the benefits provided by iPresence.
What is KachakaPro? (Product Overview and Features)
"Kachaka Pro" is a robot developed by Japanese startup Preferred Robotics.This is an autonomous mobile transport robot (AMR).The compact robot, measuring just 24cm wide and 38.7cm deep, is equipped with advanced AI and SLAM technology, allowing it to move freely around the building and transport items according to instructions, not just set routes.Weight 30kgIt can carry up to 55 items (including special shelves) and has the maneuverability to move smoothly even in narrow passages (minimum width XNUMX cm). This allows it to move smoothly through narrow passages, which was difficult for conventional transport robots to do.Narrow corridors in clinics and small storesBut you can drive and work without any problems.
Features of Kachaka Pro
Small, inexpensive, and easy to operate
The main features of KachakaPro are that it is small, inexpensive, and easy to operate.All you need is a smartphone and a Wi-Fi connection, and you can operate it immediately without any specialist knowledge. Once you create a map and set a destination according to the dedicated app, it will start driving automatically.By using a physical button (click button), it is possible to execute a specific action with one push without using a smartphone or using voice commands. LiDAR sensors are used for obstacle detection, ensuring high autonomous driving performance and safety by allowing the robot to safely pass people and objects.
Docking mechanism with dedicated "shelf unit"
Furthermore, the biggest feature of KachakaPro is the dedicated "Shelf unit" This is a docking mechanism. Since multiple shelves can be attached, detached, and replaced while transporting,One device, multiple rolesFor example, it can swap empty shelves for loaded ones at a certain point and quickly switch to transporting goods for a different purpose. This flexibility allows it to be used for serving food, collecting items, cleaning, etc.Use different shelves for different purposesOperation will be realized.
Integration with iPresence solutions
Kachaka Pro is basically autonomous.Automatic transportHowever, what makes it unique is the iPresenceHigh compatibility with remote control and videophone functionsFor example, a remote manager can operate a robot and deliver goods while talking to on-site staff over videophone.It is also possible to use it in a more integrated way by linking it with the iPresence solution.
In fact, other telerobot products offered by iPresence (e.g. temi)It is used as an autonomous mobile avatar robot that is equipped with video, conversation, and movement capabilities, making it feel as if a person is actually there. Similarly, the appeal of KachakaPro is that by combining it with remote communication functions, it can provide a new solution in which a person can go to a location via a robot and deliver things.
Possible uses in factories, offices, and hospitals (existing case studies)
Kachaka Pro isFrom manufacturing factories to clinics and officesIt is being introduced in a wide range of fields, contributing to improved work efficiency in each industry. Below, we will introduce examples of its use and its potential, focusing on "factories" and "hospitals."
Examples of use in factories and offices
In manufacturing and office environments, KachakaPro isReplace routine transportation tasks previously performed by humansToda Construction Co., a major construction company, has installed KachakaPro in their new headquarters building, and is achieving results in the large office floors.Automate the collection of used coffee cupsAs a result, the staff's daily collection work, which required walking more than 1km round trip, was reduced, allowing them to focus on their core business at the cafe.
Also, at one logistics centerBy entrusting all transportation work within the company to KachakaPro, the labor of making multiple trips has been reduced, and the workplace has become quieter as a result of reduced foot traffic.It has been reported that by entrusting repetitive transportation tasks such as supplying parts to manufacturing lines and picking and delivering items in warehouses to robots,Field staff can focus on higher value-added tasksIt looks like
In addition, KachakaPro can be connected to existing systems in the factory through API integration, so it can be linked to manufacturing instructions and inventory management systems.Building a smart factory that automatically transports the necessary materialsThe following applications are also possible.
Preferred Robotics, the manufacturer of the robot introduced in this article, has published examples of its use in factories on a special website.CLICK HERE .
Examples of use in the medical field
KatakaPro is used in hospitals and dental clinics to reduce the time doctors and nurses spend carrying medical records and treatment equipment.
For example, at KK Clinic Ichihara in Chiba Prefecture,By entrusting the transportation of medical records to KatyaKaPro, staff movements were significantly reduced, allowing them to spend more time with patients.It has been reported that another dental clinic uses a robot to transport treatment instruments back and forth.While the robot was carrying the equipment, the doctors could concentrate on explaining things to the patients, helping to ease their anxiety.There are also voices saying, "In this way, there are an increasing number of cases where the introduction of robots has reduced the burden on medical staff while improving patient services.Digital transformation of in-hospital logisticsThere is great potential for this.
Synergy with iPresence (integration with remote control technology and proprietary development capabilities)
In order to maximize the benefits of introducing KachakaPro, iPresence hasIt is also important to note the synergy with remote presence technology. iPresence has previously used telepresence robots such as temi and Double3 to create an environment where users can communicate and work as if they were there by operating the robots from a remote location.For example, in the context of factory DX, implementation is progressing in which managers can access robots in factories via the Internet and remotely patrol the site and give work instructions while viewing real-time video. By handling KachakaPro, iPresence, which has such know-how, will be able to realize a new solution of "remote operation x autonomous transport."
Specifically, by utilizing the iPresence cloud platform and remote control app,Control and monitor your KachakaPro from a distanceIt is expected that this will become possible. Managers and engineers can check the camera footage of the robot from their own desk or a remote location, and instruct the robot on its destination and operation as necessary. This will make it possible, for example, to centrally manage robots in factories at multiple locations, or to remotely respond to emergencies on-site via the robot. Previously, it was possible to operate and obtain data via a public API using the KachakaPro alone, but with iPresenceRemote communication infrastructure and user application development capabilitiesBy combining it with this, we can provide an even easier-to-use and more advanced remote transport system.
In addition, iPresence has been involved in the customization and software integration of telerobots.System integration tailored to each user company's business flowFor example, in a hospital, it can be linked to an electronic medical record system or a nurse call system, and in a factory, it can be linked to a production management system or an inventory management IoT sensor.Using robots to blend into the overall digital transformation environment at work sitesThe advantage of working with iPresence is that we can propose solutions that are tailored to the needs of each site, rather than simply selling equipment.Application development, UI design, cloud integrationBy providing a comprehensive solution that includes all of this, companies that adopt robots can proceed with their use with peace of mind.
In summary, by iPresence starting to handle KachakaPro,A new service will be born that combines "autonomous transport robots" + "remote presence technology" + "on-site oriented development capabilities." This is a very encouraging synergy for companies promoting on-site DX, and will lead to smart, interactive business automation that goes beyond simply replacing human work.This will be the key to achieving this.
Extensibility through customized development
The standard version of KachakaPro is a multifunctional robot, butCustomizability to meet unique needsOn the hardware side, the aforementioned dedicated shelves can be customized to suit the on-site requirements of each industry.Custom designs availableWe also support the development of attachments for specific applications, such as serving trays for restaurants, medicine trays for hospitals, and parts case stands for factories.
In terms of software, KachakaPro isPublic APIIt is equipped with a function that allows flexible integration with external systems and custom programming. For example, it is possible to send automatic instructions to the robot from an existing business system, or obtain driving status data from the robot and use it for analysis. In an actual implementation example, Toda Construction linked its in-house IoT button with the API of KachakaPro,A system that allows a robot to execute a series of actions from departure to transportation to return with the push of a buttonBy using the API in this way, you can easily create your own programs without having to do any complex programming.Integration with existing tools and workflow automationThis will make it possible to expand the uses of robots, depending on the ingenuity and creativity of those on-site.
To further maximize the flexibility of the KachaKaPro, iPresence hasSupport for customized development for each user companyEven if you do not have in-house development resources, iPresence's engineering team will listen to your requirements and propose and implement the appropriate software modifications and system integration. For example, iPresence's capabilities can be used to meet requests such as "I want to automatically launch a robot in conjunction with a specific in-house sensor," "I want to centrally manage multiple robots from a remote smartphone," and "I want to visualize the robot's driving map on a digital twin."Knowledge of web, app and robot developmentIn addition, if you want to add new functions or connect to other systems in the future, KachakaPro can be easily updated with software or expansion modules.RetrofittingTherefore, once introduced, you can continue to use it over a long period of time while evolving and adapting. This flexibility and scalability are what make KachakaPro a reliable partner for promoting digital transformation.
Proposal for introduction to DX promotion department and future prospects
For those in charge of promoting digital transformation in their companies (the so-called "DX promotion department"), KachakaPro isFirst, start with a small-scale robot that makes it easy to verify the effectivenessIt is worth considering introducing it as a robot. The initial cost is in the 100 million yen range, the lowest in the industry, so even in cases where a large robot costing several million yen was out of reach,Trial implementation on a small budgetIt is also possible to lease or rent the equipment, and it is easy to measure the effectiveness of a proof of concept (PoC) for a set period of time.Short-term rental services and PoC support programsWe also offer a trial version, and we recommend that you first place the robot on-site and experience the impact of solving your problems. (*) For example, we will collect and analyze data such as "How many hours of work were saved after a three-month trial in a certain department," and provide full support for steps such as demonstrating the ROI of a full-scale implementation within the company.
In addition, as a future outlook, KachakaPro and its related servicesContinuous evolutionPreferred Robotics, the developer, said:The 100kg payload model is scheduled for release around March 2026, and the group control model is scheduled for release around summer 3.The scope of application of robotic automation is expected to expand further in the future. For example, in the future, robots deployed in large numbers in factories and hospitals will work together and cooperate with elevators and automatic doors.Autonomous control of logistics throughout the buildingWe are also considering advanced operations such as the above. iPresence will continue to support these latest models and systems, and will be prepared to always propose optimal solutions that meet the needs of our users.
In addition, iPresence itself is evolving in line with the development of remote presence technology.Flexible and scalable solutionsWe plan to continue providing this service and expand it both domestically and overseas. The launch of KachakaPro is part of this effort, and we intend to develop it into a service that strongly supports on-site DX while incorporating customer feedback. Going forward, we would like to work with everyone in the DX Promotion Department to identify on-site issues, verify the effectiveness, and accompany the full-scale implementation, creating "a new way of working where people and robots work together."
(*Please contact us for details on rental and PoC support.)
Inquiries and introduction consultation
If you would like to consider installing KachakaPro or request a demo, please feel free to contact us.Contact iPresenceOur staff will carefully respond to your inquiries, from listening to your on-site issues to proposing the optimal plan and supporting your trial implementation.
- Contact: Our websiteInquiry pageYou can contact us at:
We also have the latest product catalogs and case studies available, so please let us know if you are interested. iPresence supports your digital transformation efforts.Telepresence x Autonomous Mobile RobotBut we can help. Please take this opportunity to consider using KachakaPro as the first step towards work style reform in your workplace. We look forward to hearing from you.
