Japan’s First Fully Autonomous Robot-Guided Tours Begin at MIZKAN MUSEUM

Enhancing Visitor Experience and Supporting Sustainable Operations

2025.09.30 10:30

Incubion Inc.　Living Robot Inc.

[Handa, Aichi], Japan – September 30,2025 – MIZKAN MUSEUM (Handa, Aichi, "MIM"), an interactive museum operated by MIZKAN Group, has launched Japan’s first fully autonomous robot-guided tour. The implementation, supported by Incubion Inc. and Living Robot Inc., marks a step forward in applying robotics to museum operations.

The robot now conducts tours of the museum’s “Room of Earth” area. This role was previously carried out by dedicated staff. The system enables visitors to be guided through the space while receiving commentary on key exhibits—without human intervention from tour start to finish.

案内ロボット「みむみん」

Pic1.Guide robot stand-by mode at the "Room of Earth"

■From Pilot to Full Operation

The initiative followed a two-week pilot test in fall 2024. MIM, which promotes culinary culture under the theme “Look, Touch, and Enjoy”, introduced the robot with the aim of providing visitors with a new type of experience through automated guidance.

During the pilot, several robot models were evaluated, and temi USA inc.’s autonomous mobile guide robot “Temi V3” was selected. For the transition to full-scale deployment, it was not enough to simply install the robot—technical and operational hurdles had to be overcome to make unattended tours feasible and safe.

■Collaboration and Roles

The most challenging tasks included enabling the robot to synchronize its commentary with exhibit features such as moving displays, refining operational scenarios to reduce risks during unmanned operation, and aligning the system with the museum’s mission of delivering interactive visitor experiences.

Incubion worked closely with the museum to capture its on-site needs and translated them into feasible, safety-focused operational scenarios. Living Robot then performed the system integration for Temi, developing the control architecture that allowed the robot to trigger exhibit equipment at precise timings in coordination with its guidance.

Together, these efforts addressed two challenges that had previously required staff involvement—exhibit coordination and reliable unmanned operation—making it possible for the tours to run fully autonomously.

■Visitor and Staff Response

Since September 2025, the robot has been conducting 15-minute tours that explain the history of vinegar making and highlight features of the exhibition. Tours begin automatically at scheduled times, four times per hour.

Post-visit surveys indicate positive reception from visitors and staff alike, citing the novelty of the robot’s guidance and its contribution to a more sustainable operational framework for the museum.

■Looking Ahead

The successful shift from pilot testing to daily operation demonstrates how advanced robotics can be implemented when technical expertise is combined with careful attention to on-site requirements. Both companies will continue to deliver practical robot solutions that address customer needs through effective and sustainable deployment.

■About Incubion Inc.

Incubion is a robotics consulting and solution provider based in Japan. The company makes robots usable in real-world settings by bridging manufacturers and end-users, specializing in scenario design, safety frameworks, and requirement definition for deployments in environments such as museums, airports, and public facilities. For more information, visit incubion.com.

■About Living Robot Inc.

Living Robot Inc., founded in April 2018, develops partner robot platforms and life innovation solutions. With expertise in hardware and software, the company creates robots that support communication, caregiving, and education.

■About MIZKAN MUSEUM(”MIM")

MIZKAN MUSEUM operated by MIZKAN Group in Handa, Aichi, is an interactive museum themed "Culinary culture: See, Touch, and Enjoy.” The museum highlights the history of Mizkan's vinegar production, brewing, and craftsmanship, while preserving the canal’s black-walled scenery and promoting values of tradition, innovation, and sustainability.

案内中の様子