RGT SIRBOT: Serving Robot Piloting in Japan's Entertainment at JOYSOUND

RGT, a leading South Korean service robot solutions provider, announced on February 19 that it has launched a pilot test for its serving robot, SIRBOT, in collaboration with XING INC., a major karaoke company in Japan operating the JOYSOUND brand. The test is taking place at "JOYSOUND Shibuya Minamiguchi Ekimae," a karaoke venue operated by XING’s subsidiary, in the heart of Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya district.

XING is one of Japan’s most prominent karaoke operators, managing both directly owned JOYSOUND stores and an extensive entertainment network across Japan. Since introducing Japan’s first networked karaoke system in 1992, XING has been committed to creating entertainment experiences that bring smiles to people’s faces and enrich lives while contributing to the growth of the music entertainment industry.

The JOYSOUND Shibuya Minamiguchi Ekimae store, where SIRBOT has been deployed, is located in a prime area of Tokyo, known for its iconic Scramble Crossing and a hub for commercial and tourism activities. The district hosts various global brands and franchises, serving as a trendsetting hotspot.

A XING representative commented, “Japan’s service industry is facing a severe labor shortage, and we are actively exploring automation strategies to improve operational efficiency. Through this initiative, we are evaluating the potential for further adoption of serving robots in the Japanese market.” The representative also emphasized, “With SIRBOT’s implementation, we aim to enhance store operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.”

Furthermore, XING highlighted that "Brand trust and stability are critical factors when selecting products in the Japanese market, and SIRBOT stood out for its strong reputation in Korea. In particular, its AI-driven autonomous navigation, advanced obstacle avoidance, and precise path control were key factors in our decision. Additionally, its strong maintenance and software optimization capabilities provide a competitive edge."

This expansion into Japan was supported by Seoul Business Agency (SBA) and its startup acceleration hub, Seoul Startup Hub M+. The initiative is part of the "Seoul Startup Hub M+ Partners Support Program," which aims to facilitate investment and global scaling opportunities for Seoul-based startups. The project was executed through Creww Korea’s "Japan Open Innovation Program 2024 Dive Into Japan."

Since 2023, this program has been a key gateway for Korean startups to enter the Japanese market, fostering collaborations with leading Japanese mid-sized and large corporations, including Hitachi, AOI Pro, Sinanen Holdings, Nippon Life Insurance Company, Gaspal, XING, and Otafuku Sauce. Creww Korea CEO Kyu-Sik Choi emphasized, “Collaborating with local accelerators and securing proof-of-concept (PoC) projects with major Japanese corporations is the crucial first step for Korean startups entering the Japanese market.”

An RGT spokesperson added, “SIRBOT has already been successfully deployed in over 12 countries, proving its market potential. With this pilot project at JOYSOUND Shibuya Minamiguchi Ekimae, we are eager to accelerate our expansion into Japan’s serving robot industry.”

Additional Information

• XING INC.
  • CEO: Yasushi Mizutani
  • Headquarters: 4-3 Momozonocho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, 467-0855

RGT (Robotics Global Technology)

• CEO: Ho-Jeong Jung
• Headquarters: 4F, 406, 118 Jungang-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
• Creww Korea
  • Established in 2023, Creww Korea is an accelerator that supports Korean startups by facilitating open innovation projects with major Japanese corporations and local governments to help startups expand their business and validate their market potential in Japan.
• Seoul Startup Hub M+
  • Seoul Startup Hub M+ is a startup support center established in Magok Industrial Complex, Seoul, to promote collaboration between large and small businesses. It serves as a key hub for startup acceleration and open innovation, supporting various global acceleration programs.