Kyushu Institute of Technology is currently working on practical research and development of future industrial robots as part of the Cabinet Office's regional development project (October 2018 - March 2028: government subsidy until March 2023) in cooperation with the City of Kitakyushu, Yaskawa Electric Corporation and the Kitakyushu Foundation for the Advancement of Industry, Science and Technology.
iART program aims to develop autonomous robots that use robotics and artificial intelligence to creatively improve the production and efficiency of robots, to create technologies that address the issues faced by local companies, and to conduct research on Innovative robotics/AI technology (iART) in collaboration with international students, Japanese students and local companies that will contribute to the prosperity of local industries to develop human resources that can lead iART in the region and in their home countries. The main areas covered are ASEAN.