Insider Brief
- Kanematsu Corporation has partnered with Intuition Robotics to co-develop and launch a Japanese market version of ElliQ, the AI companion robot for older adults, marking the company’s first international expansion outside the U.S.
- Kanematsu has also invested in Intuition Robotics, bringing the company’s total equity funding to $85 million, and plans to leverage its 20,000+ partner network to introduce ElliQ to Japan in 2026.
- ElliQ, already used by thousands of U.S. seniors, provides health management, preventive care, reminders, and social interaction, with studies showing it reduces loneliness (94%), improves wellness (97%), and enhances quality of life (90%).
PRESS RELEASE – Kanematsu Corporation (“Kanematsu”) and Intuition Robotics Ltd. (“Intuition Robotics”) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic partnership for the co-development, sale, and provision of services related to the Japanese market version of Intuition Robotics’ AI companion robot for older adults, ElliQ. The Japanese market will be the first international expansion of the company outside of the United States.
In addition, Kanematsu has invested in Intuition Robotics bringing total equity funding raised by the company to $85M through the subscription to a third-party allocation of new shares, thereby acquiring a stake in the company.
ElliQ is a companion robot designed to support all aspects of daily life for older adults, including health management, preventive care, communication, monitoring, and various activities. Unlike conventional conversational AI products that rely on simple question-and-answer interactions, ElliQ is capable of proactively engaging with users based on goals, ElliQ has the ability to remember conversations and effectively motivate participation in daily activities, thereby stimulating both the mind and body of elderly users. ElliQ also offers features such as medication reminders and support for health management.
To date, thousands of older adults in the United States are living with ElliQ through government funded programs and through private pay via www.elliq.com.
ElliQ is a proactive, physical AI companion that users interact with more than 30 times a day, making it a consistent and trusted part of their lives. Recent data shows that 94% of users say ElliQ reduces loneliness, 97% report improved wellness, and 90% experience a better quality of life, with these results validated by medical journals and state agencies. Accepted and integrated into daily routines, ElliQ speaks, gestures, remembers, and supports users over time, demonstrating the emotional intelligence needed for AI to thrive in home environments. Its success lies in building trusted, long-term relationships that enhance both the emotional and physical well-being of older adults.
Japan is facing a rapidly aging population, resulting in a serious shortage of personnel in the caregiving and nursing homes sector. In response to these societal challenges, Kanematsu and Intuition Robotics are jointly working to delivering the Japanese version of ElliQ to older adults in Japan and to conduct market research, with the aim of introducing the product and related services to the Japanese market – the first such initiative outside the United States. The companies are targeting a launch of ElliQ in Japan in 2026.
Furthermore, Kanematsu will leverage its network of over 20,000 business partners across the Kanematsu Group to build ElliQ into a comprehensive platform that supports the lives of older adults.
Kanematsu and Intuition Robotics are seeking business partners to facilitate the broad expansion of “ElliQ.” Should you have an interest in exploring a potential partnership, please do not hesitate to contact us.
On the occasion of Respect for the Aged Day in Japan, we are pleased to announce this press release with the hope of delivering new value to the elderly and supporting their health and enriching their lives.
Comments from the Representatives
Kanematsu Corporation President&CEO Yoshiya Miyabe: “Under its medium-term management plan, “integration 1.1,” Kanematsu has positioned “Exploration and Implementation of Innovation” as a key strategic initiative, with a particular focus on creating innovative businesses in the fields of healthcare, robotics, and AI.
“Recognizing the advanced AI technologies developed by Intuition Robotics, Kanematsu aims to leverage these technologies in combination with the Kanematsu Group’s extensive network to develop new business opportunities and contribute to addressing the challenges faced by Japan’s aging society.”
Intuition Robotics Ltd. CEO&CO-Founder Dor Skulerr: “It is of strategic importance to Intuition Robotics to expand our mission to Japan of helping older adults stay independent, healthy and happy with our empathetic AI companion. Together with Kanematsu, we are building on the measurable impact we’ve already made in the US to help accelerate the adoption of AI and robotics for the well-being of the aging population in Japan. Japan stands at the forefront of embracing innovation to solve societal challenges, specifically those related to the aging population, and we are very humbled to be invited to take part in this effort. We see Kanematsu as an innovator with deep ties into different sectors in the Japanese eco-system and we are proud to work alongside Kanematsu Corporation to empower older adults through meaningful, trusted relationships with technology.”
