New Plan Launched by FingerVision: Food Plating “Okazu Robot” Now Available from ¥250,000 per Month
- FingerVision
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read
【FingerVision: Developing University-Originated Tactile Sensing Technology】
FingerVision Inc. (CEO: Yuki Nono), a company specializing in visual-tactile technology, has launched a new Robot as a Service (RaaS) plan offering its robot systems for automation of food plating and cooking starting at ¥250,000 per month.
This new plan significantly reduces the initial cost of introducing robotic systems, making it easier for many companies, who previously found automation to be a high-barrier investment, to take the first step to “just try it out.” This pricing and service structure is designed to encourage more companies to explore automation.
Barriers to Robot Implementation in the Food Industry
In the food industry, where there is a chronic need for labor-saving and automation, there are high expectations for the use of robotics as a solution. However, there are several barriers to overcome before reaching the decision to implement such technologies.
According to a survey conducted by the Japan Ready-made Meal Association targeting 300 member companies, the top three barriers are as follows:
High initial and operational costs.
Difficulty in handling a wide variety of ingredients and adapting menu changes.
Challenges in building a technology adequate operating system
The survey results suggest that hesitation to robot system implementation stems not only from concerns about core performance, such as production capacity, accuracy, and durability, but also from broader operational factors.
New Affordable Plan Starting at ¥250,000 per Month
To overcome these barriers to robot utilization in the food industry, FingerVision is introducing a new Robot as a Service (RaaS) plan offering a “pay-as-you-go” service model, in addition to the conventional purchase of robot systems as capital equipment.
FingerVision’s RaaS offering features three key advantages.
Affordable and Low-Risk Pricing
Available from ¥250,000 per Month
Zero initial cost, with maintenance support, and consumables included
Start with a trial period (~3 months) and evaluate effectiveness before committing to full implementation (1 year+)
Option to purchase the robot after the service period
Multi-Variety Compatible
The robot’s tactile sensor detects “slippage” when gripping, allowing it to handle different types of ingredients without dropping or damaging them
Easily and quickly swap the fingertips to handle any ingredients (multiple finger shapes available)
New ingredients can be added even after deployment without specification adjustments or additional fees
Supports changes to containers or plating layouts as necessary
User-Friendly and Smooth Operation
Simple operation with a touch panel, with easy cleaning and maintenance
Mobile robot units can be relocated and installed in line with production planning
Comprehensive support for adding new ingredients or plates/containers change
For advanced use, a single robot can be used for both plating and cooking tasks
Additionally, FingerVision’s robotic system continues to evolve even after on-site deployment, allowing users of the new RaaS plan to always have access to the latest features and capabilities.
Robot Types
FingerVision’s RaaS plan currently available for two types of robotic solutions.
Type of Robot | Application |
Side Dish (Okazu) Plating Robot | Plating ingredients for bento boxes and prepared meals |
Fryer Loading Robot | Continuous loading of ingredients into deep fryers |
Furthermore, a single robot can be used in a dual-role setup to handle both side dish plating and fryer loading processes.
For companies and factories that have been hesitant to implement robots into production lines, this new plan makes it easier than ever to take the first step towards automation.
We, FingerVision, are deeply grateful for the strong interests and inquiries we have received from many customers. Please feel free to reach out to us for further information!
・E-mail: contact@fingervision.jp
・Webinar (Info on FingerVision's Robot): https://tv.aperza.com/watch/2069
◆Company Profile
FingerVision Inc.
CEO: Yuki Nono
Development Offices:
1F, Mitsui Woody Building, 2-4-14 Toyo, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0016
1F , Right One Building, 73-1 Suzaku Hozo-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8846
Established: October 2021
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Yuki_Nono_fv
Email: contact@fingervision.jp
◆Technology Overview
Our core technology is based on the concept of “reproducing tactile sensation through vision (camera) based input.” By equipping robots with this technology into their fingertips, the system can perceive tactile information, such as force distribution and slippage, allowing robots to manipulate objects as if they were using the sensory feedback of a human hand.
Despite its high functionality offering high resolution and multi-modality, our technology remains cost-effective and highly practical. While referred to as a “tactile sensor”, it also incorporates visual capabilities, making a completely new concept of a visual-tactile sensor. This innovation holds not only strong potential for automating robotic processes but also opens unlimited applications across various fields.
