Japanese university startups develop AI robot arms for delicate tasks

Artificial intelligenceFrom sushi to cake, new technologies can handle fragile foodsA Real Touch robot holds a piece of sushi. (Photo by Anna Sato)ANNA SATOJuly 28, 2026 07:01 JSTOSAKA -- Startups based out of Japanese universities are working to commercialize physical artificial intelligence by developing technologies that let robots grasp objects with human-like flexibility, attracting the attention of companies like Toyota Motor with their potential to save labor.