Aitonomi specializes in “logistics automation” including the development of artificial intelligence that enables autonomous movement of robots, and is developing environmental sensing systems, navigation systems, and sensor technologies that can be customized for each vehicle.

We spoke to Torsten, Co-founder of Aitonomi, which was selected to participate in the 2023 X-HUB INBOUND PROGRAM “Mobility Course,” about how they are preparing to dive into Tokyo, what challenges they face, and what the program has helped them.

First of all, please tell us about the purpose of your company’s expansion into Tokyo/Japan and the current progress.

We are interested in expanding into Japan mainly from the viewpoint of market acquisition and R&D. As Japan, like Switzerland and Germany, is a highly developed country with a high salary level, I believe that “automation” will become increasingly important in the future, and I believe that the use of robots will give these countries an advantage. In terms of R&D, Japan is known for its advanced technologies, especially in the field of automation, so we are looking to expand into Japan with a view to research and development. We are currently in the process of legal procedures to establish a subsidiary in Tokyo and are looking for a suitable partner company.

What do you think are the challenges in expansion into Tokyo/Japan?

We recognize that language barriers are a major challenge. English is not so popular in many Japanese organizations. There is a limit to their understanding of English, especially at the top. This can make the discussion more complicated and require the help of an interpreter. Understanding both languages is essential to establishing more effective collaboration. Also, I feel that it takes time to build relationships between companies in Japan, unlike in the West. However, I believe that this process is beneficial because it not only involves making transactions, but also involves building long-term cooperative relationships.

Your company participated in the 2023 X-HUB INBOUND PROGRAM. How did the X-Hub program help you?

Mentoring session with my X-HUB mentor was most useful in communicating with the Japanese side as it gave me an opportunity to deepen my understanding of how to interpret what Japanese companies were saying and cultural differences. In particular, there are many cultural differences that cannot be understood just by coming to Japan as a tourist, and these differences become more pronounced in the business scene and require attention to detail, so I think it was good to learn about them. It was also beneficial for us to have meetings with major Japanese automakers and infrastructure companies which my X-HUB mentor scheduled. After participating in the program, we have continued to have meetings with the companies that have shown interest in us and have been able to hear about their future logistical plans and possibilities of our collaboration.

What is the future outlook for Aitonomi?

With regard to the expansion into Tokyo, we will first proceed with the procedures for the establishment of a base currently in progress. I think we will face many challenges that will be financial challenge, technical challenge and recruitment challenge. That’s the nature of a startup faces. I would like to get the necessary support to overcome the situation.

Interviews were conducted online with representatives from the project.
Thank you very much, Mr. Torsten!

▼Visit HP of the startup company we talked to
https://www.aitonomi.com/

▼Click here for the X-HUB INBOUND PROGRAM application page
https://www.x-hub-tokyo.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/inbound_program

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