Yamaha Motor Begins Joint Research Using Cell Handling Technology with a national research institute - Advancing Next-Generation Automated Experimentation to Promote DX and AX in Research -

IWATA, August 14, 2025 -- Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) announced today its signing of a joint research agreement with RIKEN, a National Research and Development Agency, regarding the application of next-generation cell handling and automation technologies using cell picking and imaging systems. This joint research aims to develop technologies and infrastructure that promote digital transformation (DX) and AI transformation (AX) in research settings. By combining the automation and analysis technology of the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research*¹ (BDR) with Yamaha Motor's cell observation and handling technologies, and utilizing AI, the goal is to standardize work, improve accuracy, and obtain highly reproducible data. The joint research project is scheduled to run from July 2025 to March 2027.

This research will focus on developing APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and data integration platforms that enable the coordination of research equipment software and programs, as well as advancing cell observation and handling technologies. In this collaboration, Yamaha Motor will implement the methodologies and designs developed by RIKEN BDR, and the two parties will work together to explore the social implementation of advanced cell experimentation. These efforts are expected to lead to outcomes such as the establishment of high-precision cell selection technologies, the realization of full automation, and the development of new research approaches through sophisticated cell handling.

To meet diverse needs of life science research sites and the growing demands for automation, Yamaha Motor aims to gain further insights through this research to support future functional development and implementation. The Company also develops and provides systems designed for the high-speed, high-precision handling of cell clusters*² and acquisition of image data. These systems feature functions such as automatic cell selection and automatic stitching of surrounding images, aiming to enhance efficiency in research workflows and improve the reliability of collected data.

*1 RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (RIKEN BDR): https://www.bdr.riken.jp/en/

*2 Cell clusters refer to single cells or 3D cellular structures such as spheroids and organoids.

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