English 
In December 2025, a big leap in Japan’s retail digital shift happened. CAINZ Yoshikawa-Minamiten launched “Neibo,” Exedy’s AI smart robot service, in its new store. Japanese retailers are using robotics and conversational AI more and more. They want to enhance customer experience, boost efficiency, and improve their digital strategies.
Neibo is one of the most advanced AI-driven helpers in Japan’s home improvement stores.
AI-Powered Neibo Brings a New Customer Experience to Physical Retail
Exedy, widely known for its automotive component engineering capabilities, has expanded into robotics with its customizable smart robot platform "Neibo." The company started using Neibo commercially in 2024. The CAINZ partnership is one of the biggest real-world uses so far.
The version deployed in Yoshikawa-Minamiten is the Neibo Multi-Robot, equipped with:
- Conversational AI capable of natural, real-time dialogue
- A 21.5-inch touch display for interactive user navigation
- Indoor mobility and autonomous movement
- Sensor-based behavioral recognition
Neibo helps answer customer questions, guides them to product aisles, and suggests items. It also supports store navigation. At the same time, it gathers insights on customer behavior. This information can boost CAINZ’s digital retail strategy.
CAINZ, a major home improvement chain in Japan, is investing in digital innovation and new retail formats. Neibo’s adoption fits the company’s goal to combine top IT skills with its large network of physical stores.
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AI Robots Signal a Major Shift in Japan’s Retail and Tech Landscape
Growing Momentum for Service Robotics Adoption
Japan has been a leader in industrial robotics for a long time. The service robotics sector has rapidly grown. This includes robots that interact with consumers. Neibo’s use shows a growing trend. AI-powered robots are helpful tools in retail, hospitality, logistics, and healthcare.
CAINZ’s adoption of Neibo strengthens expectations that:
- More retailers will begin integrating AI robots for customer service
- Service robotics will become a competitive differentiator
- Data-driven automation will become central to store operations
Japan’s government has pushed for AI and robotics in various industries. This support helps the technology grow quickly.
Strengthening Japan’s Domestic Robotics Industry
Exedy has changed from making car parts to providing robotics and AI solutions. This shows a key shift in Japan’s tech landscape. Companies with solid mechanical and engineering skills are using AI, cloud, sensors, and chat interfaces. They are combining these technologies to create new business areas.
This trend strengthens Japan’s long-term competitiveness by:
- Promoting new industrial innovation
- Promoting teamwork across manufacturing, AI, and retail sectors.
- Attracting talent and investment into emerging robotics markets
Neibo shows how traditional Japanese companies can adapt in the fast-growing AI market.
What is the Impact on Businesses Across Japan’s Retail and Tech Sectors
Enhanced Customer Engagement and Store Efficiency
AI robots boost customer satisfaction by providing real-time guidance, product info, and store navigation. This makes shopping feel more personal. In busy home improvement stores, robots can answer common questions. This lets employees focus on more specialized help.
Solving Labor Shortages in Retail
Japan faces ongoing labor shortages due to demographic changes. Neibo robots can help with staffing, especially during busy times or in big stores where customer help takes a lot of effort. This helps retailers maintain service quality while lowering operational strain.
Data-Driven Marketing and Store Optimization
Neibo’s AI system gathers insights about customer questions, movement patterns, product interests, and how customers navigate the store. Retailers can use these datasets to optimize:
- Shelf layouts
- Product placement
- Promotion strategies
- Inventory forecasting
This represents a major step toward data-enabled, predictive retail operations.
Scaling Opportunities for Tech Vendors
Retail chains are seeing real benefits from Neibo. This could lead to more partnerships for tech vendors like AI developers, robotics integrators, cloud platforms, and sensor firms across the country.
Conclusion: Neibo Represents the Future of Retail Automation in Japan
Exedy’s Neibo robot debuted at CAINZ Yoshikawa-Minamiten. This isn’t just a tech milestone; it shows the future of Japanese retail. AI robots are moving from tests to daily use. This shift will blend Japan’s tech and retail sectors more. This will open new doors for automation. It will improve customer interactions and lead to smarter, data-driven business strategies.
Neibo shows how conversational AI and robotics can change retail. They enhance customer experiences and strengthen Japan’s position in real-world robotics
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