KyoHA SEIMEI

2026-04-28 · Publisher : Kyoto Humanoid Association (KyoHA) · Domain : Robotics

Japanese consortium KyoHA unveils SEIMEI in Kyoto, a 140 cm, 49 kg rescue humanoid prototype built from Japanese components. Damaged just before the presentation, it fails to walk on the day; a production model is targeted for March 2029.

What changes

A 140 cm, 49 kg prototype designed for disaster rescue.
Motors and sensors supplied by Japanese manufacturers, but an NVIDIA GPU.
A failed debut: a damaged leg part prevents the robot from walking.
A production model targeted by the end of March 2029, with two universities and 14 companies.

### Background On April 28, 2026, in Kyoto, the Kyoto Humanoid Association (KyoHA) presented SEIMEI, a humanoid prototype designed in Japan with Japanese components. The project, launched in June 2025 around Waseda University, Murata Manufacturing and robot maker Tmsuk, now brings together two universities and 14 companies. The name refers to the Japanese word for "life" and to the Heian-era diviner Abe no Seimei. ### Specifications | Item | Announced value | |---|---| | Height | 140 cm | | Weight | 49 kg | | Target use | rescue during natural disasters and emergencies | | Components | motors and sensors from Japanese manufacturers | | Compute | NVIDIA GPU | | Goal | production model by the end of March 2029 | On the day of the presentation, SEIMEI could neither walk nor move its arms: a leg part had been severely damaged in a test just beforehand, according to the Asahi Shimbun. ### Why it matters Japan, a historic humanoid pioneer, acknowledges it has fallen behind the US and China. KyoHA is betting on a national supply chain for robot parts. A second, more powerful prototype for construction sites and care work is announced for late 2026. ### Key takeaways A failed debut but a clear signal: Japan wants to rebuild a sovereign humanoid industry, relying on its component makers rather than on a single champion.

KyoHA SEIMEI

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