Japan and Ireland; “Human-centred Robotics and AI” — UCD Robot Conference
2026/8/12
Dr Hideki Kajima of TOYOTA Motor Europe speaking on human-centred robotics and AI at University College Dublin (Photo taken in August 2026)
Professor Naonori Kodate, University College Dublin, about to open the session on "Building Human-Centered Robotics and AI: From Industrial Practice to Real-World Impact" at University College Dublin (Photo taken in August 2026)
On 12 August, at University College Dublin, Dr Hideki Kajima of Toyota Motor Europe, who has been engaged in research and practical applications of robotics and AI at Toyota for many years, delivered a keynote presentation. Drawing on three examples of the use of robots in Japan—in hospitals, on construction sites, and in basketball—Dr Kajima offered many thought-provoking insights into Toyota’s philosophy and its ongoing efforts to pursue constant improvements (kaizen) centred on people.
At the beginning of the session, moderated by Professor Naonori Kodate, Professor at UCD and founding Director of UCD Centre for Japanese Studies, Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu of Japan to Ireland, introduced “Japan’s Basic Plan for AI” and “AI and Robotics Strategy”. Referring also to ideas on human-centred robotics based on simple design and trust that he encountered during his posting in Denmark, Ambassador MIYAGAWA spoke about the significance of deepening cooperation between Japan and Ireland in this field, in collaboration with other like-minded countries.
The Embassy of Japan in Ireland wishes to express its sincere respect to UCD, which hosted this conference, and to all those involved. We hope that the success of the conference will lead to further cooperation between Japan and Ireland, as well as between Japan and the EU.
【Ambassador MIYAGAWA's greeting】
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for your kind introduction, Professor Naonori KODATE.
When I heard about the topic of the conference, Robophilosophy, I thought that it would be very timely and interesting. Then I was informed of the background of today’s distinguished speaker, Dr. Hideki Kajima, who has been leading this field at Toyota Motor Europe. Probably like many of you, I started to eagerly wait for today’s lecture.
Indeed, we seem to be at a crossroads in our history. Whether, or how, we human beings can co-exist with robots in the age of Artificial Intelligence is a big question.
Judging from UCD’s introduction to this conference, an answer might be related to “a human-centred design philosophy.”
That reminds me of my days in Denmark between 2019 and 2022. I thought that both Japanese people and Danes believe in simplicity in design because of certain social and historical reasons.
That somehow explains why TOYOTA’s future city called Woven City at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Japan, was designed by Danish architect, Mr Bjarke Ingels.
I was also often convinced by their explanation of why Denmark was so successful in using IT effectively. The key word was trust. That means trust between people, trust between the government and taxpayers, and probably it could also mean trust even between human beings and robots.
Now, ladies and gentlemen,
Coming back to today’s theme, “Building Human-Centered Robotics and AI: From Industrial Practice to Real-World Impact,” what do you think the answers to this important question would be?
As a newcomer to Ireland since late November 2025, I look forward to listening to Dr. Kajima’s views and, later on, to the opinions and questions from the floor.
I suppose that both Irish and Japanese peoples believe that robotics and AI should be “human-centred”. That is also the backbone of Japan’s Second AI Basic Plan updated in July 2026.
To that end, human resource development, education to foster ability to think and create by oneself, and social implementation of AI robotics based on Japan’s advanced experiences and technology on industrial robotics would be useful.
On possible Japan’s advantages in AI robotics, the AI Robotics Strategy by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan updated in May 2026 would be of your interest.
It is also necessary for countries like Japan, Ireland, the EU and other like-minded countries to further cooperate to promote this human-centered robotics and AI.
In this context, I very much look forward to discussion at the upcoming AI Summit in October hosted by the Irish Government in Dublin.
The Government of Japan has proposed to host another AI Summit in 2028, aiming to deepen discussion among like-minded countries on how to collaborate each other to develop trusted AI.
Last but not least, let me pay my tribute once again to the UCD and all those who have realised this timely event at this important point of transformation.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
At the beginning of the session, moderated by Professor Naonori Kodate, Professor at UCD and founding Director of UCD Centre for Japanese Studies, Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu of Japan to Ireland, introduced “Japan’s Basic Plan for AI” and “AI and Robotics Strategy”. Referring also to ideas on human-centred robotics based on simple design and trust that he encountered during his posting in Denmark, Ambassador MIYAGAWA spoke about the significance of deepening cooperation between Japan and Ireland in this field, in collaboration with other like-minded countries.
The Embassy of Japan in Ireland wishes to express its sincere respect to UCD, which hosted this conference, and to all those involved. We hope that the success of the conference will lead to further cooperation between Japan and Ireland, as well as between Japan and the EU.
【Ambassador MIYAGAWA's greeting】
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for your kind introduction, Professor Naonori KODATE.
When I heard about the topic of the conference, Robophilosophy, I thought that it would be very timely and interesting. Then I was informed of the background of today’s distinguished speaker, Dr. Hideki Kajima, who has been leading this field at Toyota Motor Europe. Probably like many of you, I started to eagerly wait for today’s lecture.
Indeed, we seem to be at a crossroads in our history. Whether, or how, we human beings can co-exist with robots in the age of Artificial Intelligence is a big question.
Judging from UCD’s introduction to this conference, an answer might be related to “a human-centred design philosophy.”
That reminds me of my days in Denmark between 2019 and 2022. I thought that both Japanese people and Danes believe in simplicity in design because of certain social and historical reasons.
That somehow explains why TOYOTA’s future city called Woven City at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Japan, was designed by Danish architect, Mr Bjarke Ingels.
I was also often convinced by their explanation of why Denmark was so successful in using IT effectively. The key word was trust. That means trust between people, trust between the government and taxpayers, and probably it could also mean trust even between human beings and robots.
Now, ladies and gentlemen,
Coming back to today’s theme, “Building Human-Centered Robotics and AI: From Industrial Practice to Real-World Impact,” what do you think the answers to this important question would be?
As a newcomer to Ireland since late November 2025, I look forward to listening to Dr. Kajima’s views and, later on, to the opinions and questions from the floor.
I suppose that both Irish and Japanese peoples believe that robotics and AI should be “human-centred”. That is also the backbone of Japan’s Second AI Basic Plan updated in July 2026.
To that end, human resource development, education to foster ability to think and create by oneself, and social implementation of AI robotics based on Japan’s advanced experiences and technology on industrial robotics would be useful.
On possible Japan’s advantages in AI robotics, the AI Robotics Strategy by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan updated in May 2026 would be of your interest.
It is also necessary for countries like Japan, Ireland, the EU and other like-minded countries to further cooperate to promote this human-centered robotics and AI.
In this context, I very much look forward to discussion at the upcoming AI Summit in October hosted by the Irish Government in Dublin.
The Government of Japan has proposed to host another AI Summit in 2028, aiming to deepen discussion among like-minded countries on how to collaborate each other to develop trusted AI.
Last but not least, let me pay my tribute once again to the UCD and all those who have realised this timely event at this important point of transformation.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu offering his opening speech at the conference "Building Human-Centered Robotics and AI: From Industrial Practice to Real-World Impact" at University College Dublin (Photo taken in August 2026)
Professor Naonori Kodate (centre-left), Dr Hideki Kajima of TOYOTA Motor Europe, the main speaker (5th from right), Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu (centre-right), and other local organisers and attendees at the conference.