Events
Japanese technology took a prominent place on the global stage at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, as Kawada Technologies exhibited at one of the world's largest and most influential technology trade shows. Participating in the joint "Japan Tec" booth at the Venetian Expo, the company presented its largest humanoid robot, NEXTAGE Fillie, demonstrating how collaborative robotics is shaping the future of industrial automation.
Held from January 6 to January 9, 2026, the CES event attracted innovators and manufacturers from across the world. Amid intense competition and breakthrough launches, Kawada Technologies captured attention with a live demonstration that showcased precision, safety, and human-friendly- the qualities long associated with Japanese technology and engineering excellence.
By focusing on robots that work alongside people rather than replace them, Kawada reinforced Japan's growing influence in human-centric robotics and smart factory solutions.
NEXTAGE Fillie Humanoid Robot Draws Crowds at CES 2026
At the center of Kawada Technologies' exhibit was NEXTAGE Fillie, a concept humanoid robot designed specifically for seamless collaboration with human workers. During demonstrations, the robot completed a picture by fitting panels into place, highlighting its dexterity, coordination, and reliability in assembly tasks.
Unlike traditional industrial robots that often require cages or isolation work zones, Fillie is built to operate safely in a shared environment. Its dual arms replicate human reach and movement, enabling it to handle tools, packages, and small components with precision. The robot's expressive posture and natural gestures also allow smoother interaction with nearby workers, making communication more intuitive during tasks.
This approachable design sets Fillie apart from bulkier predecessors. Rather than appearing purely mechanical, the robot blends naturally into everyday workspaces, helping teams adopt automation without disruption. Industry observers at CES 2026 described the system as a practical solution for factories seeking flexibility without overhauling production lines.
The strong response at the Las Vegas showcase positioned Kawada Technologies as a standout exhibitor among robotics and automation companies at the event.
Advanced Engineering & Japanese Technology Power the Industrial Robot Platform
Behind NEXTAGE Fillie's friendly appearance is a highly advanced robotics platform built with precision engineering. The robot integrates stereo cameras in its head for 3D environmental mapping, allowing it to accurately understand and navigate its surroundings. Optional hand cameras further enhance its accuracy, delivering repeatability down to 0.05 mm for detailed inspection and assembly work.
Safety remains central to its design. Fillie uses low-power motors capped at 80 watts, force-limiting joints, and collision-aware programming to ensure safe collaboration with humans. These features allow the humanoid to share spaces confidently with operators, reducing risk while maintaining efficiency.
The system runs on the QNX real-time operating system and supports ROS compatibility with C++, enabling developers to customize applications across industries. Visual markers allow the robot to self-localize quickly without a complicated setup, simplifying deployment on factory floors.
Together, these engineering advances highlight Kawada Technologies’ commitment to delivering dependable, scalable industrial robot solutions that balance performance with safety.
Expanding Opportunities for Collaborative Robotics in Factories & Services
Beyond the exhibition floor, Kawada Technologies emphasized the practical applications of NEXTAGE Fillie across manufacturing and service sectors. The humanoid robot is suited for automotive part inspections, electronics assembly, logistics handling, and reception tasks, demonstrating versatility across different environments.
During live sessions, Fillie sorted components using marker-based navigation, assisted with tools, and interacted naturally with visitors. This blend of technical capability and human-friendly behavior illustrates how modern robots are evolving from standalone machines into cooperative teammates.
The robot’s compact size allows easy repositioning, whether used in a fixed station or mounted on a trolley. This mobility supports flexible deployment, helping businesses scale automation gradually while reducing repetitive strain and improving productivity.
As global demand rises for smarter manufacturing and collaborative systems, Kawada Technologies continues to push the boundaries of Japanese robotics innovation. Its presence at the CES Event 2026 underscores a clear vision: a future where humanoid and industrial robots work safely and efficiently alongside people.
By combining precision, reliability, and human-centered design, Kawada Technologies has positioned itself as a key contributor to the next generation of automation and a notable highlight of CES 2026 in Las Vegas, among global robotics and AI innovators.
Read more about Kawada Technologies, here and here.
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