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Donut Robotics was founded in 2014 in a garage in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

(Incorporated in 2016)

In 2017, it was selected for the Haneda Airport Robot Project, and in 2020 it was featured in the New York Times.

In 2022, the company exhibited at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) and was awarded the "EY innovative startup" award in 2024.

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Our Cinnamon 1 is a humanoid robot equipped with the world's most advanced technology, and is equipped with our AI in an overseas OEM body. In the near future, both the hardware and software will be made entirely in Japan.

Humanoid robots are becoming increasingly commoditized, and the most important part is the AI (VLA) that controls them. We believe that building this in Japan will be of great value to the world.

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Driven by the recent advances in AI, we are entering an era in which humans will gain greater intelligence. As a result, human spirituality will improve, and we may be able to build a better real world with new values.

In the near future, humanoids fused with AGI will create revolutionary inventions and work together with humans to build the next level of civilization.

There is still little that humanoid robots can do, but we will continue to develop them so that they will eventually become a product that is essential to humanity. We appreciate your continued support.

Donut Robotics CEO Taisuke Ono

"We offer the world's most advanced, domestically produced humanoid robots."

"The VLA is more important than the aircraft."

"Humanoids will become a necessary product for humanity."

Our Team Members

CEO

Taisuke Ono

A "master of design" who inherits the bloodline of two long-established family founders. After losing his father at the age of 14, he taught himself product design. At 22, he launched his first venture and, after multiple failures, appeared on TV as a "design master." Founded Donut Robotics in 2014. Since 2020, he has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, TIME, and other global media.

CTO

Ozora Ogino

Earned the Professional Data Scientist Certification at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Served as an AI lecturer at the California Institute of Technology. An expert in AI research and development, he has been involved in generative AI since the early days of transformers, specializing in computer vision and natural language processing.

Head of Strategy

Rikiya Yamamoto

Former head of the humanoid robotics division at SoftBank Robotics, with long-standing involvement in diverse robot businesses. Contributed to multiple alliances among robotics companies and to Guinness World Record achievements. Has worked in generative AI for over a decade. While at Keio University, received awards in data analysis competitions.

Technology Advisor

Ayumu Tokaji

Graduate of Stanford University (USA), the University of Tokyo, and the University of Tokyo Graduate School. After working at Lockheed Martin and other U.S. aerospace companies, he served as Lead R&D Engineer on JAXA's Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) project, developing four satellites. Joined Donut Robotics to contribute to AI robots capable of Mars exploration.

COO

Jun Saigo

After gaining experience in marketing and e-commerce management at KDDI Group, RICOH, and DeNA, he joined Donut Robotics, drawn by its grand vision. Oversees not only sales and front-end operations but also project leadership and production management. Appointed Director and COO in 2022 to strengthen the company's revenue growth.

CIO

Yuichiro Hayashi

A generative AI expert known nationwide as "the AI teacher," with a strong following. Runs the science-focused YouTube channel Ichizero System with over 110,000 subscribers. Since 2002, has launched multiple IT businesses, including a hotel reservation management system. Founded Tensystem LLC in 2016 to conduct AI research and development.

CLO

Kazuo Itazaki

Graduated from Waseda University, Faculty of Law. Passed the Japanese bar exam in his third year of university. After graduation, worked at Japan's largest law firm, handling legal challenges for global corporations including GAFA, as well as the Japanese government (Fair Trade Commission). With a passion for supporting mission-driven startups, he has been responsible for Donut Robotics' legal and corporate strategy since 2020.

Engineer

Shunsuke Fujibayashi

After enrolling in the Faculty of Science at the University of Tokyo, he went on to study Mechanical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo. He obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo. He spoke at the international conference "The Age of Super Sensing." He won the Excellence Award at the 18th Science and Engineering Student Scientific Paper Competition. He is responsible for robot mechanisms and CAD design.

Chief Engineer

Takafumi Okabe

Graduate of Fukuoka University, Faculty of Engineering. Joined Donut Robotics in 2016 as part of the Cinnamon smart robot development project. Serves as Chief Engineer and Project Manager, excelling in both software and hardware. A true robotics enthusiast with broad expertise.

Outside Director

Kiyohisa Nakazono

He began his career as a lawyer and later moved to a foreign investment bank, where he worked in investment management. He graduated from Cook Lodge School of Management (USA) and Northwestern Law School. He was appointed an Outside Director in 2021 to further grow Donuts and strengthen governance.

Advisor

Takashi Yamamoto

He founded MBS Co., Ltd. in 1997. Leveraging his unique technology, he expanded his exterior renovation business and listed the company on the stock exchange in 2005. He obtained a joint patent with West Nippon Expressway Co., Ltd. and Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd. In 2025, he became an advisor to Donuts Co., Ltd., with the aim of developing humanoid robots for construction sites.

Head of Global Strategy

Masayuki Onishi

38+ years of professional experience, starting with systems development at numerous organizations including Japanese chambers of commerce. Served as Sr. Manager at Cisco in the United States, where he oversaw Global engineering teams and provided technical support across more than 30 countries. Later became Senior Director at Microsoft. While serving as a visiting lecturer and professor at multiple academic institutions, including California State Polytechnic University, he has published numerous technical papers and publications.

Technology Advisor

Tomoki Fukushima

He completed a master's degree in Electrical Engineering at the School of Science and Engineering, Waseda University. After graduation, he joined Honda R&D Co., Ltd. He built the world's first engine control system for industrial machinery in the field of engine control. Subsequently, he served as the General Manager of the Development Department for the Electrical/Electronic Systems and AI divisions, leading the field of industrial robotics. After retiring in 2022, he assumed the role of advisor at donuts Co., Ltd.

Auditor

Seiichiro Kawasaki

He graduated from the School of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and Tax Accountant, and the Representative of "KMS Management Accounting Office." He serves as an outside director and advisor for multiple companies. After working at a major auditing firm and engaging in IPO support, he now provides support for performance improvement and the establishment of governance systems for operating companies. He has served as an Outside Corporate Auditor since 2021.

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[Company Overview]

○Company Name:

donut robotics Co., Ltd.

○Head Office:

7-1, Akasaka 9-chome, Roppongi Midtown Tower 18F, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

○Capital: US$2,000,000

○Business Activities:

Development and sales of robots and AI

○Established:

January 4, 2016

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The New York Times

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