METI has launched a national initiative to accelerate robotics adoption among rural SMEs to address labor shortages and boost productivity, framing it as a core strategy against demographic decline in nonurban areas.

The program emphasizes using robotics and AI to increase productivity, counter population decline, and foster innovation in underserved rural regions.

Rather than relying on subsidies, the program focuses on training, support, and knowledge sharing via automation coordinators who tailor implementation plans to local needs.

Membership costs are set at roughly $649 per year, with corporate memberships opening in September 2025 to include robot manufacturers, system integrators, and startups.

The program trains specialized advisers to guide SMEs in effective robot integration, helping them choose, implement, and optimize robotics solutions while avoiding disruption.

Aimed at addressing labor shortages in nonurban areas, the initiative seeks to raise productivity through advanced robotics and automation.

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RING will host events, workshops, and system contests to build a national knowledge base of best practices and real-world case studies for rural automation.

As of mid-2025, RING comprises about 33 member organizations and plans to expand as corporate memberships open, broadening resources and competition within the ecosystem.

Leading regional and national case studies will be shared to demonstrate successful robot adoption and its benefits.

Unlike subsidy-heavy programs abroad, RING prioritizes expertise and consultation, which may slow initial uptake but promotes sustainable automation decisions.

RING unites about 30 local governments with industry and agriculture ministries to make cutting-edge robotics accessible across regional economies in sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics.

Long-term goal is to build self-sustaining regional robotics ecosystems where local companies, educators, and government collaborate to address social and economic challenges through robotics, including elder care, agriculture, logistics, and disaster response.

METI established the Robotics & Regional Initiative Networking Group (RING Project), bringing together around 30 local governments and industry and agricultural stakeholders to share know-how and best practices through training and collaborative events.

Robot competitions are part of the initiative to promote innovative uses of robotics for local social issues and to strengthen community engagement.

Overall aim is to automate tasks, lift productivity, and reduce the physical burden on workers in rural manufacturing and related sectors.

METI’s support includes agriculture through AI-driven robotics, such as autonomous tractors, drones, robotic harvesters, and precision farming to boost food security and productivity.

Case studies, including Kanazawa’s Arikawa Seisakusho with a reported 9% production capacity increase after robotics adoption, will be highlighted as replicable examples.