MaOI will host this seminar this year in collaboration with the Trade and Investment Queensland Japan Office, following last year’s Blue Carbon seminar. This time, the seminar will focus on underwater robotics, which play an essential role in marine research and ocean-related industries. Speakers from both Japan and Australia will present their respective initiatives, as well as specific business cases. We will also explore potential areas for bilateral collaboration to address challenges and develop solutions.
Date：Monday, 11 May 2026
Time: 1:50 PM–5:30 PM (Doors open at 1:20 PM)
Venue: Hotel Grand Hills Shizuoka, 5th Floor “Century” (18-1 Minami-cho, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City)
Capacity: 60 attendees (in-person) + online participants Registration closes on Friday, May 1 2026
Program
1:20 PM Doors open / Registration
1:50 PM Opening Remarks
2:00 PM Keynote Talk *Interpretation provided
3:30 PM Break
3:40 PM Company PR Presentations *Interpretation provided
4:55 PM Closing Remarks/ End of online streaming
5:05 PM Networking session (venue only)
5:30 PM End of Seminar
*Please note that the program is subject to change
Keynote Talk
・“AUV research and development in Japan”
Associate Professor Toshihiro Maki,
Center for Integrated Underwater Observation Technology,
Food Production Technology Research Center, The UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
・“Cooperative Marine Robotics & Deployable AI: Applications & Opportunities”
Professor Matthew Dunbabin,
Queensland University of Technology
Company PR Presentations
・Yanmar Blue Tech Co., Ltd. (Japan) President, Mr.Ichiro Fuwa
Established in October 2025, YANMAR BLUE TECH provides solutions to challenges related to the ocean and underwater environments, as well as issues concerning ocean sustainability, by leveraging robotics and sensing technologies. Currently developing a hull-cleaning ROV and underwater sensing technologies.
・UMIAILE Co., Ltd. (Japan) CEO and Co-founder, Mr. Ryosuke Itai
A startup originating from Honda, established in January 2025. Develops proprietary uncrewed surface vessels and builds a large-scale sensor platform using fleets of marine autonomous systems. Aims to transform ocean observation and address societal challenges through the “visualization of the ocean.”
・ReefWorks(AIMS) (Australia) Team Leader – Technology Transformation, Melanie Olsen
The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is Australia’s national tropical marine research agency, providing independent science to support the protection and sustainable use of tropical oceans, including the Great Barrier Reef. Through AIMS Strategy 2040, AIMS is integrating autonomous systems, AI, and advanced sensing into operations. A key initiative is AIMS ReefWorks, Australia’s tropical marine technology test range, supporting industry to safely test emerging technologies—especially autonomous systems—in real tropical environments.
One additional company from Australia scheduled to present
Registration
Please register through the “Registration” section on this page. The Registration closes on Friday, May 1 2025, at 5:00 PM in Japan Time, 6:00PM in QLD Time
Online participants will receive the streaming URL before the seminar date.
Other Information
・Recording and screenshots of the presentations are not permitted.
・Interpretation will be provided during this seminar.
Inquiries
Marine Open Innovation Institute
Phone: +81 54 340 1800 Email: info[@]maoi-i.jp Please replace [@] with @
Organized by: Marine Open Innovation Institute, Trade and Investment Queensland Japan Office
Co-organized by: Shizuoka City and The Shizuoka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Incubate & promote newindustry organization)
Supported by: Japan Underwataer Drone Association
