A day at hibot with
Mr. Satoshi Kitano

What makes hibot standing apart from other robotic and engineering companies?

Compared to typical robotic companies, hibot's greatest advantage is to be able to design and develop a robotic system from the ground-up for both hardware and software; this includes, of course, mechanical and electronic engineering. Other companies, generally focus on a few aspects of this process and they just specialize in one thing. We are capable to execute on a full R&D spectrum, down to every single component. Whether this is a motor, a piece of electronics, a custom mechanism, or a software integration, hibot can handle it and somehow, optimize it to work perfectly together.

We are not worried to experiment and push the boundaries of what is possible. On a side note, once we managed to redesign an entire motor's driver and customize it to push its performances to such a great level so that many companies in the field wanted to buy it for their robots. Back then, there was not such a product on the market, remarkably small and performative. We decided to put it on the market and share it with the world.

Can you describe the atmosphere at hibot, what it is like to work here?

It's not an ordinary day job. We are constantly challenging both technical and client-side problems finding always new solutions. We need to be creative. I guess this is the nature of the business. I would say, It's really exciting, you need to enjoy the challenge and if you don't have the right mindset it can be overwhelming. Overall it's definitely rewarding! We work hard as every startup. Still, the work-life balance here at hibot is great as you can choose the way you work and tackle those challenges proactively.

How is it for you to work and live in Tokyo?

Tokyo is really interesting at the moment as the startup culture is exploding. Especially around here. We can interact with many of them and the dialog sparks new ideas and collaborations. It's really interesting.

Tokyo is convenient. I can still buy any type of components in the Akibahara district, home of many electronic resellers and manufacturers. This is a famous spot for makers in Japan.

Tokyo has developed fast during the last decades, somehow it has been always ahead. This has forced us to think problems that haven't occurred yet in any other part fo the world. In fact, we at hibot, in particular, are trying to solve the problem of aging infrastructures. Japan, in general, offers us a new set of problems to solve in this regard, this puts us ahead in what needs to be solved next.

On the other hand, It's a really unique environment that holds traditions and hi-tech culture. You can experience both at the same time. It's full of contents for every taste. This makes it a perfect place for creativity to spur. Also, Tokyo is a hub for companies working in robotics and new technologies, home of many fairs and expos that attract global interest and talents.

What is the greatest practical challenge you have faced here at hibot?

Our robots work in the field, which is a quite challenging environment. It's not a designed environment like factories. Sometimes we find ourselves tuning the machines on the spot. Especially during the development part. Normally engineers are used to work in predictable conditions, instead, we go out there on the field, where we need to perform engineering tasks side by side the robots in harsh environments.

Can you tell me more about your career at hibot? How did it start and evolved?

It all started as a part-time job when I was a student. I really enjoyed working here. I had the chance to design an all-new robot. It was indeed a great chance. After, I became a project owner because at the time we had a lot of projects, therefore I took the chance to manage one for the first time. Now I am working as an officer, for the pipe inspection solutions. My day-to-day responsibilities varies from management to hands-on work. it's really fulfilling as I can be Involved in a full aspect of a project.

What is the impact you guys at hibot want to make in the world?

Our goal is to finally solve the problem of sending out workers to perform dangerous operations. We can make infrastructure more secure and indeed safe the lives of those now working on the field. We are committed to this.