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Robot maker · registered

Connected Robotics

Corporate marketfoodCurated record
connected-robotics.com

Cloud-connected cooking robots using deep learning and computer vision; OctoChef assesses takoyaki doneness via deep-learning visual inspection and adjusts cooking parameters in real time; fleet learning aggregates cooking data across all deployed units so each new installation benefits from prior experience; soba robot executes timed multi-step cook-shock-rinse sequences autonomously without per-batch human supervision.

HeadquartersKoganei, JP
Founded2014
Corporate funding$22M
Team11-50
Deployments1
Open roles0
01

Company overview

Identity and operating footprint

Company typeRobot maker
Market segmentCorporate
StageSeries B
FoundersTetsuya Sawanobori (CEO & Founder)
Regions servedAsia Pacific
Countries deployedJP
Service footprintTokyo HQ (Koganei, relocated April 2023); cooking robots deployed at JR East Sobaichi soba-restaurant chain at Tokyo-area train stations since March 2020; JR East Foods targeting 30 Sobaichi locations by FY2025
Last reviewed2026-07-05
MX

Robot models

Specifications remain vendor-claimed

Machinefood

OctoChef

  • Autonomous takoyaki (octopus ball) cooking via deep-learning visual doneness assessment; turns and cooks each ball at vendor-specified intervals

    Vendor-stated autonomy capability for the OctoChef robot deployed at food-service outlets

    Claim source
Machinefood

Soba Robot

  • 150 servings per hour (upgraded v2); matches throughput of one full-time human cook

    Vendor-stated production capacity of the upgraded soba noodle robot deployed at JR East Kaihimmakuhari Station in 2021

    Claim source
DP

Deployment log

Announced and cited only

AnnouncedCustomerSiteCountryCountEvidence
2020-02-08JR East Group (Sobaichi soba restaurant chain)restaurantJPNot disclosedAnnouncement
CA

Funding history

Publicly announced rounds

Investors on recordGlobal Brain CorpSony Innovation Fund31VENTURES Global Innovation FundUTokyo Innovation Platform500 Startups JPYaskawa ElectricHoshizaki CorporationMitsubishi HC Capital
TL

Company timeline

Milestones and announcements

2023-02-01Closed ¥1.7B Series B (~$12.9M) with strategic investors Yaskawa Electric, Hoshizaki Corporation, and Mitsubishi HC CapitalAI Plus Info
2021-03-17Upgraded soba robot (150 servings/hr) deployed at JR East Kaihimmakuhari Station: doubled throughput of v1Slashdot / Japan Times
2020-03-17Soba Robot began commercial operations at JR East Sobaichi, Higashikoganei Station: first public restaurant deploymentSoraNews24
2019-07-01Closed ¥850M Series A (~$7.8M) led by Global Brain Corp with Sony Innovation Fund and UTokyo IPCPRNewswire
SC

Source ledger

7 unique public sources

01
About Connected RoboticsConnected Robotics · retrieved 2026-07-05
02
Connected Robotics: Robotic Kitchen Japan (Series B coverage)AI Plus Info · retrieved 2026-07-05
03
Connected Robotics (CR) has successfully completed raising of 850 million yen in the Series A investment roundPR Newswire · retrieved 2026-07-05
04
Connected Robotics Raises ¥850M to Expand its Food Robot LineupThe Spoon · retrieved 2026-07-05
05
New Soba Noodle-Making Robot at Japan Train Station Eatery Can Cook 150 Servings an HourSlashdot / Japan Times · retrieved 2026-07-05
06
Soba Noodle Robot, AI Dishwashing Robot, Beer Serving Robot Debut HCJ 2020 in MakuhariConnected Robotics · retrieved 2026-07-05
07
Robot noodle chef starts working in Tokyo train stationSoraNews24 · retrieved 2026-07-05