ASTOR and Kawasaki sign a global agreement at World Expo 2025 in Osaka

Osaka, Japan, September 30, 2025 – During the Polish-Japanese Investment Forum at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, ASTOR and Kawasaki Heavy Industries signed a global Memorandum of Understanding concerning the further development and commercialization of the educational robot Astorino. This is a chance for global expansion — including entry into the demanding Japanese market.

This agreement constitutes the next stage in over 18 years of cooperation between the two companies and opens up new opportunities for joint actions in international markets. It is a symbol of mutual trust, shared vision, and ambition. The combination of Polish technological creativity of ASTOR and Japanese technical excellence of Kawasaki.

From dreams to a strategy of global cooperation

Cooperation between ASTOR and Kawasaki began in 2007. Since then, the Polish company has drawn from the knowledge and experience of its Japanese partner, consistently developing its competencies in the field of robotics and automation.

Over 18 years we learned robotics from Kawasaki. Today, thanks to Astorino, we can share Polish engineering development with Japan. It is a great pride for us and proof of the trust we have built consistently over the years – emphasized Andrzej Garbacki, Vice President of ASTOR.

The Astorino robot is the result of the work of the ASTOR team, whose key member is Marek Niewiadomski – design engineer, R&D expert, and above all the originator of the robot. The device already successfully supports education in Polish schools and universities. Strengthened by the signed agreement, cooperation with Kawasaki opens for it the chance of global expansion — including entry into the demanding Japanese market.

It is a great joy to accompany the team in fulfilling dreams that are then turned into real business. As the example of our partner Kawasaki Robotics shows, trust is built over decades. To achieve it, teamwork, courage, perseverance, and appropriate resources are needed. That is exactly what impresses me about the Japanese philosophy of doing business, and it is very similar to our way of operating – added Jarosław Gracel, President of the Board of ASTOR.

Joint response to global challenges

The Japanese side emphasizes that the joint actions have not only business significance, but also fit into a broader social and demographic context.

ASTOR has long-term relationships with us. Europe and Japan today face common demographic challenges: declining birth rates and aging populations. One of our most important tasks is therefore educating a new generation of robotics engineers. ASTOR in Poland has already built a strong position in this area, and we see enormous potential to develop this initiative also in Japan. Kawasaki consistently acts so that Japan — as a global leader in robotics — can continue to develop and strengthen its position over future generations – said Kenji Bando, Member of the Board of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Chief Director of the Robotics Division [Kawasaki Robotics].

The joint actions aim to prepare future generations of engineers to work with industrial robots, which fits into the global mission of both companies, including, among others, promoting robotics.

Vision of development through strategic partnerships

The significance of the signed agreement for Polish-Japanese relations was also emphasized by a representative of the Polish government.

The signing of this agreement is significant for the overall cooperation between Poland and Japan. It is a good predictor for further cooperation between our countries – noted Michał Jaros, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Development and Technology, present at the signing of the document.

In his speech during the opening ceremony of the Forum, mr. Jaros said:

Poland and Japan are connected by more than business. We are connected by an approach to quality, reliability and innovation. “Just in time”, “kaizen” — these are philosophies that inspire the Polish economy as well. Poland is today among the 20 largest economies in the world. This is a good moment to invest together with Japan in energy, semiconductors, defense, or space technologies. In uncertain times our cooperation is not only economic development but also stability and security.

Support from PAIH and the importance of Expo 2025

Cooperation with the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) at Expo 2025 in Osaka strengthened ASTOR’s image on the international stage and helped build strategic relationships with global partners. Thanks to the Agency’s support, Polish innovation could be more broadly presented, and the signed agreement with Kawasaki gained additional rank and economic context.

The signing of the MoU was finalized during the Polish-Japanese Investment Forum. The ceremony was attended by, among others: Michał Jaros – Secretary of State in the Ministry of Development and Technology, Jacek Tomczak – General Commissioner of the Polish Section at Expo 2025 Osaka, Łukasz Gwiazdowski – Vice President of the Board of PAIH, representatives of Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Trade Company, invited guests, and numerous Polish and Japanese media.

ASTOR – a Polish technology company headquartered in Kraków, specializing in delivering comprehensive solutions in automation, robotics, digitalization of industry, and intralogistics warehouse solutions. For 38 years it has supported industrial technological transformation, offering innovative products, software, and consulting services. ASTOR is the official Partner of the Polish Pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries – a Japanese technology conglomerate with global reach. Kawasaki Robotics is part of this conglomerate, a global leader in industrial technology and robotics. The company, whose history goes back over 120 years, is known for innovation, reliability, and the highest quality of its products. Its technologies are used in shipbuilding, aviation, environmental engineering, and industrial robot manufacturing.