Suzuki Motor has invested in industrial robotics software developer Linkwiz through its corporate venture capital arm, Suzuki Global Ventures (SGV).

Founded in 2015 and based in Hamamatsu City, Linkwiz develops control software for industrial robots that combines 3D scanning with robot control technologies to enable digital transformation (DX) in automotive manufacturing.

Its solutions automate production stages that involve visual inspection and process variation.

Linkwiz representative director Go Fukino said: “Driven by our mission to ‘revolutionise work through robotics that inherit human skills,’ we are committed to driving field innovation with industrial robots. Our joint development with Suzuki Motor Corporation will also focus on enhancing the quality of production sites and supply chains.”

Suzuki has already introduced Linkwiz solutions at its Hamamatsu and Kosai manufacturing facilities.

At these sites, selected welding inspection tasks have been shifted to robotic inspection.

The two companies have also entered a memorandum of understanding for joint business development.

It is aimed at expanding use of the technology into production stages beyond welding inspection.

According to Suzuki, the initiative is intended to help sustain domestic manufacturing in Japan despite a shrinking population and to improve overall production quality stability.

Suzuki Motor senior managing officer Kazuo Ichino added: “By leveraging Linkwiz Incorporated’s point cloud data processing and robot control technologies, we anticipate significant improvements in productivity and enhanced quality stability for welded parts.”

SGV was established in 2022 to collaborate with start-ups, particularly in Suzuki’s home region of Hamamatsu, and to develop new production technologies and digital transformation models for factory operations.

The investment follows Suzuki’s recent manufacturing expansion in India.

Last month, Suzuki Motor approved plans for a new vehicle production facility via its Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki India.

The proposed plant in Sanand, Gujarat, will occupy roughly seven million square metres and is designed for an annual capacity of one million vehicles.

The total estimated expenditure for land acquisition and related costs is Rs49.6bn ($549.48m).