The government has established awards for robots that promise to be market leaders to encourage more research and development, and to increase demand for the machines, the industry ministry said Thursday.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will accept entries from companies, academic institutions and individuals from Aug. 21 to Sept. 29 for this year's Robot Award.
Robots developed in the year through the end of August are eligible. METI is offering no prize money.
The entries are divided into several categories of robot -- service, industrial use, special purpose, including disaster rescue, and those manufactured by small companies.
Ten robots will be selected in the first round and one will receive the grand prize.