Rohto Pharmaceutical and Tokyo University of Science establish a collaborative research center on cyber-physical systems
to accelerate research toward optimizing supply chain management.
September 11, 2025
ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head office: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; President: Hidetoshi Segi; hereinafter referred to as Rohto Pharmaceutical) and Tokyo University of Science (Head office: Meguro-ku, Tokyo; President: Naoto Otake; hereinafter referred to as Tokyo University of Science) have concluded an agreement to establish a collaborative research base for research on Cyber-Physical Systems (hereinafter referred to as CPS) *1.
*1: CPS is a system that collects diverse data in the physical space (real space) using sensor networks, etc., and analyzes/transforms it into knowledge in cyberspace (virtual space) using large-scale data processing technologies, etc., and uses the information/value created there to revitalize industries and solve social problems.
Background and objectives of the collaborative research
Rohto Pharmaceutical has developed a diverse range of products to address customers' needs, but with the increasing number of products and production volume each year, building a system to stably produce higher quality products has become a challenge. Therefore, through joint research with the Fujisawa Laboratory at Tokyo University of Science, we have implemented a Cyber-Physical System (CPS) at our main factory, the Ueno Techno Center, and have been optimizing the factory environment. By analyzing information such as the movement of people and objects in the physical space, acquired using IoT and sensor technology, in cyberspace, and deriving the optimal production process using AI and deep learning, we have been working to improve productivity in the actual factory environment.
In light of the recent logistics challenges of 2024, Rohto Pharmaceutical faces the further challenge of appropriately managing and improving its supply chain, which is becoming more complex along with business growth. By extending the knowledge we have cultivated to warehouses and logistics outside of our factories, and by proposing optimized processes utilizing IoT technology, we aim to improve the well-being of companies involved throughout the entire supply chain, as well as the customers who use our products and services.
Past CPS implementation track record
To optimize the movement of goods, we are actively promoting the introduction of CPS.
- In optimizing the operation of automated warehouses (nighttime shelving) at the Ueno Techno Center and surrounding warehouses, the transport simulator and optimization algorithm developed by the Fujisawa Laboratory at Tokyo University of Science were introduced to the actual site, reducing the travel distance of transport vehicles during the day by more than 50% and reducing worker waiting time by approximately 30%.
- By reducing energy consumption and enabling real-time monitoring of factory conditions, it significantly contributes to production efficiency and cost reduction.
Future prospects in CPS research
- To achieve even more flexible and rapid "real-time optimization," we will further strengthen the collaboration between sensor technology and systems, and develop more accurate real-time simulation technology.
- By conducting simulations that provide a comprehensive overview of the entire supply chain, including sales forecasting and inventory management, we aim to improve the overall efficiency of our business operations.
- Within the supply chain, we will optimize the logistics network from raw material procurement to product transportation, making maximum use of transportation capacity while promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Moving beyond research focused on optimizing specific parts of conventional factories, we are establishing a research base to build a system for digitally innovating Rohto Pharmaceutical's entire value chain, from marketing and manufacturing to logistics, thereby accelerating and concretizing our research. Furthermore, we will accelerate the digital processes across all corporate activities, with CPS (Cyber-Physical Systems) at its core, and contribute to solving social and environmental challenges.
Overview of the Rohto Mathematical CPS Innovation Collaborative Research Center
| name |
Rohto Mathematical CPS Innovation Collaborative Research Center |
| Installation location |
ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Tokyo Branch Office |
| Installation period |
July 1, 2025 - March 31, 2030 |
| Research topic |
Research on mathematical optimization and cyber-physical systems (CPS) for business process optimization at Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. |
| Director |
Katsuki Fujisawa, Professor, Institute for New Industry Creation (Digital Twin Research Unit, Institute for Advanced Studies) |
| Deputy Director |
Executive Vice President and CTO, Shinichi Kunisaki |
About Ueno Techno Center
The Ueno Techno Center, which began operations in 1999 and is now in its 26th year of operation, produces Rohto Pharmaceutical's flagship products, including eye drops such as V ROHTO PREMIUM, as well as over-the-counter medicines and skincare products such as Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. It also functions as a mother factory, serving as a base for quality control and logistics. In September 2022, the new C building of the factory began operations, and verification is underway to further utilize CPS (Cyber-Physical Systems).