ROBO COVER Main Visual

Make Robot Exteriors Cool and Cute.
Create Sellable Appearances.

Japan's First Robot Exterior Specialized Studio "ROBO COVER" Launches

~The Fusion of Zeppet's 40-Year Film & Special Effects Modeling Technology × World-Class Flat Knitting Machine Technology "WHOLEGARMENT®"~


Why "EXTERIOR"? (Hidden Growth Barriers in the Industry)


The robot market is rapidly expanding from industrial equipment to human-facing applications such as cleaning, transportation, reception, security, and guidance. As functional differences narrow, the following elements become increasingly important at deployment sites.

◎ Sense of Security & Approachability:
 The power of "cool" and "cute" that makes a strong first impression

◎ Harmony with Space & Brand:
 Visual appeal that naturally blends with facility and brand identity

◎ Realization of Functional Beauty:
 Exterior design that enhances appearance through movement without compromising functionality


The "exterior" is what first conveys these elements. Even with excellent internal capabilities, it's crucial that the appearance = first impression is "emotionally accepted." ROBO COVER creates exteriors that elevate robots from "functional entities" to "chosen entities," considering usage, brand strategy, and exhibition plans.
We also welcome inquiries regarding project contracts, collaborations, joint development, and investment opportunities.

Importance of Robot Exterior

5 Key Features of ROBO COVER

01

40 Years Established / Film / TV / Game / Theme Park Achievements

02

One-Stop from Concept to Installation / Accepting at Any Stage

03

From Prototype (1 Unit) to Mass Production with Silicone/Metal Molds

04

Optimal Material & Finish Proposals

05

Confidentiality & Rights Management System for Corporate & Research Projects




01
40 Years of Achievement

40 Years Established / Film / TV / Game / Theme Park Achievements

Technical prowess of Zeppet special modeling studio, which has worked on numerous major titles in films, TV shows, games, and theme parks. We apply proven quality cultivated over 40 years to robot exterior production. Extensive experience and expertise gained through domestic and international large-scale projects.

02
One-Stop Support

One-Stop from Concept to Installation
Accepting at Any Stage

Comprehensive support from initial concept, design development, 3D data creation, modeling, painting, to installation. You can request our services at any stage according to your needs. Flexible response to both partial and full project requests.

03
From Prototype to Mass Production

From Prototype (1 Unit) to Mass Production with Silicone/Metal Molds

Wide-ranging support from single prototype production to mass production using silicone or metal molds. We propose optimal manufacturing methods from small-lot production to several hundred units. Cost optimization for mass production is our specialty.

04
Diverse Material Support

Optimal Material & Finish Proposals

Available Materials: Resin, 3D printer materials, fiber, FRP, metal, silicone, etc.

We propose optimal materials and manufacturing methods according to usage, environment, and budget. Material selection considers all elements including durability, weight, texture, and cost.

05
Confidentiality & Rights Management

Confidentiality & Rights Management System for Corporate & Research Projects

Strict confidentiality system based on transaction experience with major corporations and research institutions. Thorough protection of intellectual property including NDA signing, copyright management, and design rights management. Confidential projects can be entrusted with confidence.

ROBO COVER's Strengths

【 1 】40 Years Established / Special Modeling Technology with Major Title Achievements

ROBO COVER is based on the special modeling studio Zeppet (founded in 1984), a group company. In an environment that has created films, TV programs, characters, and theme park works, we also undertake robot exterior production.
Representative Junya Okabe has numerous achievements in the film, TV, game, theme park, and character industries. As former Representative Director and Vice President of Tsuburaya Productions, he produced TV programs and theatrical films, wrote scripts, created the popular character "Ultraman Zero," among other accomplishments, and is also in charge of creating the main characters for NHK's "Okaasan to Issho" (2022~).
With "major title achievements" and "industry-leading modeling technology" honed over many years in the entertainment industry, we are making a full-scale entry into the robotics industry.


【 2 】Integrated Support from Concept to Mass Production

Integrated support for concept, design, 3D data, modeling, painting, and installation.
From prototype (1 unit) to mass production using silicone/metal molds, we can propose a wide range of materials including 3D print materials / resin / FRP / metal / silicone / artificial skin.


【 3 】Robot-Specific "Fiber Exterior" using WHOLEGARMENT® 【Production System Under Development】

Production of flexible and friendly robot exterior wear using computerized flat knitting machine WHOLEGARMENT® 【Research & Development / Test Production Stage】. Overseas, there are examples of creating three-dimensional knit exteriors for humanoid robots with this machine, attracting attention as "robot-specific wear" that combines lightweight, fit, and design. In Japan, ROBO COVER is the first studio in the industry to specialize in fiber exteriors for robots.

◎ Features of Fiber Exterior:
1. Flexible exterior that does not hinder joint movement
2. Texture and silhouette close to human skin and clothing, creating a sense of security
3. Original textile incorporating brand colors and patterns

*WHOLEGARMENT® is a registered trademark of SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD.

Services

To Robot Manufacturers and Implementing Companies

ROBO COVER can accept consultations from the following stages.

• Concept/planning stage without even chassis drawings
• Stage where robot body mechanism design is progressing, but struggling with exterior image
• Stage requiring "one presentable unit" in a short time for exhibitions/demonstration experiments
• Stage wanting to redesign existing robots for brand renewal or business format changes

We also welcome consultations such as "just want to discuss the concept first" or "just want to know budget estimates and schedules."
We serve as an exterior partner that bridges technical specifications, marketing, and on-site operations, working alongside development teams.




Design & Mechanical Design

Design & Mechanical Design

From concept to design considering functionality, handled by experienced designers.

3D Data Modeling

3D Data Modeling

High-precision 3D CAD data creation. Optimization of existing data also available.

3D Printing

3D Printing

3cm to 12m Available
Wide support from small parts to large-scale models.

Painting & Finishing

Painting & Finishing

Film and theme park quality painting technology to realize ideal textures.

Installation & Setup

Installation & Setup

On-site installation, adjustment, and operation verification with reliable support.

Robot Customization Factory
【 Modification Service for Off-the-Shelf Robots 】

Design Refresh

Customization Design

Color changes, logo additions, exterior panel updates, etc., refresh impressions in a short time.

Full Exterior Custom

Full Exterior Custom

Redesign including shape, color, luminous parts, etc., to create completely original exterior.

Decorative Item Production

Decorative Items & Props Production

Comprehensive production of handheld items, costume elements, and accessories to enhance photo/SNS appeal.

Decorative Item Production

Robot Control Program Development & Modification

Development of original motions not available in basic menus is also supported.

Full Exterior Custom

Original Robot Production from Scratch

Planning, design & engineering, internal mechanics, control programs, exterior, to completion

【 PORTFOLIO 】

Various robot-related achievements over 40 years


Portfolio 3
Exhibition Robot

Presentation Robot (Exterior & Internal Mechanics Production)

Portfolio 2
Exhibition Animatronics

Talking Dinosaur (Planning, Design, System Design, Exterior & Internal Mechanics Production)

Portfolio 7
Facility Robot

Airport Guide Robot "mini MORK" (Exterior Production)

Portfolio 4
Exhibition Statue

Large Robot (3 meters) "Patlabor" (Data Design & FRP Modeling Production)

Portfolio 6
Facility Robot

Airport Guide Robot "JET" (Exterior Production)

Portfolio 1
Industrial Robot

Delivery Robot "MiLo" (Exterior Production)

Portfolio 8
Mechanical Exterior

Robot Character (Design, Engineering & Exterior Production)

Portfolio 8
Precision Model

Motorcycle 1/3 Replica (3D Data, Composite 3D Print & Finish Production)

Portfolio 8
Amusement Facility

Amusement Facility Robot (Planning, Internal Mechanics & FRP Exterior Production)

Portfolio 4
Precision Model

Robot Character (Design, 3D Print & Painting Finish Production)

Portfolio 4
Animatronics

NHK Special "Life" Anomalocaris (Design, Exterior Modeling & Internal Mechanics Production)

*For other achievements, please visit www.zeppet.com

Methods, Materials & Technology

Film & Theme Park Quality Technical Expertise

Method/Material Features Suitable Applications Size Range
Fiber Exterior All Fiber Exterior Types 【Production Preparation for World-Class Standards】
Planned from prototype to small-lot production / Multi-variety small-lot production
Multi-variety small-lot production 50cm〜2m
FDM 3D Printing Cost-efficient with excellent strength. Ideal from prototyping to small-lot production Prototypes, structural parts, functional verification models 3cm〜2m
LCD 3D Printing High-definition, high-quality modeling possible. Ideal for fine detail expression Figures, precision parts, prototype models 3cm〜50cm
Foam + Coating Lightweight, suitable for large modeling. High cost efficiency Large exteriors, event use, exhibition robots 50cm〜12m
FRP Modeling High strength & high durability. Ideal for outdoor use and long-term operation Outdoor installation, permanent exhibition, durability-focused applications 30cm〜8m
Urethane Resin Mass production possible using silicone molds. Handles complex shapes Mass production, complex-shaped parts, parts requiring flexibility 5cm〜1m
Silicone Excellent flexibility and texture expression. Realizes realistic skin feel Humanoid surfaces, contact parts, facial expressions 〜2m
Metal Processing Maximum strength and texture. Premium finish Frames, premium specifications, metallic expressions 〜5m
Mockup Short delivery time, low cost shape verification Initial design verification, presentations, size verification 10cm〜3m

*For other methods and materials, please contact us.

Production Flow & Pricing

Feel free to consult with us

01

Consultation

Feel free to contact us by phone or email.
No drawings required
Vague concepts welcome

02

Specification Arrangement

Hearing on usage, size, budget, delivery time, etc.
We propose optimal methods and materials.

03

Design Proposal

We propose designs through image sketches and 3D data.
Adjustments until you're satisfied.

04

Prototyping

Create prototype and verify with actual product.
Modifications and improvements as needed.

05

Main Production

Modeling, painting, finishing
Careful production.

06

Delivery & Installation Support

On-site installation, adjustment,
and operation verification support.

About Quotation Requests

Estimates possible with just photos and dimensions

Design & Engineering

  • Concept Design
  • 3D Data Creation
  • Mechanical Design

Prototype (1 unit)

  • 3D output or modeling
  • Painting & finishing
  • *Varies by size & material

Mass Production (10+ units)

  • Mold production cost separate
  • Volume discounts available
  • *Varies greatly by specifications

Existing Robot Modification

  • Design refresh
  • Exterior customization
  • *Varies by modification content

Quotations are free. Feel free to contact us.

Request Quote

Company Information & Contact

Feel free to consult with us

Company Information

BIGONE Corporation

Established 40 years ago, we are a professional group in video production and special modeling that has worked on numerous major titles in films, commercials, games, and theme parks. We apply our extensive experience and advanced technical expertise to the robot exterior production field.

Address: 6-11-18, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan

Major Clients

Contact Us

ZZ