Suzuki Strengthens Electric Mobility Business by Acquiring RT.Works
Suzuki Motor Corporation (Headquarters: Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Toshihiro Suzuki; hereinafter “Suzuki”) has announced that it has acquired all shares of RT.Works Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Hitoshi Fujii; hereinafter “RT.Works”), making it a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition marks a decisive step in Suzuki’s strategy to strengthen its research, development, and commercialization capabilities in the electric mobility sector while expanding its role in delivering freedom of movement to a wider range of customers.
Building on a Legacy of Compact Electric Mobility
Suzuki has a long history in compact electric mobility, beginning in 1985 with the launch of its Senior Car, a handle-type electric wheelchair designed to provide independence for elderly users. This product, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, has become an important part of Suzuki’s diverse product line-up alongside automobiles, motorcycles, and marine products. The company has continually positioned mobility as a form of social infrastructure, developing solutions that directly support daily life.
In recent years, Suzuki has broadened its approach by collaborating with RT.Works on joint projects focused on assistive technologies. These initiatives highlighted both companies’ shared commitment to addressing demographic challenges, particularly Japan’s aging population, by applying innovative robot technology to mobility. Recognizing the potential of deeper integration, Suzuki decided to acquire RT.Works outright and align its expertise with Suzuki’s expansive network and brand strength.
RT.Works: A Leader in Assistive Robotics
Founded in June 2014, RT.Works has emerged as a pioneer in the development of life-support robots, with a focus on electric assist walkers. The company has achieved the top domestic market share in this category and is widely recognized for innovation. In 2015, RT.Works launched the “Robot Assist Walker RT.1,” the world’s first non-wearable walking assist robot. This milestone product set the tone for the company’s mission: to enable greater independence, mobility, and quality of life for users through practical robotics.
RT.Works’ portfolio extends beyond its own products, as it also engages in contract development, reflecting its adaptability and technical depth. Its guiding philosophy—“Contributing to people’s enriched lives and social development through robot technology”—aligns strongly with Suzuki’s own mission to provide mobility solutions closely tied to customers’ everyday needs.
Suzuki’s Vision: “By Your Side”
Suzuki’s mid-term management plan, titled “By Your Side,” envisions the company as a provider of “infrastructure mobility closely connected to customers’ lives.” This concept emphasizes that mobility is more than transportation—it is a foundation for independence, well-being, and community participation. Through the integration of RT.Works, Suzuki seeks to broaden its scope within electric mobility, creating innovative solutions that blend robotics and transportation to address evolving customer demands.
By combining Suzuki’s nationwide sales network and manufacturing capabilities with RT.Works’ advanced assistive technologies, the company aims to deliver new forms of personal mobility. This partnership represents an opportunity not only to expand Suzuki’s presence in Japan but also to explore global opportunities in regions facing similar aging demographics and growing interest in robotic assistance.
Leadership Perspectives
Hitoshi Fujii, President of RT.Works, highlighted the company’s journey and aspirations:
“RT.Works was founded with the desire to contribute to society through robot technology amid rapid demographic aging. Since launching the ‘Robot Assist Walker RT.1,’ we have continuously explored how to address social challenges by applying robot technology centered on electric assist. We are very pleased to join the Suzuki Group and contribute to creating products and services that benefit customers. Going forward, we will maintain our entrepreneurial spirit and, under the slogan ‘Bringing robot technology closer to people,’ generate multifaceted synergies with the Suzuki Group to support the movement of people and goods, thereby contributing to enriched lives and social development.”
Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, emphasized the synergy and strategic significance of the acquisition:
“In addition to automobiles, motorcycles, and marine products, Suzuki has long sold the Senior Car, which has supported daily mobility for people who have returned their driver’s license. However, we recognize that many customers wish to remain walking on their own feet. Electric assist walkers, powered by advanced robot technology, are increasingly recognized as an effective solution. We believe that Suzuki’s nationwide sales network can help deliver these products more widely. Together with RT.Works, as Team Suzuki, we will pursue our vision of ‘By Your Side’ to create infrastructure mobility closely connected to customers’ lives.”
Expanding Customer Choice and Social Impact
The acquisition of RT.Works underscores Suzuki’s commitment to expanding mobility options. By integrating robotics into its portfolio, Suzuki can offer customers a wider spectrum of solutions—ranging from traditional vehicles to advanced assistive technologies—that address both individual independence and broader social challenges.
At the same time, this move reflects an important evolution in the mobility industry, where companies are increasingly expected to contribute to social infrastructure beyond transportation. With Japan as a testing ground, Suzuki and RT.Works are well-positioned to expand their solutions globally, particularly in regions where aging populations and healthcare accessibility are pressing issues.
