What is the 'iGomi' service?

It is a battery collection and recycling service developed by JFE Engineering, using an AI camera and fire-resistant box to safely sort and collect lithium-ion batteries. JFE manages the entire process from collection to resource recycling.

Which municipalities are involved in the demonstration project?

Kanagawa Prefecture, along with the cities of Yamato, Ebina, Zama, and Ayase, are participating. JFE Engineering is the collaborating partner, providing the collection boxes and managing the whole flow.

When will the demonstration project start?

The demonstration is scheduled for around autumn 2026. A previous trial with the iGomi BOX in Ayase City has been running since July 2026 and confirmed its effectiveness.

RoboticsTop Companies' AI MovesTop Companies AI2h agoAug 28, 2026, 06:31 JST2 min read

Japan's first AI-powered battery recycling service selected for government trial

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Key takeaway

JFE Engineering's AI-powered battery recycling service 'iGomi' was selected for a Japanese government trial.
It will be tested in four Kanagawa cities starting autumn 2026.
The service uses AI to identify batteries and aims to reduce waste facility fires.

3 Key Points

What happened
JFE Engineering's lithium-ion battery collection and recycling service 'iGomi' has been selected for a Japanese environment ministry demonstration project. Kanagawa Prefecture applied for the project with JFE as a partner.
Why it matters
The service uses AI image recognition to help residents sort batteries safely, reducing fire risks at waste facilities. It will be tested across four municipalities in Kanagawa starting autumn 2026, aiming to build an efficient regional collection network.
What to watch
The service has already shown effectiveness in Ayase City since July 2026. JFE plans to expand the model to other prefectures across Japan, contributing to both fire prevention and resource recycling.

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Context & Analysis

The project addresses a pressing issue: improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries, often mixed with regular trash, has caused fires at waste processing facilities. JFE Engineering, which builds and operates such facilities, has witnessed these incidents firsthand. The iGomi service, born from an internal idea, uses AI to guide proper sorting and includes fire-resistant and extinguishing features. By testing across multiple neighboring municipalities, the project aims to demonstrate that a shared collection and transportation system can be more efficient and reduce the burden on individual cities. The selection by the environment ministry validates the approach and gives JFE a chance to refine a model that could be rolled out nationally, potentially setting a new standard for safe battery recycling in Japan.

FAQ

What is the 'iGomi' service?: It is a battery collection and recycling service developed by JFE Engineering, using an AI camera and fire-resistant box to safely sort and collect lithium-ion batteries. JFE manages the entire process from collection to resource recycling.
Which municipalities are involved in the demonstration project?: Kanagawa Prefecture, along with the cities of Yamato, Ebina, Zama, and Ayase, are participating. JFE Engineering is the collaborating partner, providing the collection boxes and managing the whole flow.
When will the demonstration project start?: The demonstration is scheduled for around autumn 2026. A previous trial with the iGomi BOX in Ayase City has been running since July 2026 and confirmed its effectiveness.