[DigitalToday reporter Ji-young Lee (이지영)] Danal's AI robot company Bit Corp plans to open the first overseas outlet of its robot coffee brand b;eat in Tokyo in August as it targets foreign markets.

Bit Corp said on Thursday it will open the first b;eat store in Japan in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. It is currently carrying out localisation procedures such as importing and clearing its robot coffee machines.

Danal Japan will support product imports and local business operations. Bit Corp also plans to work with Hillstone Japan, which handled distribution in Japan for the Singapore juice-pressing machine IJOOZ, to expand outlets in Japan.

The first Japan store will be located in the Nihonbashi commercial district, where offices are concentrated. Bit Corp plans to apply the robot control and AI-based store operation technologies it has used in South Korea, while localising ingredients and menu offerings to suit Japanese consumer tastes.

The Circles building that will host the first store is owned by Mitsubishi Real Estate Services Co Ltd, a Mitsubishi Group affiliate. Bit Corp is also discussing with Mitsubishi ways to open additional stores focused on major commercial districts and commercial facilities in Tokyo, using this opening as a starting point.

A Bit Corp official said Japan is a market with strong demand for unmanned and automated devices while placing importance on quality and service levels. The official said the company will use Danal Japan's local business capabilities and Hillstone Japan's distribution network to establish the first Tokyo store and expand outlets across Japan.