Applications open: Ericsson, SoftBank and Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks to host H.E.R.O Lab robotics education program in Fukuoka and Osaka

The name H.E.R.O Lab combines the “H” for “Happiness” and “E” for “Everyone” from SoftBank’s corporate philosophy, “Information Revolution — Happiness for everyone,” the “R” from Ericsson’s core value of “Respect,” and the “O” for “Open,” reflecting the program’s aim to provide an accessible learning opportunity for children.

The program is based on Ericsson’s global Connect to Learn: Digital Lab Program, and gives children the opportunity to experience robot assembly and basic programming in a fun, hands-on environment.

During the program, participants will take part in a robotics competition inspired by baseball. Using a course modeled on a baseball field, children will program robots acting as baseball players to hit a ball and run around the bases. Ericsson and SoftBank employees will also join the program as mentors, supporting participants throughout the learning experience.

Through H.E.R.O Lab, Ericsson aims to contribute to local communities in Japan and help inspire the next generation of technology talent.

Event details

Fukuoka
Date and time: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 10:00–12:30
Venue: Vega, 3rd floor, Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk, Fukuoka City
Participation benefit: Pair tickets for 30 groups to a Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks game
Game: Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. Chiba Lotte Marines, Saturday, July 4, starting at 14:00
Seats: Reserved A seats, first-base side, upper level, Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka

Application: Due to the favorable response, we have reached our capacity. Therefore, we closed the application earlier than planned. We are sincerely grateful for the large number of applications we received. We kindly ask for your understanding in this matter.

Osaka

Date and time: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10:00–12:30
Venue: Osaka Business Park Crystal Tower Conference Room E, Osaka City
Participation benefit: Pair tickets for 30 groups to a Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks game
Game: Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, Tuesday, August 4, starting at 18:00
Seats: Upper-level reserved infield seats, Kyocera Dome Osaka

Application:
Application form for the Osaka event is available here.

Eligibility: Students from Grade 1 of elementary school to Grade 1 of junior high school
Capacity: 30 participants per venue
Participation fee: Free
Program: Robot assembly, programming experience and robotics competition

If the number of applications exceeds capacity, participants will be selected by lottery.

Application deadline:
Fukuoka: Registration for the Fukuoka event is now closed as we have reached maximum capacity due to high demand. As a result, applications have closed ahead of the original deadline. Thank you very much for your interest and applications. We appreciate your understanding.
Osaka: Friday, July 10, 23:59

Please note that applications may close earlier if capacity is reached.

Notification to selected participants:
Fukuoka: From Friday, June 19 onward
Osaka: From Friday, June 19 onward

We look forward to receiving your applications.

About Connect to Learn: Digital Lab Program
Ericsson’s Connect to Learn is a global initiative that supports access to digital education and helps children acquire ICT skills. The initiative has reached approximately 670,000 children across 47 countries.

The Digital Lab Program, part of Connect to Learn, is an interactive learning program designed for children aged 11 to 16 who are being introduced to programming and new technologies for the first time. It consists of five beginner-level courses where participants can learn about robotics, artificial intelligence, basic electronics and game creation in a fun and creative way.

Ericsson has also been implementing the Digital Lab Program in Japan. In 2025, Ericsson held H.E.R.O Lab in Fukuoka City, as well as Okinawa Digital Lab 2025 — Robot Programming Challenge in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture.

For more information about Ericsson’s Force for Good initiatives in Japan, please visit:
https://www.ericsson.com/ja/about-us/company-facts/ericsson-worldwide/japan/ffg