Tokbo: Redefining Earthquake Resilience with Smart Monitoring

Tokbo’s groundbreaking work in smart structural monitoring and earthquake resilience places it at the forefront of innovation in construction technology. Their current flagship initiative, the ERIES Project, funded by the European Commission and developed in collaboration with leading universities such as Università degli Studi di Salerno, exemplifies their commitment to transforming how we design, monitor, and protect buildings from seismic damage.

 As Tokbo prepares to share its vision and expertise at the upcoming Innovation Leaders Summit 2025 in Japan, this article will explore the significance of their work, the impact of the ERIES Project, and what their participation signifies for the future of earthquake-resistant infrastructure, and for potential partners seeking pioneering collaboration.

A Smart, Resilient Infrastructure for the Future

At its core, Tokbo is driven by a vision to integrate advanced sensor technologies into structural elements, enabling real-time monitoring and intelligent assessment of building health. This is more than an upgrade to traditional construction: it embraces digital transformation to prepare buildings to better withstand natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, which remain one of the world’s most destructive forces.

Tokbo’s solutions—such as their sensorized bolts and threaded rods—translate mechanical behavior into actionable data, empowering engineers and researchers to observe and analyze structural responses as events happen. This capability is critical for not only preventing failures but also aiding post-event decision-making related to building reparability and resilience. Such a proactive approach to structural safety is essential in areas prone to seismic activity, making Tokbo’s technologies a vital investment in public safety and infrastructure longevity.

ERIES: Earthquake Simulation on a New Scale

The ERIES Project marks a significant evolution from Tokbo’s earlier efforts, including the FREEDAM Project, which they showcased during SusHi Tech 2025. Funded by the European Commission, it features a state-of-the-art experimental setup involving a 3-floor, 40-ton steel building mounted on a vibrating table that can simulate the complex dynamics of real earthquakes.

Tokbo has equipped this test structure with 24 sensorized bolts and 16 sensorized post-tensioning (PT) bars, connected via two gateways for continuous data transmission. Each sensor provides precise, real-time monitoring of the joints—key weak points in any seismic event. This setup allows for unprecedented insight into how structural components behave under stress, enabling detailed analysis of resilience factors.

The test, focused on innovative structural systems featuring seismic friction sliding connections with varying levels of self-centering tendency at different locations within the building, has been completed successfully. By simulating a range of base excitations including the known earthquakes such as the 2009 L’Aquila quake and the 1994 Northridge shock—performing over 50 shake events, including 10+ at Maximum Credible Earthquake (MCE) levels—researchers confirmed the complete absence of structural damage. This success validates the innovative joint design developed by the Università degli Studi di Salerno and highlights the effectiveness of Tokbo’s sensor systems in capturing critical data to assess and ensure structural integrity, even in case of seismic events.

Why Innovation Leaders Summit 2025 Is a Milestone

The Innovation Leaders Summit (ILS) is a prestigious international forum that brings

together pioneering companies, researchers, investors, and policy makers from around the world to accelerate innovation in smart infrastructure, digital technologies, and sustainability. It offers a unique platform for exchange, collaboration, and business development focused on technologies that transform industries and address critical global challenges.

For Tokbo, participating in ILS represents an opportunity to engage with a diverse ecosystem of innovation stakeholders and amplify their technology’s reach and impact. Furthermore, Japan, one of the most earthquake-prone regions, is a natural stage for Tokbo’s solutions. 

Mugen Links: Bridging Tokbo to Japan’s Market

As Tokbo’s dedicated partner in Japan, Mugen Links is proud to support their innovative journey. Our role is to facilitate meaningful connections between Tokbo and Japanese industry leaders, research institutions, and potential partners. By supporting Tokbo at key events such as the Innovation Leaders Summit, we help bring their groundbreaking sensor technologies closer to the regional market where seismic safety is a critical concern.

Our collaboration extends beyond representation at ILS—it’s about fostering long-term networks that drive innovation in earthquake resilience. Supporting Tokbo in Japan means advancing technologies that protect both people and infrastructure.

What Tokbo Brings to Potential Partners and Prospects

Tokbo stands out not just as a technology provider but as a strategic partner offering:

• Proven Sensor Technology: Their sensorized bolts and threaded rods are demonstrated tools for continuous health monitoring, capable of providing critical data under extreme conditions.

• Cutting-Edge Research Integration: By participating in high-profile projects like ERIES, Tokbo aligns its solutions with academic excellence and experimental rigor, underpinning product reliability and innovation leadership.

• Actionable Seismic Data: Real-time monitoring enables faster, more accurate assessment of structural condition during- and post-event, assisting decision-makers in repair prioritization and risk management.

• Scalable and Customizable Solutions: Tokbo’s systems can be adapted for different structural types and scales—from experimental models to full-scale commercial buildings.

• Commitment to Sustainability and Safety: Enhancing resilience reduces repair costs, prolongs building lifespan, and ultimately protects human life, positioning Tokbo as a responsible and future-proof choice.

From Reactive Repairs to Predictive Resilience

Earthquake risks will persist as urbanization expands and climate change potentially exacerbates natural disasters. Tokbo’s role in the ERIES Project, combined with their sensor technologies and strong research partnerships, enables the industry to move from reactive repairs toward predictive, data-driven resilience management.

By continuing their experimental programs and expanding real-world applications, Tokbo is poised to contribute fundamentally to the development of next-generation smart infrastructure. For prospective partners, this means an opportunity to join an innovation leader redefining earthquake safety, backed by cutting-edge science and practical, market-ready tools.

Conclusion: Building a Safer Tomorrow

Tokbo exemplifies how advanced sensor technology and rigorous research collaboration can address one of society’s most pressing challenges: earthquake resilience. Their ERIES Project achievements highlight both technological prowess and visionary thinking, making their participation at Innovation Leaders Summit 2025 more than a showcase—it’s an invitation to co-create the future of seismic safety.

With Mugen Links supporting their presence in Japan, Tokbo is positioned for deeper impact in one of the world’s most earthquake-sensitive regions. For partners and prospects interested in contributing to and benefiting from these developments, Tokbo offers a proven pathway to pioneering impact in smart infrastructure and seismic safety. Connecting with them now could foster groundbreaking collaborations that shape the built environment’s future, saving lives and strengthening communities.