It’s no secret that Japan is renowned for its technological prowess, making it a powerhouse in electronics and technology. Japan stands out as one of the leading robotics nations and hosts many top robotics companies, including major names like Mitsubishi and Kawasaki. With the rise of COVID-19, robots from Japan have become even more useful and in-demand; they assist in medicine, help with cleaning, and even provide companionship during quarantine.
Robots come in all different shapes, sizes, and functions. Here are ten interesting robots from Japan.
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10 Interesting Robots From Japan You Have to Know About
1. Pepper
Pepper is Softbank’s multipurpose social robot. It can communicate with people and gather data based on conversations to provide information, advice, and recommendations.
Robots from Japan like Pepper have been used in a broad range of fields: it has been used in classrooms to assist in teaching, performed as a cheerleader at sports games, and worked at restaurants by taking orders and recommending dishes to customers.
In June 2021, Softbank Robotics announced they would be halting the production of Pepper robots.
2. Paro
Paro is a robot seal created based on the idea of pet therapy—it has been used in hospitals and care centres to help reduce patient stress and anxiety. Robots from Japan like Paro have fur and whiskers, can learn to recognise and respond to their name, and respond to touch like a real animal would. It has especially been used to help dementia patients and was deemed the “World’s Most Therapeutic Robot” by Guinness World Records.
3. Ugo
Ugo is a household service robot. It serves as a sort of maid—it can even do your laundry for you—and must be controlled by a remote employee. Robots from Japan, like Ugo, have become especially useful during COVID-19, and its newest feature allows the robot to use ultraviolet light to disinfect surfaces.
4. Octochef
Octochef is a robot that can make takoyaki, a well-loved Japanese food made of chopped octopus inside balls of batter. Octochef can distribute the batter into takoyaki moulds quickly and efficiently. It is just one of many robots from Japan designed for cooking to come out in recent years.
5. Aibo
Aibo is a robot puppy that has undergone several design revamps throughout the years, with its most recent design being the most lifelike yet. Robots from Japan, like Aibo, strive to bring companionship to people as pet robots. Aibo collects data from its environment over time to form its unique personality and style, imitating the real process of owning and raising a dog.
6. Hen-na Hotel and Cafe Robots
Hen-na Hotel and its newest addition, Hen-na Cafe, are staffed by robots. Robots from Japan greet and help guests check-in, take orders, and make coffee. Who wouldn’t want the experience of checking into a hotel run by a dinosaur?
7. Kirobo
Kirobo is Japan’s space robot, created to keep astronauts company in space. Its voice system, developed by Toyota, allows Kirobo to chat with humans and offer entertainment. Since Kirobo’s return from space, Toyota has developed the Kirobo Mini, a version of Kirobo to accompany you during everyday activities.
8. ASIMO
ASIMO was created by Honda. This bipedal robot can run, jump, pour drinks, and walk autonomously. Robots from Japan, like ASIMO, can distinguish voices and recognise faces. ASIMO can even use Japanese sign language. As of 2018, Honda has discontinued the production of ASIMO robots to use its technology to assist with more practical applications, such as in medicine.
9. Hinotori
Hinotori is a robot designed to replicate human movements to assist in performing surgery. Surgeons can control Hinotori remotely while analysing the 3D images during surgery. As of now, it can only be used in Japan.
10. Androids
Blurring the line between human and machine, androids are something straight from science fiction. Robots from Japan, like these, mimic human movements and have their distinct personalities and faces. Hiroshi Ishiguro is one of the most famous designers of these lifelike robots and is renowned for creating a doppelganger of himself. He works in the hope of eventually creating robots that are fully self-conscious.
One of his creations, Erica Aoi, works as a news announcer for Nippon Television Network. She cracks jokes, reports the news, and is even scheduled to star in an upcoming science fiction movie
What do you think about these robots in Japan? There are continuous debates and discussions about the use of robots in our lives, but there is no argument that having robots in our lives has brought countless benefits.
The Future of Robotics in Japan
Japan continues to lead the world in robotics innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what robots can achieve. The diversity of robots from Japan, ranging from social companions like Pepper and Aibo to highly specialised medical assistants like Hinotori, showcases the nation’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into everyday life.
These robots not only enhance efficiency and convenience but also provide emotional support and companionship, illustrating the profound impact they can have on society.
As technology evolves, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking developments in the field of robotics. With Japan’s rich history of technological advancements and its forward-thinking approach, the future promises an exciting array of robots that will further revolutionise various industries and aspects of daily life.
From aiding in healthcare to transforming culinary experiences, robots from Japan are poised to continue shaping the world in remarkable ways.
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