Japan is always at the forefront when it comes to utilising automation and robotics in day to day life.
Robots have become an integral part of sectors such as hotels, restaurants, and local retail stores.
In Japan, there are sushi-making robots designed to replicate handmade sushi quality but have extreme efficiency.
Robotic firms have also even invented Japanese ramen robots. At Japanese ramen chain Kourakuen in Motomiya, Fukushima, they are using a new tablet-operated “Ramen Serving robot” called the K-1. The K-1 helps with social distancing and contactless service, as it’s a shelf-equipped robot with a sensor that allows it to navigate through the restaurant and serve customers without hassle. The robot can reportedly respond to voice commands and can be navigated with a tablet that both customer and restaurant staff have.
Japan also has the world’s first robot bartender that has begun serving up drinks in a Tokyo pub. The robot can prepare a cocktail in one minute and can pour a beer in 40 seconds.
The Henn-Na Hotel in Japan deploys humanoid robots, designed in a way that they act like humans and speak fluent Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and English. Even the rooms have features like facial recognition, room temperature monitored and adjusted according to body heat, and a tablet that allows guests to request services.
When it comes to cashless payments, options like Japan’s commuter cards, The Welcome Suica are available for moving around and shopping. Just touch Welcome Suica to the ticket gate and the fare is automatically deducted from your Welcome Suica. The Welcome Suica can be used not only for JR East trains but subways and buses as well.
The much-awaited Tokyo 2020 Games will also witness several ground-breaking tech initiatives. One amongst these is the facial-recognition ID system that has been implemented to identify the faces of officials and athletes, granting them access to the venues.
The system, provided by NEC Corporation, will offer access to approximately 300,000 athletes, officials, volunteers, and media representatives in restricted areas.
