Japan uses robots as staff to avoid human contact
The outbreak and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic have fundamentally changed society and the way we deal with each other. In the course of social distancing and distance rules, robots are therefore increasingly being used in Japan as personnel in retail stores, at trade fairs or in social services. While in the past robots were more likely to be used in industry or as cleaning helpers in the home, their uses have changed as a result of advances in research and development. In February, the technology company Seikatsu Kakumei Inc. began selling robots as assistants for stores, exhibitions and trade fairs. The digital assistants are remotely controlled by human operators and have a display where the operator can be seen and communicate with customers. Since April, another customer, the Japanese real estate company Aqurahome Co. has been using robots as assistants in show homes. The robots guide interested customers through the house and can answer questions via a video connection.
Another area of application for robots is in stores such as retail stores or restaurants that were affected by the lockdown and closure. The restaurant “The Galley Seafood Grill” in Tokyo uses two robots for their salad buffet. The robot waiters find the corresponding tables by means of stickers attached to the ceiling, which are read by a camera. In addition, the robots, which resemble serving trolleys, are equipped with infrared sensors and image processing and can thus avoid guests, personnel or other obstacles. The robot company Telexistence Inc., on the other hand, has developed the Model-T, a robot that can place shelves in supermarkets via remote control.
The Japanese mini-market chain FamilyMart recently started a trial with the robot in one of its stores in Tokyo. The robot has human dimensions and grippers, which are controlled by a remote control and video camera from a central location. Here the delay is only about 50 milliseconds and the operator has control of the robot in real time. JIS certification is a mandatory certification that verifies the conformity of products according to Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). JIS certification includes products in the fields of mechanical, electronic and electrical engineering, automotive engineering and information processing in accordance with the Industrial Standardization Act of Japan. The Japanese industrial standards are issued by the JISC – Japanese Industrial Standards Committee. Are you interested in the certification of products for the Japanese market? We would be happy to support you in JIS certification and are also available to answer your questions.
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