Osaka trials social-distancing robot to replace staff during pandemic

The Robovie robot was developed as a potential replacement for store staff amid the pandemic

Credit: Reuters

A robot that enforces mask-wearing in shops is being trialed in Japan, as the nation faces an apparent resurgence in coronavirus cases.

The Robovie robot was developed by the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International in Kyoto as a potential replacement for store staff as the pandemic continues.

Equipped with a camera and multiple sensors, the humanoid robot is currently being trialed at a merchandise store for a soccer club in Osaka city as a means to help stem the spread of coronavirus.

Pre-programmed with the layout of the store, the robot is able to identify shoppers who fail to wear masks before politely asking them to put one on, after a researcher has remotely confirmed it is correct, according to Kyodo News agency.

The robot is also able to use its lasers to monitor social distancing, alerting customers when they stand too close to one another while shopping in the store or queuing to pay.

The robot has been enlisted as coronavirus cases continue to climb across Japan, prompting fears of a possible third wave of cases following several months of relatively stable infection rates.

Coronavirus Japan Spotlight Chart — cases default

Japanese officials reported a total of 1,441 new cases across the country on Sunday – following a record high of 1,705 on Friday — bringing the total number of cases to 119,420, including 1,908 deaths.

Japan has long been at the technological forefront of robotic research, a sector fueled by a chronic need to counter the nation’s rapidly aging and ever-shrinking workforce.

However, Japanese robots are now being increasingly adapted to the current coronavirus climate. A growing number of so-called “healing robots” are being marketed as a means to help people deal with isolation or minimised contact with friends and family.

Soaring sales have been reported among such robots, including Sony’s Aibo robotic dog and Yukai Engineering’s Qoobo, a circle of fur complete with a tail that reacts to being stroked.

Meanwhile, the cuddly cartoon-like LOVOT robot, which is 43 cm tall and has big round eyes, is reportedly being used in a kindergarten in Nagoya to help children deal with stresses caused by the pandemic.