Stop and shop: A Panasonic delivery robot named Hakobo selling hot drinks and snacks in Tokyo’s shopping and business area of Marunouchi. — AFP
FUJISAWA: “Excuse me, coming through,” a four-wheeled robot chirps as it dodges pedestrians on a street outside Tokyo, part of an experiment businesses hope will tackle labour shortages and rural isolation.
From April, revised traffic laws will let self-driving delivery robots navigate streets across Japan.
Proponents hope the machines can eventually help elderly people in depopulated rural areas get access to goods, while also addressing a shortage of delivery workers in a country with chronic labour shortages.There are challenges to overcome, acknowledged Hisashi Taniguchi, president of Tokyo-based robotics firm ZMP, including safety concerns.“They are still newcomers in human society, so it’s natural that they’re seen with a bit of discomfort,” he said.
The robots won’t operate entirely alone, with humans monitoring remotely and able to intervene.
Taniguchi said it’s important that the robots “are humble and lovable” to inspire confidence.
ZMP has partnered with behemoths such as Japan Post Holdings in its delivery robot trials in Tokyo.
Its DeliRo robot aims for a charming look, featuring big, expressive eyes that can be made teary in sadness if pedestrians block its way.
“Every kid around here knows its name,” Taniguchi said.
There is a serious purpose behind the cuteness. Japan has one of the world’s oldest populations, with nearly 30% of its citizens aged over 65. Many live in rural areas that lack easy access to daily necessities.
Labour shortages in its cities and new rules limiting overtime for truck drivers also make it hard for businesses to keep up with pandemic-fuelled e-commerce and delivery demands.“The shortage of workers in transport will be a challenge in the future,” said engineer Dai Fujikawa of electronics giant Panasonic, which is trialling delivery robots in Tokyo and nearby Fujisawa.
“I hope our robots will be used to take over where needed and help ease the labour crunch.” — AFP
