Japan has something of a love affair with robots. Residents in this country are constantly up against a high-context, save-face society that can leave individuals feeling the pressure. Social structures are rigid here, and those who break social norms, especially in the workplace, often experience harsh judgment by others.
Indeed, playing the part to a certain degree is important, whether you’re a business person or a homemaker. Fortunately, robotics manufacturers are providing users with companionship devices to help them unwind. These robots are easy-going and void of the rigid expectations that other humans often harbor.
Yet, how are these digital colleagues adjusting to the current conditions of the ongoing pandemic? At first glance, it seems many would be right at home in the hyper-hygienic state of affairs nations across the world find themselves in. In Japan, robots Pepper and Whiz, in particular, are doing their best to pitch in on social distancing and sanitization efforts.
Pepper and Whiz
Japanese telecommunications giant SoftBank is known for being forward-thinking. The 36th largest company in the world and the second most publicly-traded company in Japan, it has aggressively expanded in recent years and acquired shares in numerous corporations. The multinational conglomerate is also well-known for dabbling in robotics and has experienced a certain degree of success with its Pepper and Whiz models.
Pepper is an AI-driven humanoid. Released in 2015, it was developed as a friendly and sociable bot with the intent of helping people enjoy life. With several retail-savvy capabilities, it is often employed at shops and stores where it zips around helping customers. While the bot is equipped with a handy touchscreen, more impressive is its ability to read social cues and to, over time, adjust to people's behavior.
Pepper’s friendly nature makes it a natural fit in a retail environment. However, its programmable design allows it to be easily repurposed. As we have covered before, the automaton makes for an astute hotel concierge, airport ground staff, or barista. The bot has even been equipped with sutras and talisman to perform last rites as a robotic Buddhist monk.
Whiz, on the other hand, is a newer addition to SoftBank's line of robots. Released in 2019, the bot is an autonomous floor cleaning unit. Whiz simply requires a human to lead it on its initial trip cleaning a room, and its self-driving software and sensors take over. After acclimating, the droid employs its 3D camera and collision sensor to tidy up by itself.
Pitching in During the Pandemic
Just like other residents of Japan, Pepper and Whiz's normal work-situation has been upended by the coronavirus pandemic. Taking a note from other essential workers, they are doing their part to limit the spread of the infectious respiratory disease.
According to a recent article by Business Insider, the duo are working to help isolated COVID-19 patients as they experience quarantine at hotels. Pepper, owing to its friendly nature, is working as greeter meeting patients as they check-in to quarantine and also to deliver food. Its presence, along with other adaptations like kiosks, allows hotel staff to minimize their interaction with infected individuals.
Whiz has a part to play as well. It is working to keep surfaces sanitary while limiting the amount of cleaning required of employees. Together, the duo encourages safe practices while cheering up lonely patients during their isolated recovery.
In a recent outing, Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike visited pepper and Whiz while they were on duty. It seems she approves of how they are handling the task at hand.
Japan has something of a love affair with robots. Residents in this country are constantly up against a high-context, save-face society that can leave individuals feeling the pressure. Social structures are rigid here, and those who break social norms, especially in the workplace, often experience harsh judgment by others.
Indeed, playing the part to a certain degree is important, whether you’re a business person or a homemaker. Fortunately, robotics manufacturers are providing users with companionship devices to help them unwind. These robots are easy-going and void of the rigid expectations that other humans often harbor.
As such, Japan is experiencing a plethora of automatons working their way into consumers' lives. Devices like Kirobi Mini and Erica provide unconditional companionship while the mechanical pet Lovot gives affection to the entire family. In a country with a growing number of single and lonely adults, there is no shortage of high-tech solutions attempting to supplement the comradery of significant others.
Yet, how are these digital colleagues adjusting to the current conditions of the ongoing pandemic? At first glance, it seems many would be right at home in the hyper-hygienic state of affairs nations across the world find themselves in. In Japan, robots Pepper and Whiz, in particular, are doing their best to pitch in on social distancing and sanitization efforts.
Pepper and Whiz
Japanese telecommunications giant SoftBank is known for being forward-thinking. The 36th largest company in the world and the second most publicly-traded company in Japan, it has aggressively expanded in recent years and acquired shares in numerous corporations. The multinational conglomerate is also well-known for dabbling in robotics and has experienced a certain degree of success with its Pepper and Whiz models.
Pepper is an AI-driven humanoid. Released in 2015, it was developed as a friendly and sociable bot with the intent of helping people enjoy life. With several retail-savvy capabilities, it is often employed at shops and stores where it zips around helping customers. While the bot is equipped with a handy touchscreen, more impressive is its ability to read social cues and to, over time, adjust to people's behavior.
Pepper’s friendly nature makes it a natural fit in a retail environment. However, its programmable design allows it to be easily repurposed. As we have covered before, the automaton makes for an astute hotel concierge, airport ground staff, or barista. The bot has even been equipped with sutras and talisman to perform last rites as a robotic Buddhist monk.
Whiz, on the other hand, is a newer addition to SoftBank's line of robots. Released in 2019, the bot is an autonomous floor cleaning unit. Whiz simply requires a human to lead it on its initial trip cleaning a room, and its self-driving software and sensors take over. After acclimating, the droid employs its 3D camera and collision sensor to tidy up by itself.
Pitching in During the Pandemic
Just like other residents of Japan, Pepper and Whiz's normal work-situation has been upended by the coronavirus pandemic. Taking a note from other essential workers, they are doing their part to limit the spread of the infectious respiratory disease.
According to a recent article by Business Insider, the duo are working to help isolated COVID-19 patients as they experience quarantine at hotels. Pepper, owing to its friendly nature, is working as greeter meeting patients as they check-in to quarantine and also to deliver food. Its presence, along with other adaptations like kiosks, allows hotel staff to minimize their interaction with infected individuals.
Whiz has a part to play as well. It is working to keep surfaces sanitary while limiting the amount of cleaning required of employees. Together, the duo encourages safe practices while cheering up lonely patients during their isolated recovery.
In a recent outing, Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike visited pepper and Whiz while they were on duty. It seems she approves of how they are handling the task at hand.