First Humanoid Robot Lands Job At Department Store – What’s Next?

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humanoid robot

No, unfortunately, the title of this article is not a joke.  A humanoid robot developed by Toshiba named Aiko Chihira has literally received a job at the information desk of a major department store in Japan.  She will only be able to speak Japanese but will however be able to use sign language.

The robot, which looks like a female human, will begin her work at Mitsukoshi department store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, on Monday and Tuesday.  She will start slowly with customers, introducing herself using sign language and transitioning from there.

The UK Daily Mail reports:

In a world where online shopping is king, Toshiba hopes technology can change the in store experience – with a robo-assistant.

The firm’s humanoid robot is set to start work at the information desk of a department store in Tokyo to help customers find their way around.

The female-looking robot, named Aiko Chihira, will only speak Japanese – but she is also capable of sign language.

However, Chihira is unlikely to engage in smalltalk its makers admit.

Instead the robot was created to appear, talk and move as humanly as possible.

Chihira blinks, bows and moves its mouth and lips smoothly while speaking.

A Toshiba spokesman told the Wall Street Journal that Chihira is programmed with multiple human-like expressions, and that it will offer six-minute guidance to customers with information about the department store including events.

humanoid robot

Chihira has appeared at exhibitions and events, but this is the first time it will provide customer service.

The robot’s appearance wasn’t modeled on any specific person but was designed to give a friendly impression, according to Toshiba.

The robot will be set up at the Mitsukoshi department store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, on Monday and Tuesday.

humanoid robot_Screen Shot 2015-04-18 at 2.55.53 AM

Ms Chihira uses sign language to introduce itself to humans.

Toshiba describes the eerie android, which has blinking eyes and a fixed smile, as having the appearance of ‘a friendly young woman.’

At present, the android can mimic only simple movements, such as exchanging greetings and signing in Japanese.

The technology was first shown off at Ceatec 2014 in Japan.

 

Royce Christyn

Royce Christyn

Journalist at News Punch
Documentarian, Writer, Producer, Director, Author.
Royce Christyn

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