Robot built for Japan's ageing workforce finds coronavirus role

Startup is offering its machine as a tool in the fight against the outbreak

Published: June 09, 2020 14:52 Reuters and Compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Digital Content Editor

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Tokyo: Mira Robotics developed its "ugo" robot to reinforce greying Japan's shrinking workforce, but as the coronavirus threat persists, the Japanese startup is offering its machine as a tool in the fight against the outbreak, the company's CEO said. Image Credit: Reuters

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"The coronavirus has created a need for robots because they can reduce direct contact between people," Ken Matsui told Reuters at his company's workshop in Kawasaki, near Tokyo. Image Credit: Reuters

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"We've had inquiries from overseas, including from Singapore and France." The latest feature of the remote-controlled or so-called avatar robot is a hand attachment that uses ultraviolet light to kill viruses on door handles. Image Credit: Reuters

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An unprecedented population decline that is shrinking Japan's workforce by more than half a million people a year as well as a reluctance to bring in foreign labour to fill vacant positions has spurred robot development in Japan. The emergence of coronavirus-related demand could further that work. Image Credit: Reuters

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Mira Robotics' Ugo is a pair of height-adjustable robotic arms mounted on wheels, operated remotely through a wireless connection with a laptop and game controller. Image Credit: Reuters

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A range-measuring laser mounted on the base helps it navigate, while a panel at the top displays eyes to give it a friendlier appearance. Image Credit: Reuters

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It takes around 30 minutes to learn how to use the robot, with each operator able to control as many as four machines, said Matsui. Image Credit: Reuters

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Ugo which costs around $1,000 a month to rent, can be deployed as a security guard, carry out equipment inspections and clean toilets and other areas in office buildings, he added. Image Credit: Reuters

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Matsui's two-year old startup so far has only one ugo operating at an office building in Tokyo. Image Credit: Reuters

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