Digital | ON: TECH May 20, 2018
The new faces of today's technology
by Chiho Komoriya
Drastic and subtle ways to give your face a virtual makeover, and a life-size anime service robot — what more could you need?
NEWSWORTHY
Entertainment News Dec 20, 2017
Disney's 'robo-Trump' as controversial as the real thing, gets social media buzzing
Disney on Tuesday revealed its animatronic Donald Trump figure in Orlando, Florida, and the robo-Trump quickly stoked almost as much social media buzz as the man it is based upon. The robotic figure, on display at Disney's Hall of Presidents exhibit, stands on a stage ...
National Sep 24, 2017
Gundam's 20-meter replacement statue unveiled in Odaiba
by Daisuke Kikuchi
Gundam's upgrade was unveiled in Tokyo's Odaiba waterfront district on Sunday, giving hope to its corporate sponsors that the giant robot statue will become a new tourist attraction ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The towering, full-scale 19.7-meter Unicorn Gundam replaces the previous model, which ...
National Sep 7, 2017
Day care facilities test robots as high-tech solution to alleviate staffing shortages
by Alex Martin
In a bid to help fix the nation's child care crunch, a Tokyo-based start-up is testing a new service combining robots and sensors to monitor kids at nurseries. Global Bridge Holdings, a child care and nursing care venture, is working with academics from Gunma University ...
Digital | ON: TECH Apr 16, 2017
Technological fun for the home
by Chiho Komoriya
Gadget maker Cerevo has taken advantage of the hype surrounding this month's release of the Hollywood version of "Ghost in the Shell" by producing a 1/8 scale robot model of the original anime's AI combat-vehicle Tachikoma.
Digital | ON: TECH Mar 18, 2017
Spring improvements: Learn to program, exercise for charity and then pour the perfect beer
by Chiho Komoriya
Ways to build a better understanding of coding Learning programming will become part of the Japanese elementary school curriculum from 2020, and this new toy from Sony Global Education and educational toy manufacturer Artec could give kids a head start. Called KOOV, this set of colorful ...
Business / Tech | ADVANCES IN PROGRESS Nov 14, 2016
Japanese engineer sees evolution guiding next wave in robotics
by Shusuke Murai
What could be the next big thing in technology after the digital revolution? According to Chuo University engineering professor, the answer could come from Mother Nature. "Traditionally, people wanted industrial robots to be able to work precisely to help with mass production. But today, demand is ...
National / Social Issues Jun 28, 2016
Osaka startup releases updated robot doll to keep seniors company
An Osaka-based startup founded by health care product group Fujimoto Holding Co. and toymaker Wiz Co. has released an upgraded version of a stuffed robot doll designed to be a conversation partner for elderly people. The new Unazuki Kabochan, released June 17, has been programmed ...
Editorials Apr 11, 2016
Cyberdine Inc.'s Hybrid Assistive Limb exoskeleton suit holds great promise for mobility-challenged people in rapidly graying Japan.
Business / Financial Markets Feb 18, 2016
Can you call the stock market? Equity analyst says he can
by Toshiro Hasegawa and Tom Redmond
On the 10th day of every month, Junsuke Senoguchi has just one thing on his mind: the closing level of the Nikkei average. That is because Senoguchi, an unassuming man in his late 40s, has built a machine that has been predicting the direction of ...
World / Science & Health Dec 22, 2015
ISS spacewalkers help jog stalled rail car back into place with robotic, mission control assistance
Two American astronauts helped move a stalled rail car back into place outside the International Space Station on Monday, quickly finishing the primary job of an unplanned spacewalk before moving on to other housekeeping tasks. NASA's one-year spaceman, Scott Kelly, and astronaut Timothy Kopra took ...