Can the 'uncanny valley' help us in a future 'metaverse'?
The phenomenon of creepiness that comes with certain humanoid creations could work to defend us against the negative possibilities of a virtual world, scientists say.
How Japan should approach military tech competition
It is vital for the nation to grasp the trends in national security and game-changing military technologies that are at the core of economic security.
Japan and U.S. block advancement in U.N. talks on autonomous weapons
Also referred to as "killer robots," autonomous weapons are artificial intelligence-powered weapons using facial recognition and algorithms.
FamilyMart trials AI robot for restocking convenience store drinks
The device, installed at a store inside a government ministry building in the Kasumigaseki district of Tokyo, restocks products by predicting sales based on the time and season.
The robots, with scowling blue eyes and a North Korean flag across its chest, are intended to help children learn basic math, music and English.
Honda sees its future in air taxis, rockets and moon robots
With its "2030 Vision,” the automaker is betting big on how people will work, travel and spend leisure time in the future.
Honda planning to launch rocket carrying satellite for connected cars
The automaker said it envisions reusing its rocket by enabling some of the components to land back on Earth after launching.
COVID-19 pandemic pushes Chinese tech giants to roll out more courier robots
More than a thousand courier robots are set to join the delivery personnel ranks over the next year as the pandemic fuels demand for contactless services.
China's high-tech push seeks to reassert global factory dominance
Beijing's pivot puts the focus on advanced manufacturing, rather than the services sector, to steer the world's second-largest economy past the so-called "middle income trap."
JR East to deploy robotic baristas at Tokyo and Yokohama stations
The railway service operator hopes the trial will pave the way for customized beverages, using artificial intelligence, and a "coffee subscription service" for commuter pass holders.
Tokyo robot cafe offers new spin on disability inclusion
The Dawn Cafe employs around 50 people with physical and mental disabilities to work from home as "pilots," operating robot staff.
Role of 'healing robots' comes into focus amid pandemic in Japan
Many devices have been sent to care facilities to alleviate the loneliness of older residents.
