National Jan 19, 2021
Japan eyes use of robots to boost COVID-19 testing as Olympics loom
A Kawasaki Heavy Industries-built prototype uses a robotic arm to take a sample from a person's nose and can deliver the results in about 80 minutes.
National Dec 20, 2020
AI, drones and 4K cameras: New tech boosts security systems in Japan
An increasing variety of technologies are being introduced in the field of security amid a serious shortage of personnel in the field.
Business / Corporate Dec 13, 2020
SoftBank sells controlling stake in Boston Dynamics to Hyundai
The Japanese conglomerate will keep a 20% stake through one of its affiliates and will work with South Korea's Hyundai to propel development.
Business / Corporate Dec 8, 2020
Panasonic to trial self-driving home delivery robot in February
The device will deliver food and daily necessities purchased at shops to residents in an area of Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture.
National Nov 16, 2020
Hokkaido city calls in ‘Monster Wolf' to scare off wild bears
by Elaine Yu and Hisako Ueno
A mechanical wolf with fake fur, bared fangs and flashing red eyes is keeping residents and crops safe in the face of increasing encounters with bears.
National Nov 14, 2020
Osaka robot asks customers to wear masks and social distance
The robot, equipped with a camera and sensors, is able to patrol around the store, observe customer movements and measure distance using lasers.
National / Science & Health Nov 3, 2020
Japan's 'healing robots' help ease COVID-19 isolation
by Kiwa Tashiro
Sales of automatons that gather data on the well-being of their owners have risen, with many being given as gifts to older parents.
Business / Corporate Oct 9, 2020
PlayStation inventor starts new career making robots for no pay
by Pavel Alpeyev and Yuki Furukawa
Ken Kutaragi, 70, wants to make affordable robots that can safely move around and do physical work alongside humans in factories and logistics centers.
Business / Corporate Sep 29, 2020
SoftBank unveils food service robot to reduce COVID-19 infection risk
The device, named Servi, can collect and drop off dishes, and carry a load of up to 35 kilograms.
Business / Tech Sep 22, 2020
Japan's robots fill the void as social distancing becomes the norm
by Donican Lam
Robots are being deployed in various roles, helping to navigate awkward social distancing issues.
Business Sep 19, 2020
As COVID-19 persists, Japan looks to send in the robots
by Alex Martin
A new wave of service machines has emerged amid the coronavirus pandemic to help maintain safety and social distancing.