Japan’s KDDI and Avita Testing Humanoid Robot Station Attendant with Osaka Metro
aiinsider ·
Osaka Metro, KDDI, and Avita have launched a trial of a humanoid robot station attendant powered by Google's Gemini AI in Osaka, Japan. The demonstration runs from August 31 to September 15 at two Metro locations, Umeda Station and Tanimachi 9-chome Station. The robot offers travel guidance, transfer information, and nearby tourist recommendations in multiple languages, including English and Chinese. It can also analyze speech cues such as tone, speed, and intonation to support more natural interactions. Developed jointly by KDDI and Avita, the robot is based on a design by Avita CEO Hiroshi Ishiguro, with KDDI providing communications and AI infrastructure. Passengers can scan a QR code on a screen carried by the robot to access detailed route maps on their smartphones. The trial aims to assess passenger demand, acceptance, and operational challenges, as well as explore how physical AI can address labor shortages linked to Japan's aging population.
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