The Real Life Robots of Japan

 

For about a century, the idea of robots living among humans has captured the imaginations of people around the world. Robots have consistently remained a popular subject in popular culture, gradually transitioning from a science fiction trope to a concept that is commonly found in the mainstream. But in recent years, real life robots have become increasingly common, bringing us closer than ever to the high tech visions of the future depicted by sci fi authors of the past.

Japan in particular has a unique relationship with robots, in more ways than one. In a previous article, we discussed the role of robots in Japanese media, in which they are popular fixtures in comics and animation. Today, we will take a look at the world of real life robotics in Japan, and how it ties in to Japanese culture.

Robots, as they are commonly defined, are machines which are able to perform a task autonomously, and usually operate based on sophisticated computer code and mechanical engineering. While this gives us a better sense of what a robot can be, it also leaves a lot of room for interpretation. A robot can look like anything from an abstract mass of metal and wires to an uncanny facsimile of a living creature. As a result, the design of a robot can vary greatly depending on who is making it, and for what purpose. In turn, we can learn a lot about a culture from the design of its robots.

Generally speaking, Japan is known for its sophisticated humanoid robots, or machines that in some way are meant to resemble humans. A good example is Honda’s ASIMO, one of the most popular robots in the world. Its form is similar to that of a human, standing upright on two legs, and is capable of walking, running, and even dancing. It also has articulate arms capable of performing simple gestures.

The technology that allows this robot to move so fluidly is absolutely impressive, but its visual design is also worth noting. It has the shape and demeanor of a chubby astronaut, with a rounded exterior and clean white finish. Its cute, approachable presentation is emblematic of Japanese robot design, which focuses on making robots that can interact with humans in a way that is friendly and polite.

For comparison, look at an American robot like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas. In many ways, its design and functions are similar to ASIMO, being a bipedal humanoid capable of running and jumping around. But its appearance is decidedly less friendly, featuring a headless torso, exposed cables, and arms with no hands. One can see that American robots tend to be more industrial and utilitarian, focusing more on what they are able to do than how they interact with people. This difference is even more apparent in videos showcasing these robots; ASIMO is often shown greeting crowds in public places, while Atlas is shown picking up boxes and literally getting kicked around in a laboratory.

The stark differences in how robots are designed goes beyond how they look. Robotic research in America is often funded by the military or designed for use in industrial work, leading to practical and utilitarian designs. It seems like Japan as a whole envisions robots having a wider range of applications, including public service, healthcare, and even entertainment. It is not uncommon to see robots in public while in Japan, performing mundane tasks like greeting people in malls or even serving food.

Another example of Japan’s friendly robots is AIBO, a line of robots produced by Sony. Unlike ASIMO, AIBO are small robots designed to look like cute animals, usually dogs. Designed to be sold commercially, they not only have advanced and somewhat lifelike movement, but are programmed to have a wide variety of interactions with humans. The most recent models are able to play with toys and explore their surroundings, and they react believably to human contact and other external input. The result is a robot that seems to have a mind of its own, with an appearance that is cute and appealing but not realistic enough to be uncanny.

There are countless other examples of robots in Japan, and of course, not all of them follow the same trends. Industrial robots resembling large mechanical arms are often used in the manufacturing of Japanese cars, a practice which is increasingly common in the rest of the world. There are also attempts to make androids, which are intended to resemble real humans as closely as possible. There are even prototypes for robotic surgeons, guards, and rescue workers. With so much innovation happening in so many different fields, its easy to see why Japan is consistently regarded as the leading country in robotics.

Robots have assumed a large role in modern life already, with over 250 thousand robots actively operating in Japan alone. It is estimated that this number will increase to over one million in the next fifteen years, and the implications of this would be vast and far reaching. Many in Japan see robots as a potential solution to the country’s declining workforce, while others simply see it as a way to improve the daily lives of everyday people. Regardless, the advancement of robotic research shows no signs of slowing down, and its progress will surely have a huge impact no only on Japan, but the entire world.