Cafe opens in Tokyo staffed by robots controlled by paralyzed people

So I know there's these worries of robot apocalypses and automation replacing humans but i personally think this is a pretty awesome application of robotics technology. I gotta admit. It would be a bit weird being served by one of those robots but personally i like the idea of technology going towards things like this and i hope they at least decide to continue woth this current project on a full time basis.

soranews24.com...

Developed by Ory, a startup that specializes in robotics for disabled people, the OriHime-D is a 120 cm (4-foot) tall robot that can be operated remotely from a paralyzed person’s home. Even if the operator only has control of their eyes, they can command OriHime-D to move, look around, speak with people, and handle objects.

A staff of ten people, with conditions such as ALS or spinal cord injuries and working from home, are paid 1,000 yen (US$8.80) an hour (a standard wage for part-time work in Japan) to serve up coffee and interact with the clientele. But more importantly than money, these people are also given a newfound independence.

Can't star or flag, probably because it is 28 minutes past the hour?

I think it's pretty cool and might make a difference in the lives of those afflicted with paralysis taking part in this. I was completely paralyzed for nearly a year, and I can tell you that it can be a living hell. Being in control of something, even if it is just to serve others, could be a very beneficial therapy!

On a weird conspiratorial side, what if, the robots were the ones controlling the patients or just using them for fuel?

ETA= there is your star & flag now at 32 minutes past the hour!

This is one of the most awesome stories I've read in a long while. I've always admired Japan's willingness to embrace new technologies.

Well... do NOT choose to eat at that robot restaraunt if you are short on time.

originally posted by: KansasGirl
Well... do NOT choose to eat at that robot restaraunt if you are short on time.

first of all, it looks like they've got the ability to reply with predefined messages, so unless you're getting chatty (in which case you're not in a rush), it should be pretty seamless.

unless you're willing to complain that those aren't racing robots, but for f..ks sake, you have no idea what it means for those people, trapped in their beds. until this day, they could only dream about contributing to their society (this is Japan, people there do think about such things), as well as being able to interact with other people in the process.

this is a great example that technology can be used to help people and make them happy at the same time. truly happy, not facebook-crap-level-happy.

Very cool.

You know, this can pave way to a whole new working class.

Imagine, paralyzed people can now earn income. In this reality, Uber and other similar services have effectively rolled out an entire drone infrastructure system, where food and mail deliveries are now done by drones.

The operators will be the folks at home with a high speed connection. Literally, work from home. You have to get certified as a commerical drone pilot and probably some safety certifications as well, updated either SIX(6) months or a year.

Either rent a drone drone the company and pay them back thru fees earned or buy a drone certified for commercial use and labor. Save money that way, but you gotta do your own repairs, which could be an issue with paralyzed folk, spending more money to hire someone, unless you got lots of family...

Anyways, just some food for thought....

S+F

originally posted by: KansasGirl
Well... do NOT choose to eat at that robot restaraunt if you are short on time.

Yeah, at that speed soup will be cold when comes to the table. Those robots are slow.

originally posted by: KansasGirl
Well... do NOT choose to eat at that robot restaraunt if you are short on time.

I wouldn't go to any sit down restaurant if I was short on time. That's what fast food is for. 🤷‍♂️

originally posted by: Trueman

originally posted by: KansasGirl
Well... do NOT choose to eat at that robot restaraunt if you are short on time.

Yeah, at that speed soup will be cold when comes to the table. Those robots are slow.

Any Asian place I get soup from, I normally have to wait almost 5 minutes before I can even begin to think about eating it. The steam coming of it alone is almost dangerously hot. Other food items might have a problem though.

I'm guessing they are slow for safety purposes. The operators may not have as quick of reactions.

The people eating here will obviously understand what they are getting themselves into and as long as the food is good and they find a way to keep it hot, I think this will be successful because A) people will want to see what it's like to be served by a robot B) some people prefer to avoid human interactions, and C) there will be people who will get something out of knowing they are helping a severely disabled person.

Like when I used to panhandle, I came to look at it as, I'm selling them a product. I'm selling them the good feeling they have when they go home feeling that they made a difference for someone. It's a real thing. I predict there will be plenty of people who won't mind the slight inconvenience, as long as it isn't completely rediculous. I am sure they will have a human on hand to assist if it gets backed up.