The use of robots has increased nationwide in an effort to reduce human contact as the new coronavirus spreads. Robots are being used in various ways, such as for cleaning hotels, doing reception work at hospitals and visiting an aquarium to allow children to look around since they can't visit.
At two hotels in Tokyo accommodating people who were infected but have mild or no symptoms, "cleaning robots" equipped with artificial intelligence have been introduced. They work automatically to clean such places as floors in the lobby where guests come to receive meals. Robots have also been placed in the lobby to welcome and encourage the patients such as by saying, "I'm rooting for you."
Regarding the introduction of such robots, an official of the Tokyo metropolitan government said, "It can reduce the risk of infection as cleaning doesn't have to be done by people wearing protective clothing."
Ambe Clinic in Nishitokyo, which has otolaryngology and internal medicine departments, has placed an egg-shaped robot that acts as a receptionist at the entrance. When a sensor detects a visitor, the robot asks the visitor about their symptoms. Those who complain of a fever or difficulty breathing are asked to go to an isolation room, while the clinic staff is notified.
"Unlike a touch screen, the robot speaks to people with warmth," said Koichi Anbe, 61, director of the clinic.
According to Shanti Inc., which sells the robot, six facilities, including this clinic and Okayama Central Hospital in Okayama City, use the product. The Tokyo-based company said it has received inquiries from medical institutions and local governments, among other entities.
In March, the Okinawa prefectural government organized an event in which people "visited" Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu, Okinawa Prefecture, through avatar robots. About 70 elementary school students in Naha remotely controlled the robots via the internet to look at tropical fish and other creatures through the "eyes" of the robots.
The robots were developed by avatarin Inc., a Tokyo-based company under the ANA Holdings group. They are also used for remote visits to hospitals.
"Visiting patients at hospitals has also become difficult. We hope we can help patients and their families lower their stress," an official in charge at the company said.
The introduction of highly practical robots may accelerate in the wake of the pandemic.
Tokyo-based ZMP Inc., which handles self-driving technology, has developed a security robot with an added function of spraying antiseptic solution.
"Robots can do what people can't do or work in places where people can't go," said Kentaro Ryu, 41, head of the company's robot life division. "We want to make our robots take root in society through a contribution to preventing infections."
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