A remote-controlled, self-propelled robot will appear for the first time in the history of the Olympics as a "torch bearer" for the Tokyo Games. The robot will be piloted by children who are sick and unable to run. The people involved hope to demonstrate Japan's advanced robot technology and the spirit of the Olympic Charter, which calls for mutual understanding and peace through the Games.
Toyota Motor Corp. and other companies are planning to dispatch a wheeled robot called the T-TR1 for the torch relay.
The robot has a camera that can look in all directions, transmitting images of its surroundings to the control terminal in a remote location. The person remotely operating the robot is also on camera, with their image displayed on a large LED screen mounted on the front of the robot. The size of the screen -- about 1.5 meters high and about 50 centimeters wide -- makes it appear as if the person is present in the robot's location.
The robot can move around outdoors and even ride over steps. To send and receive large amounts of data, it will use high-speed, high-capacity, next-generation 5G communications standard 5G technology.
The torch relay will leave Fukushima Prefecture on March 26. The robot runner will be shown in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, where Toyota is based, and arrangements are being made for it to be piloted by local children.
The organizing committee considers the use of robots to be a significant feature of the Tokyo Games, and the robots will be used not only to guide spectators at the National Stadium in Tokyo but also to carry equipment for the games. Power-assist suits will also be used to help staff with heavy lifting.
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