HUMANOID robots with speech capabilities have been deployed at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport to act as mobile information providers.
Built by Hitachi, the EMIEW3 robots are at present being activated on a trial basis with plans to deploy them full-time by this year-end.
The robots – around 90cm tall and roving throughout the airport on wheels – are equipped with artificial intelligence technology that enables them to reply verbally in a number of languages to questions posed by travellers.
They are also able to share information with other EMIEW3 units and, if they are accidentally knocked over, able to independently resume a standing position, according to Hitachi.
Remarkably, they can interpret the movements of a human and autonomously initiate an interaction as well, inquiring if the traveller requires assistance, if deemed needed, such as when travellers are seen consulting a map.
Hitachi added there are plans to further develop even more advanced robots that can exist symbiotically with humans to a greater degree.
