Japan rolls out ‘humble and lovable’ delivery robots


Stop and shop: A Panasonic delivery robot named Hakobo selling hot drinks and snacks in Tokyo’s shopping and business area of Marunouchi. — AFP

FUJISAWA: “Excuse me, coming through,” a four-wheeled robot chirps as it dodges pedestrians on a street outside Tokyo, part of an experiment businesses hope will tackle labour shortages and rural isolation.

From April, revised traffic laws will let self-driving delivery robots navigate streets across Japan.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

Australian state NSW bans public gatherings for two weeks following the adoption of new law
Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party picks Sihasak as second PM nominee
China social media thrashes one-child policy after population control czar dies
‘Like a common language’: Batik’s role in Singapore’s diplomacy
China manga convention bars Japanese content amid tensions
Bangladesh leader considered PM frontrunner returns from exile ahead of polls
Yearender: From Green ambition to caution: EU recalibrates climate strategy amid economic headwinds
Myanmar junta's shift from battlefield to ballots faces long odds
Indonesia lodges complaint over ‘flag desecration’ at London embassy
At least nine killed as passenger bus catches fire after colliding with truck in southern India

Others Also Read