Robots replace Japanese students at graduation amid coronavirus

iPads attached to 'newme' robots, replacing graduating students' presence at a ceremony, wear graduation gowns and hats in Tokyo, Japan. — BBT University/Handout/Reuters

TOKYO: Spring graduation ceremonies in Japan have been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, but students at one school were able to attend remotely by controlling avatar robots while logged on at home.

The robots, dubbed "Newme" by developer ANA Holdings, were dressed in graduation caps and gowns for the ceremony at the Business Breakthrough University in Tokyo.