Smart robot helps with congestion at Narita Airport

Jun 14 (NHK) - A robot equipped with artificial intelligence has been put to work to help sort out congestion problems at Narita International Airport near Tokyo.

The robot is shaped like a small vehicle and stands about 1.2 meters high. The AI instantly analyzes images taken by its cameras.

The robot can quickly grasp how and where congestion occurs. It gives instructions to keep order when it detects long queues blocking the way.

The robot also keeps an eye out for suspicious items.

It informs the command center when baggage is left unattended for too long.

Yaegashi Akira of Narita International Airport says, "We are trying to provide the world's best security and a safe, stable environment."

Before last year's Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, the airport deployed five robots equipped with cameras to improve security. This is the first time for it to introduce a robot with AI that helps deal with congestion.

Record Price of 207 Million Yen for Oma Tuna

At the first tuna auction of the year held at Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, a bluefin tuna from Oma, Aomori Prefecture, was sold for 207 million yen, the second-highest price in history.

Heavy snow hits mountainous areas in northern Japan

Japanese weather officials are calling on people returning from their holidays in northern Japan to brace themselves for traffic disruptions. The warning comes as record amounts of snow pile up. (NHK)

Two Elderly Men Die After Choking on Mochi

During the New Year's holidays from January 1st to 3rd, two elderly men in Tokyo lost their lives after choking on mochi, according to the Tokyo Fire Department, which has issued a warning urging caution when consuming the traditional rice cake.

Safety Warning After Elderly Man Chokes on Mochi

An elderly man in Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward died on New Year’s Day after choking on mochi, prompting the Tokyo Fire Department to issue a safety warning.

Rodent Infestation A Growing Concern Across Japan

Reports of rodent infestation have surged nationwide in recent years, posing increasing challenges for homeowners. The issue, which is particularly evident during the year-end season, has left many families struggling to find effective solutions.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

2025 Starry Sky Highlights: Meteor Shower and Mars Close Encounter

2025 marks the start of the 7th year of Reiwa, the 37th year of Heisei, and even the 100th year of Showa. The new year begins with two major celestial events in January—a striking meteor shower and Mars making a close approach to Earth, remaining visible throughout the night.

Is a VPN Necessary in Japan?

Japan is known for its fast internet, tech-savvy culture, and open online environment. Unlike some countries, Japan doesn’t enforce strict censorship or impose significant restrictions on internet access.

Fukushima Daiichi Reactor No. 2: Uranium Detected in Removed Fuel Debris

Uranium, a key component of nuclear fuel, has been detected in fuel debris removed for the first time from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Flu Infections Reach Alarm Levels in Tokyo for the First Time in Six Years

Influenza infections in Tokyo have reached alarm levels for the first time in six years. As the virus spreads, restaurants and hotels are struggling with a surge in last-minute cancellations during their peak earning season.

Dog Robot Unveiled to Inspect Factory Equipment

A small dog-shaped robot capable of inspecting factory equipment in place of skilled workers was unveiled to address severe labor shortages.

How Is Japan Influencing Global Entertainment in the Digital Age?

The Japanese entertainment sector has exerted a powerful influence on different aspects of global trends for the past few decades.

Will "American Diseases" Ravage the Globe?

"You have cancer and must undergo surgery immediately." Cassidy Allen will never forget the expression on her doctor’s face as he marked the distribution of tumors on her chest CT scan.

Tokyo Workshop Develops Three-Meter Exoskeleton Robot Inspired by Anime

Two men gracefully maneuver a towering robot much larger than their own bodies. This three-meter-tall exoskeleton robot, known as "Skeletonics," was developed by a small manufacturing workshop in Hachioji, Tokyo.

< 2 3 4 5 >