Pioneering Android Researcher Hosts Interactive Session With Students

OSAKA, Dec 09 (News On Japan) - A leading expert in robotics and android research recently showcased a special class featuring interactions between his avatar and students.

The android, resembling its creator, engaged students by asking, "Is there anything you’re interested in? Do you like games?"

The class was conducted by Hiroshi Ishiguro, a professor at Osaka University renowned for his work on humanoid robots, commonly referred to as androids.

In the session, students from a school for those with communication challenges interacted with the android. Through these conversations, the class highlighted the potential of a society where humans and androids coexist.

One participating student remarked, "The expressions were so lifelike, and it felt like it was listening to me seriously. It was a great experience."

Hiroshi Ishiguro of Osaka University commented, "We can make the emotional expressions very subtle or quite rich. I think it helps create a sense of security for people to talk."

Professor Ishiguro is also set to showcase his research achievements at the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Source: ANN

Japan Post to Lose Freight Permit

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has notified Japan Post of its intention to revoke the company’s license for freight transportation, following the discovery of improper safety checks at postal branches across the country. The ministry had conducted a special audit in April after finding that approximately 75% of post offices responsible for mail collection and delivery failed to conduct legally required checks, such as confirming whether drivers had consumed alcohol before duty.

Legionella Bacteria Found at Osaka Expo’s Quiet Forest and Water Plaza

Legionella bacteria have been detected in multiple locations at the Osaka-Kansai Expo site, prompting health and safety measures. According to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, seawater collected on June 3rd from the Water Plaza, where water shows are held, was found to contain Legionella bacteria at 20 times the guideline limit.

Japan's Annual Births Fall Below 700,000 for the First Time

The number of babies born in Japan in 2024 fell below 700,000 for the first time since recordkeeping began in 1899, highlighting the nation’s accelerating demographic crisis. According to population statistics released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on June 4th, the number of births dropped to 686,061—down more than 40,000 from the previous year.

Convenience Stores Nationwide to Sell Government Rice in 1–2 kg Packs

Three major convenience store chains will soon begin selling government stockpiled rice in small packages of 1 to 2 kilograms. FamilyMart will start selling rice harvested in 2021—classified as old stock—at 20 locations in Tokyo and Osaka starting June 6th. The rice will be priced at 360 yen per kilogram, excluding tax, with plans for a nationwide rollout.

Cash Storage to Be Banned in Safe Deposit Boxes

Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and other institutions are moving to revise rules on the use of safe deposit boxes following a string of thefts, with the Japanese Bankers Association now working toward a ban on storing cash in these boxes.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Kyoto Researchers Launch Final Trial for Alzheimer’s Drug

Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) and pharmaceutical company Towa announced they began the final phase of clinical trials in May, aiming to treat Alzheimer’s disease using an existing medication.

Shizuoka Clears Final Water Hurdle for Linear Project as Implementation Phase Begins

A Shizuoka Prefecture expert panel overseeing environmental issues linked to the Linear Chuo Shinkansen project met on June 2nd and concluded all discussions related to water resources, ending over a decade of debate. Deputy Governor Hiraki described the outcome as "a major step forward."

JAXA Prepares New Unmanned Supply Craft for ISS Delivery

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on June 2nd unveiled its new unmanned cargo spacecraft, the HTV-X, at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. Designed to transport supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), the HTV-X is undergoing final preparations for launch within fiscal 2025.

Japan’s Healthcare in Crisis, Doctors Overworked as Research Time Dwindles

Amid mounting financial strain and work reform policies, Japan’s university hospitals are struggling to maintain the quality of their medical research, threatening the future of healthcare in the country. A recent survey of approximately 3,000 physicians working in university hospitals revealed that 60% spend less than five hours a week on research, with 22% reporting zero research time. The main reason: they are simply too busy with clinical duties to conduct research.

次世代クラウド保護 ― 「あると便利」から「不可欠」へ

2025年には、クラウドに対する侵害のうち60％以上が設定ミスに起因していました。企業がスケーラビリティやコスト削減のためにクラウドを活用すればするほど、それに伴って新たなセキュリティリスクにさらされる可能性も高まります。

World’s Largest Butterfly Fossil Discovered in Japan

A butterfly fossil discovered 37 years ago in Shinonsen, Hyogo Prefecture, and kept in a local museum has been identified as a new species and the largest butterfly fossil ever found globally.

Nissan Unveils Latest e-POWER Hybrid

Nissan has unveiled the latest model of its proprietary hybrid system, e-POWER, by showcasing the updated Qashqai equipped with the technology. The company says it has significantly improved fuel efficiency during high-speed driving—an area that had previously been seen as a challenge.

How Japanese iPhone Users Are Optimizing Their Devices in 2025

In Japan, iPhones make up over 60% of the market share. The pretty design and the reliability have been ͏incorporated into the market because Japanese people consider it a daily need due to apps and features.

< 2 3 4 5 >