AI-Powered Robot Harvests Ripe Cherry Tomatoes

Feb 14, 2025 | News On Japan

NAGOYA - An event showcasing smart farming initiatives using IT technology was held in Nagoya.

Aichi Prefecture has been promoting a project since 2021 to address challenges in agriculture, such as a declining workforce and an aging population. The event, held on February 12th, was part of these efforts.

At the venue, a startup introduced a robot that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and harvest ripe cherry tomatoes.

"I enjoy growing crops, but I don’t necessarily want to do physical labor. What makes me happy is delivering delicious produce and hearing people say it tastes great. I’d rather spend more time improving the quality of what we grow," said Ryuichiro Toyoyoshi, president of Tokuiten.

The event also featured a discussion session with representatives from companies considering entry into the agricultural sector. Participants discussed challenges in adopting agricultural robots, including drones, to improve efficiency in farming.

Source: Nagoya TV News

Typhoon No. 25 Threatens Kanto and Izu Islands

Large Typhoon No. 25 was moving northwest over waters south of Japan at 3 p.m. on September 19 and is forecast to strengthen as it approaches Kanto and the Izu Islands from September 20 through September 21, bringing the risk of torrential rain, violent winds and further damage in areas still recovering from last year's typhoon.

Bear Sighting Raises Alarm at Popular Tokyo Hiking Spot

A black bear has been spotted near one of the most popular hiking trails on Mount Takao in western Tokyo, prompting authorities to urge visitors to take precautions ahead of the five-day Silver Week holiday and the approaching autumn foliage season.

Starbucks Considers Selling Majority Stake in Japan Business

Starbucks is considering selling a majority stake in its Japanese business, potentially valued at as much as $3 billion, or about 470 billion yen, as the U.S. coffee chain seeks to concentrate management resources on its struggling North American operations.

Halloween Jumbo Lottery Goes on Sale With 400 Million Yen Top Prize

Japan's Halloween Jumbo Lottery went on sale nationwide on September 16, offering a combined top payout of 400 million yen for the first prize and its adjacent-number prizes.

Shinkansen Introduces New Luxury Private Compartment

A new top-tier "Supreme Class" offering fully private compartments above the level of Green Car service will debut on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen on October 1, with passengers able to experience the new seating at a demonstration booth at Shin-Osaka Station.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

AI Takes Center Stage at Tokyo Game Show

The Tokyo Game Show, one of the world's largest gaming exhibitions, opened with a record 1,138 exhibitors as companies from a growing range of industries seek a foothold in Japan's expanding gaming market, with artificial intelligence emerging as one of the main attractions this year.

AI Deepfakes Behind Fake Police Scams

Police are warning of a nationwide surge in scams involving criminals posing as officers, with evidence emerging that generative AI may now be used to create fake identities during video calls and make the deception more convincing.

Humanoid Robot Brings AI Into the Classroom

High school students in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, explored how humans and artificial intelligence might coexist in the future by interacting with an AI-powered humanoid robot during a class on September 11.

AI Imaging Aims to Reduce Missed Cancer Diagnoses

A medical institution opening in Nagoya's Showa Ward in October will use artificial intelligence-enhanced PET-CT and MRI equipment to produce clearer images and reduce the risk of cancer being overlooked during diagnostic examinations.

Why Are Data Centers Being Built Near Homes?

The rapid spread of generative artificial intelligence is fueling construction of data centers across Japan, but plans for two large facilities beside a residential neighborhood in Minoh, Osaka Prefecture, are raising concerns over sunlight, noise and low-frequency sound as authorities confront gaps in rules governing the increasingly important infrastructure.

Physical AI Brings New Promise but Raises Hacking Risks

Expectations are growing for the wider use of "physical AI" robots, but concerns over hacking, breakdowns and maintenance are prompting companies to develop new security and support systems as the technology moves closer to everyday use.

Isuzu Begins Full Development of Second-Generation AI Truck

Isuzu Motors has begun full-scale development of a second-generation "AI truck" capable of making driving decisions on its own, as Japan's largest commercial vehicle maker by domestic market share aims to introduce Level 4 autonomous driving in fiscal 2027 to help address a worsening shortage of truck drivers.

Marugame Seimen Introduces President AI

Toridoll Holdings, the operator of Marugame Seimen, has introduced an artificial intelligence system trained on the thinking and speaking style of President Takaya Awata, giving employees a way to consult a virtual version of the company's founder as the restaurant group expands to around 1,200 locations in Japan and overseas.

< 2 3 4 5 >