AI Suitcase Leads the Blind to Their Destination

Apr 19, 2025 | News On Japan

OSAKA - At the Osaka-Kansai Expo, a uniquely shaped robot is helping guide people with visual impairments.

"It may look like an ordinary suitcase at first glance, but it's actually a next-generation mobility device designed to assist the visually impaired," said reporter Ikki Kusuge.

The robot is called the "AI Suitcase" and, true to its name, is equipped with artificial intelligence.

Inside, it houses sensors and cameras that analyze the surrounding environment. Through special earphones worn by the user, it provides audio guidance such as "There are many people around." It can stop or change direction in crowded areas to safely guide the user to their destination. The device is also equipped with a feature that allows it to respond to users’ questions.

Starting on April 17th, a new volunteer service has also been launched to assist people with disabilities in moving around the Expo site. Combining cutting-edge technology with human compassion, the Expo aims to create an inclusive experience for everyone.

Source: YOMIURI

Shikoku Shinkansen Plan Revived After 53 Years

Plans to bring Shinkansen service to Shikoku have taken a significant step forward for the first time in 53 years, with the transport ministry beginning preliminary studies that could eventually cut travel times from Osaka to major cities including Tokushima, Takamatsu and Matsuyama to around 90 minutes.

Expo Construction Chief Accused of Inflating Invoices

A Takenaka Corp. construction manager who oversaw work on the Grand Ring and other facilities at the Osaka-Kansai Expo was arrested on August 19 on suspicion of causing more than 13 million yen in losses to the major contractor through inflated construction bills, with police investigating allegations that money from the scheme was used for renovations to his home and a cafe operated by relatives.

Typhoon No. 18 Moves North-West Toward Japan

Typhoon No. 18 (Soudelor) formed near the Truk Islands on August 19 and is forecast to strengthen as it gradually turns northwest, potentially approaching the Ogasawara Islands before moving toward Okinawa or the Pacific coast of western Japan.

Moss-Covered Healing Forest Draws Visitors

After 10 p.m., the clouds that had covered the sky above Shirakoma Pond gradually began to clear, revealing countless stars and the Milky Way rising vividly over the mountain lake in Nagano Prefecture's Northern Yatsugatake range.

Fire Breaks Out at Sairinji Temple in Saga

A fire broke out at Sairinji temple in Saga city on the morning of August 18, engulfing the building in flames and prompting the dispatch of 10 fire engines and two ambulances, with no injuries reported so far.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

AI Transforms Cyber Conflict as Deterrence Becomes More Difficult

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming cyber warfare by enabling faster, automated and continuous attacks, raising concerns that governments and companies may struggle to detect and stop intrusions before serious damage occurs.

How Can You Protect Your Business in the Japan Cybersecurity Market?

Running a business in Japan at present involves constantly coping with evolving threats. The Japan cybersecurity market is growing rapidly, and this growth speaks for itself.

Decoding Uniqueness: The Engineering of ERC721 Contract Development

The creation of the ERC-20 standard allowed the blockchain ecosystem to scale through the deployment of fungible tokens, where every asset is completely identical and interchangeable with another.

What Does RTP Mean in Gambling? Guide

RTP is one of the clearest mathematical indicators available when Kiwi players assess an online casino game.

Data Centers Spread Across Japan

Data center construction is accelerating across Japan as artificial intelligence drives demand for computing capacity, creating new business opportunities for domestic companies supplying air-conditioning systems, transformers, measuring equipment, construction machinery, batteries and electrical distribution systems.

How Artificial Intelligence Is Rewriting the Workplace

Artificial intelligence is moving rapidly beyond a tool for answering questions and generating content, with autonomous AI agents beginning to perform complex business tasks independently, raising new questions over employment, corporate competitiveness and the skills workers will need as the United States and China intensify their race for technological leadership.

Perya Game on GZone: Bring the Excitement of Every Filipino Fiesta to Your Screen

Nothing captures the spirit of a Filipino fiesta quite like a Perya Game.

AI Surge Drives Strong Earnings Across Japan Inc.

Japanese companies delivered stronger-than-expected earnings for the April-June quarter, with artificial intelligence-related demand lifting a broad range of businesses while instability in the Middle East and higher resource prices emerged as key headwinds.

< 2 3 4 5 >