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

Floodwaters Strand 1,200 Cars in Chiba

More than 1,200 vehicles are believed to have been left stranded on roads across Chiba Prefecture after torrential rain caused widespread flooding, with authorities confirming eight deaths and investigating a drainage pump failure at an underpass where a man died.

Eight Confirmed Dead in Chiba Floods

The death toll from the record-breaking heavy rain in Chiba Prefecture has risen to eight, with one person still missing and damage reported to at least 170 homes as flooding, landslides, water outages and transport disruptions continued on August 14.

Aso Volcano Eruption Alert Level Raised to 3 in Kumamoto

Japan's weather agency raised the volcanic alert level for Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture from Level 2 to Level 3 on August 14 after volcanic tremors strengthened and gas emissions increased sharply, warning people to stay away from areas within about 2 kilometers of the Nakadake No. 1 crater.

Typhoon No. 17 Weakens as It Tracks East Over Pacific

Typhoon No. 17 was moving east near Minamitorishima on August 14 and is expected to continue weakening before becoming a tropical depression by August 16.

Google Opens Flagship Store in Tokyo's Omotesando

Google opened its first flagship store in Japan in Tokyo's Omotesando district at 2 p.m. on August 13, marking the company's first flagship retail location outside the United States.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

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.

4 Ways Japan's Economy Is Adapting To Yen Volatility

Japan's currency has spent much of 2026 trading near its weakest levels against the dollar in nearly four decades, a stretch driven largely by the persistent interest-rate gap between the Bank of Japan and the U.S. Federal Reserve.

暗号資産で進化するiGaming：仮想通貨利用者が次世代オンラインカジノを選ぶ3つの理由

近年、デジタル決済技術の急速な発展に伴い、エンターテインメント業界におけるブロックチェーン技術の導入が進んでいる。

Here's A Clear Breakdown Of How Altcoins Stack Up Against Stablecoins

It’s common in the crypto market for investors to focus on Bitcoin and ignore the presence of other assets, but we know better. The market offers access to countless coins and tokens, and some of the most interesting ones are altcoins and stablecoins that play a significant role in the sector.

Japan Defense White Paper Highlights AI and Drone Warfare

Japan's 2026 defense white paper has added a section on new forms of warfare involving artificial intelligence and drones, drawing lessons from Russia's invasion of Ukraine while describing China's military activities as the greatest strategic challenge Japan has ever faced.

Man Arrested for Allegedly Posting AI-Generated Obscene Images

Tokyo police have arrested an office worker on suspicion of using generative artificial intelligence to turn photographs of junior high school girls and others into obscene images and posting them on social media.

What Is Happening With AI and Data Center Investment Now?

Investment by major US technology companies in artificial intelligence and data centers continues to support strong earnings expectations for semiconductor suppliers, but shrinking free cash flow and Oracle's exceptionally rapid expansion are raising questions about whether the spending boom can be sustained.

< 2 3 4 5 >