OSAKA - Osaka Metro began testing an artificial intelligence-powered humanoid robot at Umeda Station on August 31, using the machine to provide passengers with transfer directions and information on nearby tourist attractions as the railway operator explores ways to ease staffing shortages.
The humanoid station attendant is equipped with Google's Gemini generative AI and answers questions from passengers at a location in front of the ticket gates.
The robot was developed by KDDI and Tokyo-based AVITA, whose president is robotics researcher Hiroshi Ishiguro.
Osaka Metro is examining whether assigning customer-service duties to robots could allow station employees to focus more on other responsibilities, including monitoring passenger safety.
During the demonstration, one passenger asked the robot to recommend a good takoyaki restaurant.
The humanoid replied, "I recommend Hanadako in Shin-Umeda Shokudogai. It appears to be open now."
The passenger said, "I'm glad it properly recommended a well-known restaurant."
Another user said station staff often appear busy, adding that having a robot available would make it easier to casually ask for help.
The humanoid supports about 60 languages, and Osaka Metro expects it could also help provide smoother assistance to the growing number of international visitors.
The trial at Umeda Station will continue through September 6, with Osaka Metro and its partners examining issues that would need to be addressed before introducing the service into regular operations.
Source: Kyodo
