West Japan Railway has introduced a new humanoid robot employee, set to commence work this month.
This robot, featuring basic characteristics and glowing eyes, is mounted on a truck capable of traveling on railway tracks. Its primary responsibilities will include trimming tree branches and painting metal frames.
This innovative solution addresses Japan’s aging workforce and enhances safety by minimizing the risk of accidents. The robot is part of the company’s strategy to maintain infrastructure efficiently amidst a labor shortage.
Company president Kazuaki Hasegawa highlighted that this initiative could revolutionize infrastructure maintenance practices.
By deploying robots for such tasks, West Japan Railway aims to ensure maintenance work is conducted more safely and efficiently. This move also reflects a broader trend towards automation and the use of advanced technology to tackle workforce challenges in Japan.