| From Toys to Tech, Why Japan is a Robot's Number | | | | noodle shop in Japan where the ramen is made by |
| One | | | | robots. Of course, taking orders and accepting |
| Japan is the country that gave the world giant robots, | | | | payments are done by humans, the broth or ramen |
| small robots and human sized robots. From the fictional | | | | stock is also prepared by humans. The robot limbs |
| Mobile Suit Gundam to the small tea-making robot | | | | ensure the ramen is cooked consistently and |
| maid, Japan's robotics technology has been pushing | | | | accurately, garnishes and toppings are accurately |
| the limits of our minds and imagination. Just this July | | | | measured and added into the broth. They also prepare |
| 2009, Japan has unveiled a giant life sized model of | | | | the ramen fast, in less than two minutes. |
| the fictional robot RX-78-2 Gundam at Tokyo's | | | | There are also robots being used to make coffee. |
| Odaiba park. This structure is not a robot, but is a | | | | The mini coffee-making robot maid is a small humanoid |
| model of one. This is a testament to the nation's | | | | robot that stands a little below five inches. She has |
| dedication and fondness for the field of robotics. | | | | legs for movement and arms for grabbing objects. |
| In recent years, automobile manufacturers Honda and | | | | When all utensils and ingredients for making coffee are |
| Toyota have been in research and developing | | | | positioned in exact locations, the robot maid will scoop |
| humanoid robots. Asimo, Honda's robot, is more | | | | up the proper measurement of coffee, sugar and |
| popularly known and has become the icon of robotics | | | | cream, pour hot water and stir the brew properly. |
| in this day and age. Asimo is able to carry items, walk, | | | | Of course, this only works if every single item it |
| sprint a little and jump all while staying on its two feet. It | | | | located at the proper area since the robot cannot |
| is also equipped with sensors for detecting and | | | | easily detect items. Should this technology be |
| identifying people, and has excellent control of its | | | | perfected, we would eventually be able to enjoy the |
| hands, allowing it to hold both fragile and heavy | | | | service of fully automated robot helpers. |
| objects. | | | | Robots in Today's Japan |
| Day to Day Japanese Robots | | | | Japan also has claim on many robot firsts. They have |
| Robots are not limited in shape and form to be similar | | | | made a robot that has modeled on the catwalk. They |
| to humans; many robots in use today are found in | | | | also created a robot teacher who could teach class |
| industrial factories, performing tasks inappropriate for | | | | and recognize students. From tour guides, to |
| humans such as doing precision laser welding, carrying | | | | receptionists, Japan is slowly creating robots that |
| heavy loads and even really boring tasks like moving a | | | | would perform many service oriented tasks. While |
| box from one platform to another. | | | | robot may gain more and more usage, their presence |
| Recently the utilization of these robotic arms and limbs | | | | is not meant to substitute that of humans. Robots are |
| has been moved outside the factory and into more | | | | being developed to do our jobs so that we can spend |
| unconventional locations. One such example is a | | | | more time focusing on living our lives. |