West Japan Railway has introduced a new humanoid robot employee, scheduled to begin work this month. Equipped with basic features and glowing eyes, the robot 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 aims to address the challenge of Japan’s aging workforce and enhance safety by minimizing the risk of accidents. The robot is part of the company’s strategy to maintain infrastructure efficiently amid a labor shortage.
Company president Kazuaki Hasegawa highlighted that this initiative could transform infrastructure maintenance practices.
By deploying robots for these tasks, West Japan Railway aims to ensure that maintenance work is performed more safely and efficiently. This initiative also mirrors a wider trend towards automation and the use of advanced technology to tackle workforce issues in Japan.