Robot symbiosis café | IGF 2023 WS #95

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Hiroaki Kotaka

Hiroaki Kotaka is a well-known advocate for the use of technology, particularly robotics, in various industries. He is particularly focused on developing the manufacturing and processing industry in Kyoto. Kotaka firmly believes that embracing technological advancements, such as robots, can lead to significant growth and innovation in the industry.

One area where Kotaka sees the potential of robotics is in the service industry, including assisting both able-bodied individuals and those with disabilities. To explore this idea further, he initiated the Robot Symbiotic Cafe Initiative. The initiative involves testing remote customer services and deploying robots in actual cafes to serve individuals with disabilities, demonstrating how robots can improve service delivery and inclusivity.

Kotaka has also been striving to provide work opportunities for individuals with disabilities through the use of robotics. He initiated discussions with Mr. Inoue, which led to the start of the Robot Symbiotic Cafe project. This project brings together researchers and executive managers to discuss the use of robots in customer service and communication at cafes, with the goal of creating meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities.

To ensure that robot technology is accessible to all, Kotaka collaborated with the partner company Kegan to customize existing service food robots. This partnership aims to find suitable solutions that cater to the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities. Through ongoing discussions and efforts, Kotaka and Kegan are working towards creating truly inclusive and accessible technology.

Collaboration plays a vital role in developing warm and personable robots that allow individuals to express their uniqueness. Kotaka advocates for partnerships with various stakeholders, including the Department of Welfare, city administration, and legislative corporations. By broadening these partnerships, Kotaka hopes to foster a collaborative environment that encourages the development of innovative and inclusive robot technologies.

Kotaka also emphasizes the importance of publicizing these initiatives among businesses. He believes that highlighting the benefits and opportunities associated with robot integration will encourage more companies to embrace these technologies. The Robot Symbiotic Cafe Initiative serves as an excellent example of how robots can enhance job satisfaction and meaning in the lives of pilots, further supporting Kotaka’s argument.

In conclusion, Hiroaki Kotaka is a strong advocate for the use of robotics in various industries. He believes that leveraging technological advancements, particularly in the manufacturing and service sectors, can lead to significant growth and inclusivity in Kyoto. Through initiatives like the Robot Symbiotic Cafe and collaborations with stakeholders, Kotaka aims to create accessible and meaningful work opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Overall, he remains committed to supporting the development and integration of robots in different industries.

Audience

During a panel discussion, a representative from Benin raised the question of the cost of developing a robot and sought advice on reducing these costs. In response, the representative from Kagan Inc acknowledged the complexity of quantifying the cost of robot development, explaining that the process typically takes three to five years.

The representative from Kagan Inc suggested that one way to reduce costs is by using simpler and less complex mechanisms in the development of robots. By simplifying the design, it becomes easier to manufacture, ultimately reducing the overall cost. The representative highlighted the importance of the start-up element in bringing down manufacturing costs. Start-ups often have innovative and efficient methods that help streamline production processes and decrease expenses.

Additionally, the representative emphasized that reducing complexity is crucial to achieving cost reduction. Complex mechanisms not only increase costs due to the need for intricate manufacturing processes but also require more time and resources during the development phase. By keeping the mechanisms simple, the manufacturing process becomes more straightforward and less costly.

The panel discussion provided valuable insights into the cost aspects of robot development. It highlighted the challenges in quantifying these costs due to the lengthy development process. Furthermore, it emphasized the significance of simplifying mechanisms and leveraging start-up elements to decrease manufacturing costs.

In conclusion, the session shed light on the high level of effort and time investment required to develop a robot. It underlined the importance of considering cost reduction strategies, such as using simpler mechanisms and taking advantage of the innovative methods employed by start-ups. These insights can guide future efforts in robot development, promoting more affordable and accessible technology in this field.

Manabu Inoue

Manabu Inoue is a strong advocate for promoting opportunities and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. He believes that robots can play a crucial role in improving their lives, both in terms of communication and work opportunities.

One of Inoue’s key beliefs is that individuals with severe disabilities should be able to operate robots for communication. He observed that individuals with communication and cognitive impairments faced difficulty when using a robot-assisted customer service at a cafe. This led him to reach out to local companies to discuss the possibility of developing a robot specifically tailored to suit the needs of individuals with severe disabilities.

However, there are skeptics who doubt the feasibility of developing such robots. Inoue himself expressed doubt in the feasibility, as he found no evidence of companies already developing robots that met the specific requests. Despite this skepticism, Inoue remains committed to customizing robots to be simple and easy to operate, thus making them suitable for individuals with limited hand dexterity.

Inoue also recognizes the importance of collaboration with disability support organizations and schools. He aims to expand on supported services by partnering with these organizations and sparking a change in awareness of what can be achieved with robotics. By collaborating with these entities, Inoue hopes to create more opportunities for individuals with disabilities and provide them with a sense of pride and confidence in their work.

The sentiment surrounding Inoue’s vision and efforts is overwhelmingly positive. Pilots who have had the opportunity to operate the robots have expressed great joy and a desire to actively participate in society. Inoue’s goal is to empower individuals with disabilities, especially those with severe disabilities, by helping them obtain employment and gain a sense of achievement.

In conclusion, Manabu Inoue believes in the potential of robots to transform the lives of individuals with disabilities. Through customization and collaboration with disability support organizations and schools, he aims to create more opportunities and inclusivity. The positive sentiment from individuals who have experienced the benefits of robotic assistance further emphasizes the importance of these efforts. Ultimately, Inoue’s goal is to enable individuals with disabilities to gain confidence, pride, and employment opportunities through the use of robotics.

Leila Liza Dailly

Kagan Inc. is a startup company that was founded in Kyoto Prefecture in 2016. The company’s team consists of members not only from Japan but also from the US, Europe, and Asia, bringing together expertise from major electronics manufacturers. Kagan Inc. focuses on the development, manufacturing, and sales of robotics, with a particular emphasis on customizability to meet user demands.

A key product offered by Kagan Inc. is the Kagan Motors, which simplifies the process of creating robots. The motors have received positive feedback for their ability to streamline robot construction. Additionally, the company has launched the Kagan ALI Autonomous Robot, which is widely used in various settings such as factories, warehouses, and restaurants. The versatility of Kagan Inc.’s robots allows them to be tailored to specific needs.

The company recognizes the wide applicability of robotics in different sectors. Their robots have been successfully implemented in factories, warehouses, and restaurants, showcasing their flexibility. Kagan Inc. highlights the importance of user-centered design and interfaces, implementing foot pedals as the main interface for individuals with limited hand dexterity. Feedback from users is actively collected and used to improve the user interface, and pilots are extensively trained to maneuver the robots.

In addition to their focus on robotics, Kagan Inc. specializes in customizing robots to suit customers’ needs. By minimizing basic functions, the company ensures that their robots are perfectly tailored to each customer’s requirements. Furthermore, Kagan Inc. aims to utilize existing business estates to address individual needs and support job procurement, contributing to economic growth.

Overall, Kagan Inc. is a pioneering startup that prioritizes the development and customization of robotics. Their Kagan Motors and versatile Kagan ALI Autonomous Robot showcase their innovative and highly customizable products. With a strong emphasis on user needs and the utilization of existing resources, Kagan Inc. strives to contribute to both individual and societal growth.

Moderator

Hiroaki Kotaka, a prominent figure in the field of robotic technology, approached Kegan, a company specialising in service food robots, to customise their robots for implementation in the Robot Symbiotic Cafe. This partnership aimed to enhance the functionality and efficiency of the robots specifically for use in this unique cafe setting. The collaboration between Kotaka and Kegan was met with a positive sentiment, as the moderator of an event invited Kotaka to demonstrate the usage of these robots in the Robot Symbiotic Cafe.

During the demonstration, Leila Liza Dailly showcased the capabilities of a robot operated by an employee at the company. This provided a hands-on experience for the audience, highlighting the practicality and usefulness of these robots in real-world scenarios. The demonstration generated a neutral sentiment, with the moderator expressing interest in continuing the demonstration.

One notable aspect of the robots’ operation is the use of foot pedals instead of a keyboard for control. This decision was made to simplify the piloting process and make it more intuitive for the operators. This innovative approach not only reduces costs but also improves user experience and accessibility. Furthermore, the company actively seeks input from individuals with disabilities to ensure that the operation of the robots is accommodating and convenient for everyone.

While training pilots to manoeuvre the robots was appreciated, it was observed that this process led to exhaustion among the pilots. This highlights the importance of striking a balance between providing adequate training and preventing fatigue to optimise the performance and well-being of the operators.

A key strength of Kegan lies in their expertise and ability to customise robots to suit individual needs. This bespoke approach ensures that the robots can effectively cater to the specific requirements of different environments and users. Additionally, to reduce development costs, the company leveraged existing food serving robots, demonstrating a cost-effective and efficient approach to innovation.

During the event, a speaker from a robot manufacturing and development company shared their expertise, citing a development timeframe of three to five years for creating a robot. This insight offers a realistic perspective on the time and effort required for the successful development and implementation of robust robotic systems.

Furthermore, the speaker emphasised the importance of simplicity in technology, particularly in reducing costs. Keeping technology straightforward and streamlined not only facilitates cost reduction but also enhances usability and maintenance.

In conclusion, the partnership between Hiroaki Kotaka and Kegan aims to enhance the functionality of service food robots for implementation in the Robot Symbiotic Cafe. The use of foot pedals for control, customisation of robots to suit individual needs, and consideration for disabled users demonstrate the company’s commitment to innovation and accessibility. Further insights from experts highlight the dedication required for successful robotic development and the benefits of simplicity in technology.

Speakers