Explore the Exciting World of Japanese Robotics
The biannual International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo is a thrilling event that showcases futuristic machines and realistic androids exhibiting a number of noteworthy advantages. The December 2015 exhibition focused on disaster relief to help aid Japan and its people in times of natural calamities.
The world of robotics has long been a subject of fascination for many. Japan has been a pioneer in the industry for many years and has produced variations of robots with unique characteristics. Some of these are androids, humanoid entertainment robots, animal robots, guard robots, and many more.
Service robot field testing.
The robotics industry is an integral part of the Japanese economy, employing more than a quarter of a million industrial robot workers. It is projected that within the next 15 years, the number may go up to as much as a million with revenues in the industry to skyrocket to US$70 billion by the year 2025.
During the Edo period (1603-1867), Takeda-za developed a mechanical puppet theater that was popular in Osaka’s Dotonbori district. These mechanical dolls or the karakuri ningyo (traditional Japanese mechanized puppets) were Japan’s oldest robots. The first idea of a robot was the cartoon character Astro Boy (鉄腕アトム Tetsuwan Atomu, “Mighty Atom,” lit. “Iron Arm Atom”). Astro Boy was introduced to the Japanese public as a manga series in 1952 and became a television program in 1963. Its creator Osamu Tezuka is considered to be the god of Manga in Japan. The standard plot of the Astro Boy series follows the adventures of the popular robot and how he tackles his adversaries with super robotic prowess.
Robot working at a restaurant.
Kawasaki Robotics began commercial production of industrial robots over 40 years ago. Waseda University professor Ichiro Kato studied humanoid robots and created WABOT-1, a full scale humanoid robot in 1973. In 1996, Honda announced the p2 humanoid robot that paved the way for more companies and institutes to take interest and develop more advanced humanoid robots for varying purposes. About 700,000 industrial robots were used all around the globe in 1995, 500,000 in Japan. By 2012, over 1.2 million industrial robots were in use. The numbers continue to grow and technological advancements continuing to make milestone breakthroughs.
Watch robots come alive at the International Robot Exhibition event:
