Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

In Japan, Robots Tackle the Dirty Work

As workforce shrinks, machines gain favor over immigrants

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 30, 2007 12:13 PM CST

(Newser) – With the birthrate sinking and the government showing no inclination to loosen immigration restrictions, Japanese businesses are turning to science for help with the impending worker shortage. The London Times visits a Tokyo exhibition that showcases the possible answer: robots. "Robots do the D-work"... Read full story »

COMMENTS

Read the comment policy

You need to Log in to Newser to comment. Don't have an account yet? Sign up now!

There are no comments

A snapshot of the day's best news stories.

View Larger Grid

All Today Yesterday Pick a Date

What's Popular Now on Facebook

Cops Shoot Naked Guy Eating Man's Face on Highway

Japanese Artist Serves Up Own Cooked Genitals

Times (UK) (Source Grid »)

Dental students practice on a robot patient who can say "ouch!"
Guardian (UK)

The International Robot Exhibition focuses on practical uses
AFP

Technology • Lifestyle • World

immigration • Japan • birth rate • robot • robotics • shrinking workforce

More Newser Stories

US Sending Robots to Fukushima

Radiation-hardened robots to assist at stricken plant

(NEWSER) - The Energy Department is sending a squad of robots—and people—to help Japan in its battle to regain control of its Fukushima nuclear plant. A shipment of "radiation hardened robotics" is being sent to Japan along with 40 people and thousands of pounds of other equipment, a top department official told a Senate panel yesterday, AP reports. More»

I, Robot, Now Pronounce You Husband and Wife

Creepy. Creepy. Creepy.

(AP) - Almost everyone stood when the bride walked down the aisle in her white gown, but not the wedding conductor, because she was bolted to her chair. The nuptials at this ceremony were led by "I-Fairy," a 4-foot-tall seated robot with flashing eyes and plastic pigtails. Today's wedding was the first time a marriage had been led by a robot, according to manufacturer Kokoro Co. "Please lift the bride's veil," the robot said in a tinny voice, waving its arms in the air as the newlyweds kissed in front of about 50 guests More»

Mini Japanese Robot Preps for Ironman Triathlon

Evolta has already climbed Grand Canyon

(NEWSER) - It’s no bigger than your hand, but a Panasonic robot is ready to take on a supersized task: The Evolta, which has already clambered up the walls of the Grand Canyon, will soon take on one of the hardest triathlon courses on the planet. Hawaii’s Ironman Triathlon “is very tough even for a sportsman, but I think it is worth a challenge,” says the robot’s creator. Evolta will have to run, bike, and swim more than 140 miles, Reuters reports. More»

Japan Has Robots All Over —Except at Nuke Plant

Humans are still being asked to risk their lives

(NEWSER) - Japan has built robots for all kinds of distinctly human tasks—from playing instruments to officiating at weddings—but none have been used in this nuclear mess, notes Reuters . Instead, humans are still being asked to risk their lives. Robots are common elsewhere in the nuclear industry, so what gives? Part of the reason may be cultural, writes Jon Herskovitz: "While Japan is renowned for its cutting edge technology, it also maintains an anachronistic element in its society that relies on humans for tasks that have given way to automation in many other parts of the world." More»

Robonaut Joining Space Station Crew

'A giant leap forward for tinmankind'

(NEWSER) - International Space Station astronauts won't need to worry about the newest crew member hogging the oxygen or clogging the toilet. Robonaut 2 will become the first humanoid robot in space when he heads to the station this week on the space shuttle Discovery's final mission, AP reports. "R2" will be put through a series of tests before being put to work helping astronauts with chores inside and outside the station. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

In Japan, Robots Tackle the Dirty Work

As workforce shrinks, machines gain favor over immigrants

immigration • Japan • birth rate • robot • robotics • shrinking workforce

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

US Sending Robots to Fukushima

Radiation-hardened robots to assist at stricken plant

I, Robot, Now Pronounce You Husband and Wife

Creepy. Creepy. Creepy.

Mini Japanese Robot Preps for Ironman Triathlon

Evolta has already climbed Grand Canyon

Japan Has Robots All Over —Except at Nuke Plant

Humans are still being asked to risk their lives

Robonaut Joining Space Station Crew

'A giant leap forward for tinmankind'

About Us

Site

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?