Enabling technology at Robot Cafe redefines work for disability

A temporary cafe, “Robot cafe DAWN ver.β2.0”, opened on Oct 7 to 23 at Otemachi, Tokyo. The waiters at the cafe are robots; and not just ordinary robots, but proxy robots remote controlled by people with physical disabilities.

“Robot cafe DAWN ver.β2.0” was operated by Ory Lab. Inc., a startup based in Tokyo, that creates a variety of robots for saving people from becoming socially isolated. OriHime-D is a 120 cm tall robot that was developed in July 2018 to help people with severe physical disabilities. Even with difficulties, they can work by remote controlling the robot with their home computers via the internet. People who suffer from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a form of motor neuron disease, can now work at home and incorporate with the society by utilizing this technology. Some can only communicate by the movement of their eyes, but they can still become a “pilot” to maneuver OriHime-D that will be their proxies and work as a waiter at the cafe.

This is the second time Ory Lab opened the robot cafe. Last November, they opened it in Akasaka, Tokyo and introduced their outstanding idea that gave hope to those who had little chance of getting a job. The project was successful, various quarters around the world applauded this humane and inclusive project. And this year, Ory Lab opened the cafe again with upgraded proxy robots: the robots’ mobility has improved, and waiters can explain the menu. What’s more, this time, people who live overseas were accepted to participate as pilots.

The Japanese government has made efforts to improve the quality of life (QOL) for people with disabilities or intractable diseases (the government has executed “Services and Supports for Persons with Disabilities Act” in 2006 aiming to improve QOL and to create an inclusive society), but the reality is not so easy.

Working as a member of the society is considered important for every person because it gives a sense that you are needed; it becomes a reason for living; it can provide connection with peers and supporters. It’s not hard to imagine that these are essential elements to live a fulfilling and independent life. However, people who have severe physical disabilities tend to be isolated in the society because they cannot find a way to work. One reason is because a lot of welfare measures promoted by the government are on the assumption that employees go to the office to work. But what about those who are bedbound or cannot go to work on a regular basis?

The OriHime-D will be proxies for these people and provide opportunities to work for the society. Many who suffer from intractable diseases and disabilities feel helplessness in the society today because the society and schemes are often designed for able-bodied people. But Ory Lab has showed how amazing new technologies can be by breaking these barriers. Although this cafe was another temporary attempt, its impact is sure to establish a base for making it a permanent feature very soon.