Mitsubishi’s Wakamaru Robot Renting Out As Receptionist

These cute robots, named as Wakamaru, which is designed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd are being hired out in Japan to serve as receptionists at offices and hospitals for about 120,000 yen ($1000) per day, or at about 3 million yen ($25,000) a year. The cute and innovative 1-meter-tall (3 feet) robot that recognizes about 10,000 words necessary for daily life is able to identify/recognize visitors and even conduct a simple conversation with the customers.

According to People Staff, a major temporary staffing agency, “Considering the growing worker shortage, we want to create a work environment where people and robots can cooperate.” As Japan grapples with labour shortages, the robot use in simple work environment is expected to grow in the near future.