Robot symbiosis café | IGF 2023 WS #95

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.

Hiroaki Kotaka:
to be able to work out of a consultation with the Kyoto-based robotic companies and the prefecture of Kyoto by operating a robot through the internet. Thank you, Mr. Uenobue. Next, I request Mr. Kotaka from the Kyoto prefecture in the Department of Commerce, Labor and Tourism, Manufacturing Promotion and Division. My name is Kotaka. I am the Manufacturing Promotion Division of the Department of Commerce, Labor and Tourism in Kyoto prefecture. First, I would like to briefly introduce the robot initiatives in Kyoto prefecture. The park division supports SME and the manufacturing and processing industry in the prefecture, as well as content companies such as games, videos, and startup companies. It promotes robots, one of the cutting-edge technologies, and Japan used to be known as one of the world’s leading robot-producing countries. However, with foreign competitors have emerged in recent years in Japan, so no longer hold the number one position. To recover, we set up the Keihana Robotic Engineering Center in 2019 to reclaim the position, which supports the development of next-generation technology, and the entry of small and medium-sized enterprises and startups in the prefecture into the robots industry. Over 720 research and development projects and demonstration tests have been conducted at the Robotic Engineering Center. The number of companies that have reached in the social implementation stage and conducting field demonstrations in various locations within the prefecture. Under the Robot Symbiotic Cafe Initiative, we are conducting demonstrations of remote customer services and serving individuals with disabilities in actual cafes, thereby aiming to create a place where humans and robots coexist and work together in harmony. So finally, I would like to introduce Ms. Rayla Daly from Kagan Inc. Thank you. My name is Rayla Daly. I am from Kagan Inc.

Leila Liza Dailly:
Nice to meet you all. Our company is a startup founded in Kyoto Prefecture in 2016. Our mission is quick and easy robot for everyone. And we have members not only from Japan, but also from the United States, Europe, and Asia. Most of our personnel are from major electronics manufacturers, and we conduct development, manufacturing, and sales. At the start of our entrepreneurial journey, we developed Kagan Motors, which makes it astonishingly easy to create robots. We have received favorable feedback from customers across universities and R&D fields. So we began offering motorized robots such as conveyors, rollers, and AVGs to respond to requests for use on factory production lines. In 2022, we launched Kagan ALI Autonomous Robot widely used in factories, warehouses, restaurants, etc. Customization is the key feature of which gives us the flexibility to meet user demands such as transporting items and fulfilling communication roles. Well, thank you, Rayla. So all of you who are working, the Robot Symbiotic Cafe, tell me how this got started.

Hiroaki Kotaka:
Let’s start with Mr. Kotaka. Mr. Inoue consulted with me over the phone regarding the possibility of individuals with disabilities working remotely from home by operating robots through the Internet. At the same period, we conducted a panel discussion called Keihana Residence to expand on the network of acquaintances of researchers and business professionals in Keihana Science City. Increasingly, researchers working on robotics and executive managers’ rehabilitation-related facilities We discussed excitedly about the possibility of using robots to assist customer services and communication at cafes. With all these factors coming together, I felt that I had to do something about the conversation with Mr. Inoue. Thus, I started the project Robot Symbiotic Cafe. So what exactly did Mr. Inoue consult with you, Mr. Kotaka?

Manabu Inoue:
So last year, I visited a cafe where a robot-assisted customer service through a remote operation was already being implemented. When I looked at it, the communication and cognitive-impaired individuals had difficulty using those robots, and I was not able to imagine an individual with a severe disability operating those robots. Therefore, I reached out to the local companies collaborating with us on a regular basis and discussed the development of the robot that I had in mind at the time. And at the time, I was told about the Robotics Engineering Center, and I called them promptly to discuss the prospect of enabling it. As a member of the inquiry, I doubted the feasibility as no companies already developed the robots matching the requests.

Hiroaki Kotaka:
So I decided to approach Kegan as a partner company of the Robot Technology Center because we were holding a seminar on robots becoming a way of life, and they agreed to my request by customizing the existing service food robots so that I could find a suitable solution for the equipment.

Moderator:
So I was able to match the two. We brought the actual robots used for the Robot Symbiotic Cafe. Would you like to demonstrate?

Leila Liza Dailly:
So let me show you the actual robots. So the person who built the robot is at home right now, and today we are operating by the team personnel out of our company. So you call them as pilots, right? Today, so one of your employees at your company is going to be the pilot. So we can’t really handle food and drinks at this venue, so we will be carrying pamphlets. See how that works. Would you like to come up to the table? Because, you know, nobody uses chairs. Thank you for the demonstration of the robot.

Moderator:
Please continue to operate. So you did the demonstration implementation in February.

Hiroaki Kotaka:
So let me know how it went.

Manabu Inoue:
So this was done by the individual who has a severe and mental physical disability, who needs constant nursing care, and those who need daily medical treatments for serious illnesses, and those in so-called social withdrawal states, having difficulties stepping out of home, and those individually still wish to work from home. And allowing them to work by allowing them to work from home by operating a robot, that is the prospect of what we wanted to achieve, Symbiotic Cafe. In the realm of supporting for those that are challenged with disabilities, this is a completely new thing. We want more and more people from the organization supporting individuals with disabilities to become aware that individuals with disabilities can work by remotely operating robots as it may open up new possibilities to new employment. So how did you choose the people who will be doing the demonstration test? For the pilot project, we consulted with the organization supporting individuals facing social withdrawal in the local community. The actual pilot is an individual who left computers and the Internet, so expressed a strong desire to participate. Tell us about the development of these robots. I personally don’t know much about robots, but I request that it will be possible to operate the robot remotely from home. And I requested that some of the pilots have limited hand dexterity. It should be made easy, so I requested operation to make it as simple as possible.

Leila Liza Dailly:
And so we decided that we use foot pedals instead of like using keyboard. So it’s easier for the pilot to operate, and we made it easier. Today, we brought the foot pedal that we used at that time. We use it as a single table. So this is a foot pedal. This pedal that I’m showing you right now, that’s how they operate the robot. So our employee went to the home of those who are going to be the pilot, and we directly asked the questions what would be easier for them to operate. So I assume that people with a disability have different kinds of disability that are distinctly different. So could you give us an example of what are their difficulties in developing? Yes. So they went to the training, and they were very happy when they received training in maneuvering the robots. We tried to improve the user interface. They got exhausted by operating them. So the challenge for the future is how meticulously can we address their needs. I have previously heard that the startups can handle requirements of flexibility that large companies cannot afford to do so. Could you please elaborate on this? So our company is specializing in providing customers with the most suitable robots by minimizing basic functions and customizing the robots. We are good at it. I believe that the disability of the pilots can be diverse. The development cost will be high if you have to develop from scratch. What did you do to reduce the development cost? We used existing serving food robot, where what are the things that are used to serve food.

Moderator:
So we kind of appropriated those existing robots in adapting the pedal that is readily available in the market. I know that you will be continuing this initiative in the future. So how are you going to improve and continue with this project?

Hiroaki Kotaka:
The most important aspect is clearly defining what kind of robot that are going to be manufactured. Individuals with disability who will be pilots. Also, as pilots become accustomed to maneuvering the robot, they can make more tasks, or they can address the needs rapidly. So we want to evolve the robot by talking to individuals with disabilities, defining requirements for the kind of system that is best for them. And I want to be able to evolve the robots according to their needs. What are the key points of the demonstration? So the customization and demonstration and individuality are the key points. So in regards to customization, making improvements to a finished product is time consuming and can be expensive. So the time and cost can be reduced by combining existing technology. Next, regarding the demonstration on individuality, full automation using a robot will require time and cost for development. However, by skillfully combining human-operated and robot-operated possibility, where robots complement what humans cannot do, and humans in turn complement action that robots struggle with. Through this kind of initiative, we want to collaborate with everyone in creating warm and personable robots that allow individuals to express their uniqueness.

Manabu Inoue:
So that means that humans and robots should coexist by demonstrating their individuality instead of relying solely on robots for everything. What are your thoughts on this, Mr. Inoue? The pilots express the great joy about their experience in being able to operate the robot, and I want to try more customer interactions. And those who support individuals in a state of social withdrawal were pleasantly surprised that these individuals expressed a desire to participate actively, which brought them an immense happiness. And I hope that through a demonstration test in the future, individuals with disability will not only operate robots, but will also interact with people with robots, participating in the society to lead their lives, working, and earning a salary by themselves, and society to be able to accept this as its norm.

Leila Liza Dailly:
Could you share your thoughts on this, Reita? So our company has been active in the role of manufacturing robots up to now, and engineers often tend to focus solely on manufacturing robots using cutting-edge technologies. However, the Robot Symbiotic Cafe Initiative, this gave us an opportunity to think about how to design a robot that can help pilots enhance their purpose in their lives and meaningful job satisfaction. So finally, what are the prospects for the future in this project?

Hiroaki Kotaka:
Mr. Kotaka? So as the department in the Kyoto Free Factory, we wish to continue to support development of robots. And I think it’s important that we develop more partners, not just in the Department of Welfare, but also in the city and other administration and legislation corporations. And through these corporations, I hope to be more connected and collaborative with the world. And I would like more businesses in our prefecture, one of which has to do with publicity of these initiatives among the businesses.

Leila Liza Dailly:
Ms. Reina, our company have this existing business estates. And in the future, we want to be able to address the needs of the individuals by customizing and help be able to obtain a job. Not just help with the efficiency of the product, but to be able to help every individual to contribute to the society.

Hiroaki Kotaka:
Final remarks, Mr. Inoue?

Manabu Inoue:
So personally, helping a person with disabilities, severe disability, to obtain some kind of employment and job, that is what I hope to do. So those with severe disability, we are customizing these robots. So we are examining the feasibility if we can customize these for disabilities. And we want to be able to continue to develop talents who can be the pilots. And we will be collaborating with the schools that are helping the people with disability. Through using robots, I hope the people with disability can have this confidence and pride in their work and their life to live better and to be able to cooperate with various stakeholders in supporting those with disabilities. And to our prospective partners, as the prefecture of Kyoto has mentioned, I would like to talk to other organizations who supports the people with disability so that we can expand on supporting them in the future. And I think it’s important for them to witness that this is something that can be achieved and it will change their awareness.

Moderator:
Thank you, all of the panelists. So we would like to move on to the question and answer sessions. Is there any session that are asking questions of the chat? So it seems that there is no one on the chat. But if you have any questions in the floor.

Audience:
Yeah. My name, I am from Benin. So I would like to ask you about the development. How much was the cost to develop the robot? I am doing a research on robot development. But I am aware that it can be expensive. So if there is good advice for us to be able to reduce costs for development. So this is a technical question. Could you talk for us? So I am from the Kagan Inc, who is doing the robot manufacturing and robots development. About the cost of the question, so it took about three to five years in terms of the duration of the development. There has been many years to develop the robot. So I cannot give you a single answer about the cost. We made effort in reducing the cost. I was checking with the interpreter if they needed time for consecutive translation, but it seems to be OK. So the startups is something, is an element that is in the space. Because using something that is as simple as possible, not to reduce the cost. So that is the way I think that is a way to enable social implementation by reducing complexity and keeping it simple. I hope that answers your questions. Is there any other questions on the floor or over the chat?

Moderator:
So I would like to wrap up the session. Thank you so much for joining the session. You’re welcome.