Japanese Cafe Employs Paralyzed People To Control Robot Waiters

The Japanese have once again proven that a great idea can be made even better. A new concept cafe uses robot waiters to serve its customers. However, these robotic servers are actually controlled by paralyzed people so you’re still dealing with a real human being.

In November 2018, the Dawn Ver Beta cafe opened in Tokyo, Japan. The cafe, which was co-sponsored by the ORY Institute, featured several robot waiters who served and conversed with customers. The robots were so good at serving because there was an actual person controlling it. The real servers are actually paralyzed Japanese people who are remotely controlling the robots from their homes.

Welcome to Dawn Ver Beta cafe.

The amazing concept employs disabled people who suffered from diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other spinal cord injuries. They can work from home and still control the four-foot robots called OriHime-D. This is made possible with the help of a computer that tracks their eye movements. With some practice, they can move the robots, pick up items, and have a conversation with the customers.

It’s a great opportunity for the severely disabled, who can earn up to 1,000 yen ($9) per hour. In addition to that, they gain more confidence and are able to somehow interact with other people.

Kentaro Yoshifuji, CEO of Ory Lab. Inc expressed the cafe’s mission this way:

“I want to create a world in which people who can’t move their bodies can work too.”

The robots can interact with the customers like real human beings.

The Japanese cafe is certainly a wonderful concept for people who love technology but still want to connect with real people. However, it may take some time before Dawn Ver Beta cafe opens for the public. The cafe was only opened for two weeks but is expected to launch sometime in 2020.

What do you think of this awesome cafe? Would you like to be served by a robot waiter?

Learn more about the amazing cafe below: