In Japan, store opens first robot department
JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI
Some of the 22 robots were displayed earlier this month at the Takashimaya Shinjuku store in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.
Tokyo >> Takashimaya Co. this month opened a robot department at its Shinjuku store in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo — a first by a department store in Japan.
The Robotics Studio sells cutting-edge products that have evolved through the use of artificial intelligence technologies, and allows customers to touch and use them.
The operator of the department store aims to attract customers of various generations.
Among 22 products on display are:
>> The Sota robot (about $1,400)that chats with users
>> “Musio X” (about $940) that can engage in English conversation
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
>> Laundroid (starting at $17,700) that folds laundry.
Robots have, up until now, been sold mainly at large home appliance stores or online.
A Takashimaya official in charge of the section said, “We want to expand sales by holding hands-on events, taking advantage of our ability as a department store to create unique opportunities.”
The company plans to open another robot section at one of its Kansai stores within the next fiscal year.
