"Tokyo 2020 Robot Project" Launches Partner robots and other technologies will support the Games
On March 15, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee announced the first phase of the "Tokyo 2020 Robot Project." This includes the project overview, the use of life support robots to assist spectators in wheelchair seats, and the use of power assist suits for event operations.
Project members include Hirohisa Hirukawa, Director of the Robotics Innovation Research Center at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Project Leader); Professor Emeritus Tomomasa Sato of the University of Tokyo; Masashi Sugiyama, Director of the Center for Advanced Intelligence Project at RIKEN; along with representatives from the national government, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Games partners Panasonic and Toyota Motor Corporation, and the Organizing Committee.
The project aims to realize the Games' vision of being "the most innovative Games ever, bringing positive change to the world," with members collaborating to achieve this goal.
The "Wheelchair Seat Viewing Support via Life Support Robots" initiative utilizes Toyota Motor Corporation's HSR (Human Support Robot) and DSR (Delivery Support Robot). These robots assist with transporting items and guiding wheelchair users to their seats, supporting stress-free entry, exit, and viewing for wheelchair spectators.
This service is scheduled to be implemented in some wheelchair sections during track and field events (Olympic and Paralympic) held at the Olympic Stadium.
Team Leader Hirukawa commented, "The Tokyo Games are an excellent opportunity to showcase Japan's robotics technology. Rather than just displaying robots, we want to demonstrate how they can actually be useful to people."
Panasonic Executive Officer Masahiro Ido commented, "We strongly hope that our robot technologies, including power assist suits—which are also part of our sponsorship category—will benefit not only people with disabilities but all individuals and society, creating a lasting legacy for future generations."
Nobuhiko Koga, Head of Toyota Motor Corporation's Future Creation Center, stated, "Driven by our vision of 'mobility for all,' we are developing various mobility solutions through the Games. We want assistive robots to let wheelchair users experience the thrill of sports and the excitement of the stadium."
The project plans to continue announcing new robots that will play an active role in the Games.
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