To make up for shortage of staff, shops across Japan are using ‘TX SCARA’, a small robot with clip-like hands. It has been developed by Telexistence, a Tokyo-based company; in the words of CEO Jin Tomioka, it has been designed to ‘automate all the repetitive jobs and boring jobs done by humans’.
TX SCARA robot works, stocking drinks in the refrigerated section of a FamilyMart convenience store in Tokyo, Friday, Aug. 26, 2022.. (AP Photo/Yuri Kageyama)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
“…that is the direction we are going. And the best way to do that is to use the robots,” Tomioka added.
Here's all you need to know about TX SCARA:
(1.) TX SCARA has an artificial intelligence (AI), named GORDON, which knows when and where products are to be kept on shelves. On the end of its mechanical arm, the robot has a hand with which it picks up objects.
(2.) The machine is mostly used in ‘conbini’, or Japanese convenience stores. Within these shops, guided by GORDON, it picks up bottles, cans etc., and places them on (mostly refrigerated) shelves.
(3.) Telexistence claims that TX SCARA can restock up to 1,000 bottles and cans per day. Its price, however, is still to be disclosed.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
(4.) TX SCARA, as well as other Telexistence robots, are made for stores which don't have to change their layout or routine. These use Nvidia GPU-accelerated AI to allow for remote control over Azure, the cloud computing service operated by Microsoft.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
(4.) TX SCARA, as well as other Telexistence robots, are made for stores which don't have to change their layout or routine. These use Nvidia GPU-accelerated AI to allow for remote control over Azure, the cloud computing service operated by Microsoft.
{{/usCountry}}
(5.) Out of 16,000 FamilyMart outlets in Japan, the machine is already in use in 300. Overall, the country has more than 50,000 conbini.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Stay updated with the latest Technology News, gadget launches, app updates, artificial intelligence and digital trends. Find reviews, comparisons and useful insights from the world of tech.
Stay updated with the latest Technology News, gadget launches, app updates, artificial intelligence and digital trends. Find reviews, comparisons and useful insights from the world of tech.
Home/Technology/This robot ‘works’ in convenience stores in Japan: Key features of TX SCARA
