Disabled workers run robot cafe - 1st September 2021

Dawn Cafe in Tokyo has robots serving and greeting customers. And, this is not just a fun way to attract customers.

Dawn Cafe employs people who face physical or mental challenges which keep them at home.

They operate the robots called OriHime. And they do this from their home. Operators have various skills with some guiding the OriHime using eye movements via a digital panel. This system also allows them to communicate with customers.

For Kentaro Yoshifuji, the co-founder of robotics company Ory Laboratory and founder of the cafe, being able to communicate is vital to the robot cafe's success.

Kentaro Yoshifuji: "Customers here are not exactly coming to this location just to meet OriHime. They come here because of the people behind OriHime, and they will come back to see them again."

During the Paralympics and the WeThe15's fight against inequality for the world's 1.2 billion disabled people, the robot cafe started its service.

Cafe employee Michio Imai says his job makes him feel accomplished.

Michio Imai: "As long as I'm alive, I want to give something back to the community by working."

Smaller robots with cameras on each table allow customers to have conversations with and find out more about those operating them. A great exchange.

Customer Mamoru Fukaya reflects.

Mamoru Fukaya:"The pilot was very friendly. Since he said he can't work outside his home, it's very good for such a person to have this kind of chance."

The large human-like robots move around serving tables. Whilst the small robots offer the chance to chat with the operators. And while some think the cafe's just the next new thing, for employee Imai, it is his livelihood.

Michio Imai: "I feel happy if I can be a part of society."