Disabled workers run robot cafe - 1st September 2021

At a Tokyo cafe, robots are waiting tables. However, this is more than a gimmick to attract clients.

Dawn Cafe provides employment opportunities for those with physical or mental disabilities which prevent them from working outside the home.

The robots named OriHime are controlled by those working from home. Operators have a range of abilities with some controlling the robots using eye movements and a special digital panel. But the system also allows the operators to communicate with the customers.

For Kentaro Yoshifuji, the co-founder of robotics company Ory Laboratory and the driving force behind the cafe, this communication is key to the success of the enterprise.

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."

The opening of the cafe was timed to coincide with the Paralympics taking place in Tokyo and the start of the global decade long WeThe15 campaign which aims to end discrimination towards the world’s 1.2 billion individuals with disabilities.

For Michio Imai, who is one of the robot operators, working gives him a sense of fulfillment.

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

Customers are able to chat with the smaller robots and find out more about the people behind them. An educational experience for both parties

Mamoru Fukaya is a customer.

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."

While the small robot operators chat to the customers, larger humanoid robots roam the floor serving food and drink. But whilst some may dismiss the robot cafe as a trend for operator Imai it is a lifeline.

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