Automatic transport robot "Hakobo" selling hot drinks and lunch in Marunouchi

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Image source: Panasonic Holdings Co., Ltd.

Those going to Japan, especially near the ritzy shopping area of Marunouchi near Tokyo Station can see the automatic transport robot “Hakobo” selling hot drinks and lunch through February 4th.

Last month when Hakobo arrived, the robot was selling capsule toys. But now the focus is on drinks and hot lunch.

This demonstration experiment is being conducted by Panasonic Holdings in response to the adoption of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism city bureau smart city implementation support project in 2022

On Marunouchi Naka-dori, etc., an automated transport robot (Hakobo®) will travel along designated routes, while unmanned sales of capsule toys and beverages will be carried out at specific points. JACOBO® is safe enough to comply with international standards for functional safety, and it also offers both safety and flexibility by being able to change the loading platform depending on the application.

So far, in April 2022, Fujisawa SST has “acquired permission to use roads for Japan’s first fully remote monitoring and operation type automatic delivery robot”. With the remote monitoring and operation system (X-Area® Remote) that utilizes technology, they have been working on simultaneous operation of multiple robots without the need for security personnel near the robot.

After that, after completing the 240-hour drive at Fujisawa SST, they obtained permission to use roads in the same area based on the “Road Use Permission Standards for Specific Automated Delivery Demonstration Experiments. As a result, it has become possible to develop other bases in a similar environment with a simple procedure that does not involve public road inspection. This is the first case of expansion to other bases in accordance with this system.

PHD utilizes robots and remote services for a variety of purposes, including transportation, and provides a platform “X-Area®” that realizes optimal services that suit the area by getting close to various communities such as local people and companies.

In the future, through co-creation with local communities, local governments, and companies, they will create new value by realizing a variety of services, not limited to delivery.

[Demonstration period/location]

The plan is for the robot to sell products from 11:00 – 13:15 and 14:00-16:30.

You can click here to see Hakobo’s current location.