#Miraikan #AIRoA #Robot Experiment

AIRoA Launches Interactive Home Service Robot Experiment at Miraikan

In an initiative to explore the future of home robotics, the AI Robot Association (AIRoA) has partnered with the University of Tokyo's Matsuo-Iwasawa laboratory and the Miraikan, Japan’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. From March 18 to 31, 2026, the exhibition titled "Experience the Future! Robot Housekeeper" will allow visitors to engage with remote-controlled robots designed to handle household chores.

This project serves as part of Miraikan's "Lab for Creating the Future" program, which aims to gather evaluations and feedback from participants on the functionality and usability of home service robots. Visitors will take on the role of service users, experiencing firsthand how robots can assist in everyday tasks—crucial for adapting to Japan’s aging population and labor shortages.

Importance of Service Robots

As the demand for assistance with tasks such as cleaning and housekeeping rises, the expectations for service robots also grow. However, the variability in domestic environments poses significant challenges for robots. Each household has its own unique arrangement and style, making it unpredictable for robotic systems. Therefore, the experiment emphasizes the collection of real-world data and user experiences to enhance the development of adaptable and efficient household robots.

During the experiment, participants will interact with remote-controlled robots equipped with machine learning capabilities, allowing AIRoA to gather diverse real-life data. By combining this data with participants’ feedback, the association aims to advance the safety and effectiveness of domestic robots.

Experiment Overview: Experience and Evaluate

The "Experience the Future! Robot Housekeeper" event will feature a recreated home-like setting where visitors can engage with a remote-controlled robot performing household tasks. Participants will assess these robots from the perspective of potential users.

Experience Highlights

1. Evaluate Remote-Controlled Robot Tasks: Visitors will observe an operator-controlled robot carrying out chores such as cleaning and organizing. They will evaluate how effective the robot could be in assisting with daily domestic responsibilities and whether they would trust it in their homes. (Experience duration: approximately 25 minutes)



2. Hands-On with Robot Service App: Looking ahead to a future where robots might operate semi-autonomously, participants will use a smartphone application to assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide feedback on outcomes. Evaluations will focus on user interface clarity and the overall sense of safety and trust when utilizing the service. (Experience duration: approximately 7 minutes)



The insights and data collected during this experiment will contribute to the ongoing research and development of a comprehensive **