Hello, Robot: A Fresh Take on Human-Robot Interaction at Miraikan

Exploring the Renewed 'Hello, Robot' Exhibition at Miraikan

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, also known as Miraikan, is set to unveil its refreshed permanent exhibition titled 'Hello, Robot' on July 2, 2025. This redesign centers on the theme of 'Human-Robot Interaction: Technology for Communication,' aiming to cultivate a deeper understanding of the relationship between humans and robots as partners in cohabitation.

Originally launched in November 2023, 'Hello, Robot' offers visitors a chance to experience interactions with various types of robots, including Miraikan's original partner robot, Kepalan. These interactions are not just fun; they are integral to understanding how robotics can be integrated into our lives. The exhibition showcases not only the latest advancements in robotics but also encourages visitors to imagine a future that includes diverse robot companions.

Redesign Theme: Human-Robot Interaction

The renewed zones within the exhibition will feature six new installations that spotlight cutting-edge robotic research. Among these, visitors can expect to meet:

1. Affetto: A child-like android capable of displaying nuanced emotions through facial expressions. Utilizing a novel mechanism, Affetto conveys emotional shifts through varied movements in the eyebrows, eyes, and mouth, symbolized as waves. This interaction allows visitors to appreciate how subtle expressions affect psychological states.

2. Indy: Developed with the goal of becoming a thoughtful companion, Indy can deduce human intent through advanced AI. By analyzing voice tone, movements, and even the objects a person is holding, Indy determines the best actions and responses, bridging the gap between robot capabilities and human-like partnership.

3. Better Friends: A new anime that explores the philosophical implications of how robots integrate into society. Supervised by a researcher in the field of philosophy of technology, this animation raises questions about our understanding and relationship with robots, urging viewers to consider their social roles beyond mere tools.

4. Pocchan: This 'switch robot' investigates how robots perceive the world differently than humans. By recognizing and interpreting sensory input through cameras and sensors, Pocchan takes center stage in assisting visitors in acknowledging these differences, potentially reshaping their interactions with both robots and fellow humans.

5. Hiro-chan: A healing communication robot designed to bring comfort to humans, particularly mimicking the soothing effects associated with handling babies. It embodies the concept of ‘social touch interaction,’ establishing emotional connections between humans and robots.

6. Fabric Touch Sensors: These innovative sensors can detect human interaction through fabric, crafted using conductive threads to measure electrostatic capacity changes. This technology could revolutionize applications in clothing and plush robots, enhancing the tactile experiences between humans and machines.

In light of these updates, certain existing exhibits will conclude their run on June 23, 2025. Visitors can expect to see the likes of Kensuke Robot and Talking Bones, enriching their understanding of robotics before these displays go offline.

Commentary from Supervisor Tsuyoshi Mogi

Beyond tools, robots on display here are designed to respond to human cues. They exemplify what it means for robots to 'communicate' through gestures and presence. The robots in this exhibit are engineered to build relationships, not just function as assistants. Miraikan invites visitors to engage with these innovations and ponder the nature of human-robot relationships.

The redesigned exhibition promises to be an exciting and enlightening experience for all.