#Japan #Tokyo #JR East #AKIHABARA #ugo Pro

Experience the Futuristic 'ugo Pro' at Akihabara's Curry Festival

From August 18th to September 15th, the 'ugo Pro' robots will take center stage at the 'Ecute Akihabara' commercial facility as they join the festivities of the 'Ecute Curry Fest'. Developed by ugo Inc., these robots serve as state-of-the-art service and guide assistants, enhancing customer engagement.

The 'Ecute Akihabara' aims to provide a next-generation shopping experience by integrating the latest technologies, such as employing robotic staff to aid in addressing labor shortages while ensuring a more enjoyable shopping atmosphere.

During the Curry Festival, guests can expect a delightful welcome from 'ugo Pro', adorned in traditional Indian attire and performing lively dances. The robots will also utilize Generative AI to recommend curry dishes and engage in interactive discussions related to curry, making their presence much more than just a novelty.

Festival Features

The festival runs each day from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (with shortened hours until 8:00 PM on weekends and holidays) and offers an array of exciting activities:
1. Menu Recommendations: Guests can enjoy personalized suggestions for curry dishes powered by AI.
2. Q&A Sessions: The robots will answer questions related to curries, helping to educate visitors about this beloved dish.
3. Cultural Engagement: 'ugo Pro' will greet visitors in stunning Indian costumes.
4. Dance Performances: Watch as the robots showcase traditional Indian dances to entertain the crowd!

Three Indian staff members from ugo Inc. have supervised the outfits and performances, bringing authenticity to the robot's presentations.

About 'Ecute Akihabara'

Located in the heart of Tokyo, 'Ecute Akihabara' opened on April 7, 2025, and has quickly established itself as a culinary hotspot. The area is renowned for its abundance of curry shops, making it the perfect venue for the Curry Fest, featuring curry delicacies from multiple vendors across its three facilities.

Highlighted amongst the offerings this season is the 'Khao Soi Chiang Mai Curry Ramen', a delightful dish from the Thai Cuisine Research Institute, priced at 1,400 yen. This dish is accessible for both eat-in and take-out, and it combines rich coconut milk and a choice of textures with boiled and fried noodles.

Another inventive creation making waves is the 'Tokyo Fluffy Dorayaki with Tandoori Chicken Curry', a unique fusion of traditional Japanese sweets with an aromatic curry filling, available at New Kikujiro for just 380 yen each.

Instagram Campaign

In addition to experiencing the Curry Festival, attendees can participate in an Instagram campaign! By following the 'Eacute Risu' account and liking posts between August 18th and 31st, lucky participants will stand a chance to win a selection of three recommended retort curry packs, along with exclusive original stickers.

Instagram Account: Eacute Risu

About ugo Inc.

Founded on February 20, 2018, ugo Inc. specializes in developing business DX robots that cater to a range of hospitality needs. Employing a hybrid control model between remote and AI automated systems, ugo robots are geared to revolutionize service sectors facing labor shortages.

About JR East Cross Station Co., Ltd.

Established in April 2021, JR East Cross Station focuses on creating captivating commercial spaces in station environments, promoting collaboration with local communities and enhancing the customer shopping experience throughout its network of stores, including 'Ecute' and 'Gransta'.

As the world move towards digitization, the 'Ecute Akihabara and its Curry Festival' represent a perfect blend of technology, culinary artistry, and customer engagement, marking a vibrant future for urban retail experiences in Japan.