#Japan #Tokyo #remote services #avatar robots #Tokyo 5G

A New Era of Remote Community Services in Tokyo

In a pioneering move for local governance, avatarin Corporation, Altius Link, and Campus Create are set to launch a groundbreaking pilot program for remote community services across the Arakawa and Ota wards of Tokyo starting November 17, 2025. This initiative aims to redefine administrative service delivery by leveraging cutting-edge avatar robots and local 5G technology, marking Japan's first attempt to offer cross-municipal citizen engagement through innovative remote solutions.

Rethinking Local Governance

In a world increasingly driven by technology, governments are encouraged to adapt and improve their services according to the evolving needs of citizens. Building upon the insights gathered from previous prototypes, this new verification test aims to enhance the existing services by adding Arakawa to the mix alongside Ota, utilizing avatars like "newme" along with a robust local 5G network. This arrangement facilitates operators to remotely control avatars, providing seamless service delivery that transcends geographical boundaries.

This initiative's objective is to create a sustainable model for local administration, ensuring that all citizens have access to high-quality services regardless of location. With the establishment of local 5G infrastructure, operators can efficiently manage two municipalities’ avatar robots, thus enhancing the quality of administrative services while increasing operational efficiency.

How It Works

During the pilot phase, two operators will remotely switch between four units of the newme avatar to handle tasks typically associated with physical offices, such as guidance and floor management in both Arakawa and Ota wards. The technical backbone supporting these activities includes a knowledge system developed by Altius Link, leveraging generative AI to automatically construct FAQs from existing manuals; this ensures that operators can provide accurate information without delays.

Support and Collaboration

The pilot program receives vital support from Tokyo’s NEXT 5G Boosters Project, aimed at fostering startups utilizing next-generation communication technologies. Additionally, the cooperation of both Arakawa and Ota wards ensures that field test environments are optimally tailored to allow for real-time assessments of this innovative service approach. Particularly, Tokyo University plays a crucial role by contributing technical insights and support for the local 5G stations.

Pilot Program Overview

• - Duration: November 17, 2025 - December 19, 2025 (tentative)
• - Locations: Arakawa Ward Office and Ota Ward Office
• - Operational Base: avatarin Corporation’s office in Chuo, Tokyo
• - Functionality: Two operators will manage the avatar robots to provide public assistance, handle inquiries, and support procedures.
• - Expected Outcomes: Streamlining the DX of local operations, enhancing citizen service satisfaction, and developing a new Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) model for administration.

Strategic Objectives

The motivation behind launching this pilot initiative is rooted in the digital transformation policies adopted by both wards. In Arakawa, the digitalization basic policy seeks to ensure that more citizens can benefit from digital technologies, promoting efficiency in administrative operations while improving service delivery. Simultaneously, Ota Ward's DX Promotion Plan envisions a transformation of local governance that aims for a human-centered approach facilitated by digital technologies.

For avatarin and Altius Link, establishing remote BPO services constitutes a core strategic goal, aiming to simultaneously improve citizen services while also promoting operational efficiencies. The collaboration aligns with the need for local governments to dramatically elevate service standards and accessibility for their communities.

Conclusion

As the implementation dates draw closer, excitement builds around this innovative approach to community services. Importantly, this initiative is expected not only to enrich the quality of citizen engagement but also to contribute substantially to the ongoing transformation of local governance in Japan.

With sustained efforts from multiple stakeholders—including avatarin, Altius Link, Campus Create, local governments, and academic institutions—Tokyo's journey toward a digitized and efficient administrative future is well underway. The focus remains firmly on technology’s potential to improve the quality of life for all citizens, exemplifying the powerful role of innovation in everyday civic life.