How Telepresence Robots and Technology Are Changing Life in Japan

From classrooms to hospitals, telepresence robots are reshaping how people work, learn, and connect, overcoming physical gaps in education, employment, healthcare, and more.

Imagine going to school, chatting with your friends, and then maybe working afterward at a cafe or a convenience store…all from your bed. Thanks to telepresence robotics technology in Japan, that’s no longer something that exists only in our imaginations. People who are unable to leave their homes or are restricted due to illness, disability, or simple logistics are finding new ways to take part in society like everyone else, thanks to this technology.

As the technology evolves, telepresence robots will help us overcome our physical limitations, allowing us to do more and go further than we previously thought possible!

What are telepresence robots?

The word “telepresence” combines “tele” (meaning distance) and “presence” (meaning being there): it’s the ability to interact with or experience a place remotely as if you were physically there. For example, video calling lets you see and talk to friends in real time even if you are in a different location. This is a basic form of telepresence.

Telepresence becomes even more dynamic when you add a robot. “Robot” is a broad term and might make you think of monster-fighting titans or sleek chrome androids, but the reality is much simpler. Three basic components make up a robot: sensors (to take in information), programming (to process the information), and actuators (to perform actions). This means robots come in all different shapes and sizes.

Most robots are not humanoid, and telepresence robots in Japan can be as simple as a screen mounted on wheels. But even these are packed with sensors and technology.

The Japanese workplace is becoming more inclusive

Different kinds of telepresence robots are in use all across Japan. Some Japanese stores use wheeled robots with a pole topped with a display of the operator’s face, letting remote workers interact with customers. This simplistic design paired with obstacle sensors and a camera allows the operator to navigate shops or exhibits and help out anybody in need. Others are trialing the use of avatar kiosks, where staff appear as characters on a screen at the checkout counter to help shoppers process payments. While these are not robots, given that they lack actuators, these innovations provide remote work opportunities for people with limited mobility, offering both income and social connection. By expanding opportunities for participation in the workforce, these efforts reflect Japan’s commitment to building an inclusive society where diverse needs are recognized and supported.

Telepresence in healthcare

Healthcare in Japan is another field in which telepresence technology plays an important role. In rural or understaffed areas, doctors use telepresence robots for remote consultations, allowing them to monitor patients or guide on-site staff through procedures. As the Japanese population continues to diversify, so does the diversity of patient backgrounds. For people who don’t speak Japanese, telepresence robots can allow remote translators to help patients understand instructions and communicate with hospital staff.

In Japan, telepresence robots also play a role in alleviating patient loneliness. They enable people to “visit” their loved ones even during times of restricted hospital access or quarantine. This is important because studies in elder care facilities show that seeing a familiar face can have a significant emotional impact on care home residents. Having a helping hand is also a big boost for patients when staff cannot always be present. Some hospitals have humanoid robots operated by humans placed in hallways to provide directions to visitors or monitor movements of patients who may need assistance.

Looking ahead

Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace in Japan, and companies and researchers are pushing telepresence robotics even further. For example, scientists are developing robots with improvements in haptic (sense of touch) feedback. This will allow for the execution of delicate tasks that were previously impossible, such as remote surgery. There are even developments in the field of space exploration that will one day let humans work on the Moon or Mars without setting foot on the surface.

In education, telepresence technology also plays an important role, ensuring that children who cannot attend school due to illness or disability do not lose access to learning opportunities. This supports the Japanese government’s goals of advancing ICT in education and closing learning gaps.

Telepresence robots in Japan aren’t about replacing people. Instead, they’re helping people be present when they physically can’t be. Whether it’s a child attending a school trip from home, a worker serving coffee from bed, or a grandparent checking in on family, telepresence robots are creating a Japan that provides more opportunities to participate, contribute, and connect.