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Disabled run cafe robots - 1st September 2021

Tokyo's first robot staffed cafe is more than a mere marketing stunt to draw customers.

Dawn Cafe is breaking down barriers for those living with physical or mental impairment, leaving them unjustly disenfranchised from society.

Operating robots called OriHime from their homes, employees have a variety of capabilities such as, handling the robots using eye movements via specialised computer boards which also allows them to converse with the clientele.

Kentaro Yoshifuji, co-founder of the robotics group, Ory Laboratory, believes the cafe's success hinges on the ability to have communication between employees and customers.

Kentaro Yoshifuji: "Customers here are not exactly coming to this location just to meet OriHime. They come here because of the people behind OriHime, and they will come back to see them again."

The cafe opened its doors just in time for the city's hosting of the Paralympics which also coincided with the WeThe15 global push for an end to prejudice against the world’s disabled population.

One of the cafe's employees, Michio Imai tells us that this job gives him a sense of achievement.

Michio Imai: "As long as I'm alive, I want to give something back to the community by working."

Conversations via small robots help customers discover more about the experiences of those operating them, which turns out to be a great learning opportunity for all involved.

Mamoru Fukaya shares his experience.

Mamoru Fukaya:"The pilot was very friendly. Since he said he can't work outside his home, it's very good for such a person to have this kind of chance."

While humanoid robots traverse the cafe floor waiting tables, the small robots provide a more human element to the experience. Many may shrug off the robot cafe as a mere fad. Nevertheless, for Imai it's his saving grace.

Michio Imai: "I feel happy if I can be a part of society."