Japan wants 10 million robots operating across the country within the next 15 years. The government unveiled an updated plan that expands its robotics push to cover 18 industries, including food production and healthcare.
The strategy relies heavily on a homegrown AI system called Noetra. A group of major Japanese firms, including SoftBank, Sony and Honda, already own a stake in the project. Two other tech companies, Fujitsu and Rakuten, are still deciding whether to join.
The country has a rapidly ageing population and strict rules on immigration. This combination has left many businesses short-staffed. Factory floors, nursing homes and even disaster sites have been testing robots for years, and officials believe the time is right to scale up.
The Japanese government says it will set up a new centre to help companies bring in robots more quickly. The centre will also handle research and training for workers who will use the technology.
Japan is not going at it alone. Researchers from the United States, Canada, France and the UK are already working with Japanese teams on the AI model behind the robots. Once the technology is ready, it will be shared with local developers and businesses.
Supporters point out that robots are mostly being used for jobs that humans cannot easily fill, rather than simply replacing existing workers. For now, the government is betting that automation offers the most practical way forward for a country running short on people.
Source: The Register