Japan is known for its technology and love for robots which you can sometimes find in unexpected places like at a store front helping you get a table at your favourite sushi restaurant. Recently we've also been hearing all about a new coffee shop in Tokyo with robot servers controlled by disabled workers from the comforts of their own homes. However, Tokyo is not the only place where you can find cutting edge technology creating a barrier-free environment. Now everyone’s attention has shifted to the rustic prefecture of Kochi on Shikoku island, which is trying to revolutionise tourism with a shoulder-mounted robot called NIN_NIN.
NIN_NIN was developed by Ory Lab (also behind the previously mentioned robot café) and the main idea behind this cute robot was to help visually impaired people on the go. Created to allow ‘body sharing’, the visually impaired person would wear NIN_NIN on their arm while another person would view the live video and become their eyes through constant contact. You can see how the robot works in this setting here but its use could include guided tours for international visitors in the future!
Currently NIN_NIN is quite busy in Kochi prefecture which decided to dive straight into the deep end and start conducting virtual tours using the ninja robot! They’re organised as a part of their ‘Ryoma Holiday’ project named after the famous samurai and prominent politician called Sakamoto Ryoma who came from Kochi. The prefecture wants to focus the visitors’ attention on its three unique points: nature, history, and food.
Anyone can join ‘Ninsta lives’ which started this May and have attracted attention from all over Japan. One person selected from those who apply before each live gets to enjoy the tour through NIN_NIN’s eyes on their phone. Other viewers can join the live on Kochi’s Instagram account and watch the person carrying NIN_NIN - or a ‘Ningineer’ - explore Kochi.
The first live was focused around the pristine waters of the Niyodo River which was picked by Kochi’s Instagram followers. The most recent live on the 26th of June was focused around the traditional Yosakoi dance which originated in Kochi, and the next live is scheduled for the 13th of July. The lives are currently conducted in Japanese but with beautiful sites on display and ample opportunity for development into further tours, make sure you keep an eye on what they're up to! You can check them out under the ‘IGTV’ tab on their Instagram here and enjoy the beautiful sights of one of Japan's most wild and remote prefectures.
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