Text: Press release Tokyo 2020
Images: Tokyo 2020 & Toyota Motor Corporation
Tokyo 2020 Mascot-type Robots
The Miraitowa Robot and Someity Robot will welcome athletes and spectators at Games venues and other Games-related locations with human-like movements such as bowing and waving, and with a variety of facial expressions. Cameras mounted on the robots’ foreheads will allow them to recognise people nearby and to react to them, as well as to transmit images to remotely located robots. The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and Toyota are additionally discussing a number of ways for the robots to make it easier and more enjoyable for children to experience the Games.
T-HR3: Humanoid Robot
The T-HR3 Humanoid Robot will receive images and sounds transmitted from events by the Mascot-type Robots, and will mirror their physical movements, for example by feeding back sensations such as a hand grip when a Mascot-type Robot shakes hands with or high-fives an athlete. This will allow those at remote locations who interact with the Humanoid Robots to feel as if they are physically present at venues.
T-TR1: Remote location communication Robot
T-TR1 is a virtual mobility robot developed by the Toyota Research Institute in the United States. It is equipped with a 360-degree camera atop a large, vertical convex, or circular, display. By projecting an image of a user from a remote location, the robot will help that person feel more physically present at the robot’s location, typically a sports venue. The Tele-presence Robot will give people that are physically unable to be present at the Games a chance to virtually attend, with an on-screen facility allowing conversations between the two locations.
FSR: Field Support Robot
The FSR Field Event Support Robot is equipped with autonomous functions which will allow it to assist at throwing events at the Olympic Stadium. The robots will determine the optimal path to follow when retrieving items such as hammers or javelins thrown by athletes, guiding staff along paths that avoid obstacles. It will help reduce the amount of time needed to retrieve items as well as reduce the amount of human support required at events. Toyota and Tokyo 2020 will be working with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
Support for wheelchair users with Human Support Robots
Service: Offering stress-free entry/exit and viewing support for wheelchair users by assisting in the delivery of goods and guidance to seats (TBD)