Robots can do much more – let’s create arenas where they can shine

In my current work of client relations and the sales of delivery robots, I personally place importance on addressing the business from a perspective that is not limited by conventional frameworks. I was first involved in the helicopter business and then started my work in this department. I am a salesperson that takes advantage of the viewpoints of the engineers. I selected a reduced work schedule while raising my children. This background is different from others working on my team and is my strength. I intend to make use of my unique perspective regardless of the parameters set by the business, products, and job types, so that new applications and ideas can be introduced for delivery robots.

Currently, test runs of Kawasaki’s delivery robots are conducted on public streets and within hospital buildings. We also selected medical institutions for indoor use because robots can help solve labor shortage in nursing settings. You may think that the main work of nurses is medical practice. However, they actually spend a considerable amount of time and energy in the management and carrying of goods. I wanted to realize an environment where nurses focus on providing medical services and robots shoulder the repetitive work. For this purpose, we ask our partner hospitals to use the robots and give us feedback on the activities of the delivery robots, and we also take part in in exhibitions for medical institutions where we show these robots.

A high performance of delivery robots in the outdoor context is anticipated in conjunction with future legislative changes. It may eventually solve the “last mile problem” in the logistics industry, or a shortage of labor to deliver the increasing number of door-to-door packages. Another expectation is that everyone will become more familiar with robots. If people know about robots, their field of operation will expand. Robots no longer exist in our imagination. You could imagine robots taking on new tasks, and new demands and ideas would occur one after another in every corner of business. By 2030, I hope many issues will be resolved, and robots are a familiar part of our daily lives.