Japan's latest employee never gets hungry, tired, or moody. Aiko Chihira, Toshiba's new humanoid robot will soon work in a Tokyo department store. It can walk, speak Japanese, and even do sign language.
The robot worker, the company's first humanoid robot, is scheduled to start working at the information desk of the Mitsukoshi Department Store early next week. That retail store is located in Nihonbashi, a business district in Tokyo.
Chihira's job description includes giving six-minute speeches to the department store's customers. Topics include products, future promotions and events, and the department store itself, according to NY Daily News.
Toshiba designed the robot to be as human as possible, including how it appears, talks, and moves. Chihira is able to blink, talk with smooth mouth movements, and bow.
Toshiba did not model the robot's face on any particular real-life person, according to Daily Mail. However, it was designed to create an impression of a "friendly" young woman, according to the company.
The robot looks like an actual human being from far away. One drawback is that it will be unable to chat or answer particular questions like other Japanese humanoids can.
For example, last June Japanese scientists recently unveiled they claimed was the first news-reading android in the world. The robot's flawless language skills included a sense of humor and the ability to interact with museum visitors.
Still, Chihira will provide customers with important information that will improve their shopping experience. Although the robot has been showcased at various exhibits, this is the first time it will supply customer service.
Best of all, Chihira will never ask for a raise.