Robots as a Solution for Japanese Students Absent from School
The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on Japanese schools, leading to a significant increase in the number of students not attending classes. In response, Kumamoto City has proposed a unique solution – the deployment of robots. These robots will allow students to attend school remotely, with the hope that it will encourage them to return to in-person classes. This article will explore Kumamoto City’s plan to deploy school robots and also discuss other exciting robotics projects in Japan.
Why Use School Robots?
Kumamoto City’s Board of Education aims to assist anxious students with school robots. In 2022, a staggering 2,760 elementary and middle school children were not attending school, double the previous record from 2018. To tackle this issue, the board proposed placing robots in classrooms that could be controlled remotely by students who were unable to attend in person. The hope is that these robots will help ease students back into attending school by alleviating the stress, anxiety, and other social, psychological, or emotional issues that prevent them from interacting with their peers. The Board of Education believes that by providing students with a means to participate in quasi-experiences with their classmates, it will encourage them to take the next step towards returning to in-person classes.
Despite concerns about attracting attention and potentially worsening anxiety, students have reportedly responded positively to the virtual classroom experience with the robots. The Guardian reported that it helped boost one student’s self-esteem, and another student expressed feeling less anxious when communicating with others.
Other Robotics Projects in Japan
Japan is known for its advancements in robotics, and Kumamoto City’s school robot project is just one example. Another notable project is Archax, developed by the startup Tsubame. Archax is a 15-foot-tall transforming robot that can be piloted like a vehicle. It has two modes – “vehicle,” which allows it to be driven like a car, and “robot,” which enables it to stand taller. Archax has the capability to lift objects up to 15 kg with its arms. While its $2.5 million price tag may make it inaccessible for most, it has the potential to contribute to space development and disaster recovery efforts.
Another interesting project is Jizai Arms, created by the University of Tokyo. Jizai Arms focuses on studying people’s responses to having cyborg arms. These arms mimic the movements of a person’s natural arm, hand, and fingers and can be controlled remotely. Respondents in the study became so accustomed to the robotic arms that they felt a sense of “resistance” when they had to remove them. This experiment demonstrates the potential for humans to integrate cyborg enhancements into their lives.
Conclusion
The deployment of robots in Japanese schools, such as the initiative in Kumamoto City, can help students attend classes remotely. While attending school in person remains the most effective option, these robots provide a valuable alternative for extreme cases where students are unable to physically attend. Kumamoto City plans to evaluate the impact of the school robots and decide whether to continue or expand the program. To stay updated on the latest digital trends and tips, visit Inquirer Tech.
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