Japanese start-up Mira Robotics will beta-test its remote-controlled robot Ugo this summer, demonstrating how it can carry out complex household tasks, before a paid service is launched next year. The robot, which has been developed by the company and funded through crowdfunding website Kickstarter, was designed to help elderly people with mobility problems. Mira said Ugo could be a solution to caring for Japan's growing elderly population, but critics said the robot could further marginalise low-income manual workers.
Japanese start-up Mira Robotics will beta-test its remote-controlled robot Ugo this summer, demonstrating how it can carry out complex household tasks, before a paid service is launched next year. Mira is developing VR motion controllers for the human operators, as well as a feedback loop and technology to blur occupants' faces or documents which appear in the live feed. Mira said Ugo could be a solution to caring for Japan's growing elderly population, but critics said the robot could further marginalise low-income manual workers.