
As we speak, scientists in Japan are hard at work on inventing a myriad of robots whose sole raison d’être is to improve quality of life for humans. Whether it’s shoveling snow, helping people to walk, or generally spreading cheer through unbelievable cuteness and dexterity (we’re talking about you, Asimo!) it’s clear to see that robots are going to feature big in our lives during the years to come. But when a drawing contest was held in Japan for elementary school students to submit their impressions of a robot-filled future, one particular entry started to gain a lot of attention on twitter for being extremely creepy in an oddly knowing way…
▼ The drawing in question was uploaded to twitter by user @libekichi, and soon started to gain attention for its, erm… creepiness.
https://twitter.com/libekichi/status/542230874738028544“A robot working with me in the future”
We can’t help thinking that this picture is satire, drawn as a wry protest against the concept of eventual over-reliance on “help” robots leading to humans being essentially controlled by robotic overlords. In the picture, the elementary school student has drawn himself as an entirely unamused salaryman, whose “assistant” robot is making a nuisance of itself by crowding the guy’s desk. Just look at that smug robotic smile and that pompous pointing finger! Just who does that robo-jerk think he is, anyhow?
Comments to the tweet ranged from amused to slightly sickened by the concept of such dystopian imagery springing forth from the crayons of a child.
“Dead behind the eyes.”
“More like, a robot who is MAKING me work!”
“What an artist!”
“That robot looks like a total dumbass.”
“There’ll be no escape from hard work…”
“Is this what Japan has come to, with kids drawing horrifying stuff like this…?”
“This kid’s got some big dreams for the future.”
Perhaps in the future, all of our bosses will be replaced by robots like the one in the picture! Imagine the horror!
Source: Burusoku
Image: Sumai-machi.net

Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
We sent two Japanese elementary school kids on a Mother’s Day shopping mission at a 100 yen store
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Holy Fungus Mud Volleyball is Japan’s most filthily beautifying bacteria event of the summer!
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
We sent two Japanese elementary school kids on a Mother’s Day shopping mission at a 100 yen store
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Holy Fungus Mud Volleyball is Japan’s most filthily beautifying bacteria event of the summer!
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Uniqlo’s high-end sunglasses are a fashion minefield for anyone who isn’t Mr. Sato
Final Fantasy Chocobo cookies have galloped into Tokyo’s Square Enix pop-up shop
Two Americans decide to hike Mt. Fuji before trails open, both need rescues on back-to-back days
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Shogun Cultural Experiences merges a walking tour, sweets, and the music of traditional Japan
Looney Tunes is now an adorable anime series with Looney Tunes Gokko[Videos]