“Don’t walk with your phone! …Oh, your phone is…Walking anyway…Um…Carry on.”
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robotics
A tiny cyborg model at the moment, this contraption marks the beginning of robots taking over humanity.
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 Japanese sure do love their robots, don’t they? It seems like every couple of months there’s a new robo-creation being unveiled to the public, sprung from the minds of Japan’s master robotic engineers. Today, we’d like to introduce you to this cute little trundling yellow fella, Yuki Taro! As we all know, winter is coming (we should probably say “winter is here”, but that has less dramatic punch) and with it a flurry of snowstorms and bad weather that can seriously disrupt people’s lives. And who really has the time or energy to shovel snow all day?
Enter Yuki Taro. This snow-gobbling little guy is here to make all your problems melt away – as long as they’re snow-related, that is…
Japan is no stranger to robotics. From Asimov to Gundam, hi-tech development in both real and fictional worlds is almost taken for granted. Some days, we even wake up feeling a bit disappointed that Ghost in the Shell isn’t a documentary–though even that seemingly becoming closer to reality every day.
Here’s one example of robotics enhancing the lives of stroke victims–and looking good doing it, too!
It appears that the fastest growing field of robotics is cockroaches. Once thought to be the domain of Roachbot and Roachbot 2.0, researchers from the university of North Carolina have raised the bar further with what has got to be the first functioning cyborg cockroach.









We almost cried on our first visit to this under-the-radar budget Italian restaurant in Japan
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Maker of Japan’s first crane machine is looking for a working model, offering 100,000-yen reward
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Japanese pop idol A-chan reveals she’s always wanted to marry a fan, and she’s done it
The massive Pokémon card public art display going on in Japan right now is a thing of beauty【Pics】
Japan’s plus-sized idol singer group releases new video about the joys of eating【Video】
Every Eevee evolution in one awesome neon sign? Please make this Pokémon concept a reality【Vid】
Maiko beauty secrets: Skincare tips from Japan’s apprentice geisha
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Tokyo all-you-can-eat senbei deal is perfect for newbies to the world of beloved Japanese snacks
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Japanese pop idol A-chan reveals she’s always wanted to marry a fan, and she’s done it
The massive Pokémon card public art display going on in Japan right now is a thing of beauty【Pics】
Japan’s plus-sized idol singer group releases new video about the joys of eating【Video】
Every Eevee evolution in one awesome neon sign? Please make this Pokémon concept a reality【Vid】
Maiko beauty secrets: Skincare tips from Japan’s apprentice geisha
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
Mega huge Mega Charizard Pokémon kites fly in the skies of Japan【Video】
We visit Tomonoura, the scenic harbor town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s “Ponyo”【Photos】
The five-patty Lotteria burger wasn’t big enough, so we made a 35-patty burger instead!
Pringles teams up with Hello Kitty for new Sanrio collection in Japan
Awesome website allows you to make your own Dragon Ball character, battle other fighters
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino