As the sun sets in Tokyo, its alleyways become illuminated by the lights of “sunakku” snack bars. But OrySnack is illuminated by something entirely different: the gentle, glowing eyes of six small humanoid robots that are pouring drinks and interacting with customers. But you would be mistaken to assume that the robots have replaced human workers. They’re actually allowing people to work when they otherwise might not be able to.
The robots, called OriHime, are remotely controlled by “pilots” who can operate them from home. One of them was operated by a woman named Guro, who lives at home in Tokyo and was born with FSHD (Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy) which is a genetic muscle disorder that causes slow, progressive weakness and loss of muscle tissue.
For people who have difficulty commuting to a conventional workplace because of illness, disability, or other circumstances, the system offers a way to participate in the workforce without physically being there.
At OrySnack, the pilot controls the robot’s movements and communicates directly with customers through a screen, microphone and speakers, effectively giving them a physical presence behind the bar. Guests can enjoy sake and conversation while the person serving them may be hundreds of kilometers away.
The bar is run by OryLab, the developer of the robots, and the same company that trial-ran a similar cafe concept back in 2018. The company offers a different way of thinking about workplace inclusivity. Rather than asking people who can’t easily get to work to adapt themselves to the workplace, OryLab is adapting the workplace to them. The future of work, it turns out, might not mean fewer humans. It might mean finding new ways for more people to take part.
OrySnack is open from 1:00 – 7:00pm and reservations are required. There is also an OrySnack Kyoto that’s opening December 4.
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