Resembling an enormous, somewhat unconventional figure reminiscent of 1980s science fiction, West Japan Railway has introduced a humanoid aid designed primarily for gardening and painting tasks on its rail network.
This large apparatus with extended arms, uniquely shaped head, and eye-like protrusions mounted on a truck capable of navigating rails will commence operations this month. Its purpose is to assist in maintenance work by maneuvering along the tracks using various attachments for its limbs.
Operators control the machine from an enclosed area within the vehicle, monitoring it through camera feeds and directing its actions remotely. The robot can extend up to 12 meters vertically and is equipped with tools suitable for handling weights as heavy as 40kg (88 lbs).
Initially, its duties will focus on pruning tree overgrowth along the rail lines and applying paintwork to metal structures above train tracks. The introduction of this technology addresses workforce challenges posed by an aging population in Japan while aiming to minimize potential hazards faced by workers.
West Japan Railway President Kazuaki Hasegawa expressed at a recent press briefing his aspiration for future expansion: "We envision using robots extensively for various infrastructure maintenance tasks, offering insights into effectively managing the workforce shortage."
Read next
Over 1 million people gather in Madrid for outdoor mass with Pope Leo
Over one million people gathered in Madrid for an open-air mass led by Pope Leo. During the service, the American pontiff highlighted the contradiction between Christian principles and far-right ideology, stating, “No one can kneel before the Lord and despise their brother.”
Crowds began forming hours before dawn on Sunday
Xi Jinping visits Pyongyang to strengthen China-North Korea relations
Xi Jinping has begun a two-day visit to North Korea, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years as he seeks to strengthen relations with the ally.
Footage from the Xinhua state news agency showed the Chinese leader and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arriving at Sunan international
Denmark's mullet championship celebrates the 'beautifully ugly' and divisive hairstyle
Copenhagen recently hosted the 2026 Mullet Championship, where more than 1,000 spectators gathered on an outdoor stage to celebrate the enduring hairstyle characterized by short hair in the front and length in the back.
Twelve participants competed in the event, which was organized by 37-year-old electrician Steffen Stiw Weber.