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Now, You Can Call a Robot Porter

You don't have to carry your luggage at Kita Kyushu Airport. You can call a porter -- not human, it's robot!

asahi.com reports Yaskawa Electric Corporation has started proving test of "RoboPorter", a full automatic machine which can carry luggage and navigate passangers. The robot has three wheels and laser sensors, which enable it to avoid obstacles automatically.

(You can see more pictures at this page.)

Yaskawa Electric is planning to put RoboPorter into practical use within three years. Does anyone want to buy one for your home?

Robot Ghosts and Wired Dreams: Japanese Science Fiction from Origins to Anime

"China-Free" Valentine's Day

Asahi.com reports that a coffe beans vendor claims its chocolates are "china-free".

 
(* reproduced from the asahi.com's article)

Namban-ya, a coffe beans vendor which also sells sweet stuff, has put seals on its chocolates since last October. The seal reads "this product contains no material made in China."

I understands the company's action. After the massive food-poisoning scandal caused by dumplings made in China, Japansese customers are afraid of chinese foods. Vendors have to take some actions to rebuild trust.

However, I'm worried that they are going to be too radical. Yes, I don't want to eat poisoned foods, but too much restriction may generate racial discrimination towards chinese people. Did they intentionally intoxicate dumplings to kill the Japanese? I don't think so.

Anyway, I hope everybody calms down, and the problem will be settled soon.