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Javier Lacort
Senior WriterI write long-form content at Xataka about the intersection between technology, business and society. I also host the daily Spanish podcast Loop infinito (Infinite Loop), where we analyze Apple news and put it into perspective.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
Japan is revolutionizing its service sector with thousands of cat-like robots that transport dishes and glasses in more than 2,000 restaurants. While similar technologies are used in restaurants around the world, the Asian country is taking the concept to a whole new level with enhanced capabilities and widespread implementation.
This initiative responds to a significant demographic challenge: Japan’s population is aging, and there’s a severe labor shortage.
Why this matters. Robots don’t completely replace human workers. Instead, they work alongside them. This allows older individuals or immigrants to take on jobs that otherwise may be too physically demanding or require language skills they don’t have.
Skylark Holdings, Japan’s largest directly managed restaurant chain, recently deployed around 3,000 cat-like robots. The devices are equipped with 3D sensors, a wide range of facial expressions, and the capacity to carry heavy dishes.
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The numbers. The service robot market in Japan is projected to triple in value over the next five years, reaching around $2.7 billion by 2030. The global sector currently generates about $17.2 billion annually.
- Japan has the lowest unemployment rate among OECD countries, standing at 2.4%.
- By 2040, the country is expected to face a shortage of 11 million workers.
- Nearly 40% of the Japanese population is projected to be 65 or older by 2065.
- In the hospitality sector, there are three job vacancies for every job applicant.
Between the lines. The rise of robotics in the workforce aligns with other recent government initiatives. Japan is actively promoting hiring foreign workers while providing incentives for companies to retain employees ages 65 and older.
An example of this transformation can be seen with Skylark, which employs more than 4,000 workers over the age of 65, nearly double the number from 2020. The company has also increased its percentage of part-time foreign staff to 3.3%, up from 2.6% in 2020.
Yasuko Tagawa, a 71-year-old employee at a Tokyo restaurant, works 20 hours a week. “My job’s no trouble at all when I’m working with robots,” she told Bloomberg. About half of her tasks are now supported by machine assistance. "At my age it does get harder to move around,” she added.
Beyond hospitality. The robotics revolution extends far beyond restaurants. The elderly care sector in Japan, which expects a shortfall of 570,000 caregivers by 2040, is rapidly adopting these technologies, too.
At the Flos Higashi-Kojiya nursing home in Tokyo, caregivers have been using automated devices for years to assist with lifting residents, monitoring the behavior of individuals with dementia, and facilitating communication. Sensors placed under mattresses record sleep patterns, heart rates, and respiration, providing real-time data that allows staff to monitor 40 residents simultaneously.
Drawbacks. Despite their potential, service robots have limitations, and the initial investment can be prohibitive for some companies. Additionally, robots can’t fully replace human judgment and the essential interpersonal skills in many service sector jobs.
However, for Tagawa, the future appears promising. “Maybe they can also help out in the kitchen,” she said, stroking one of the robots. “Thank you for your hard work. I’ll be counting on you.”
Image | Christian Chen
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