Robots Play Fetch and Assist Spectators at Tokyo Olympics
The Tokyo Olympics features a variety of helper robots designed by Toyota to streamline events and assist attendees. From retrieving javelins to guiding spectators, these machines play a central role in the Games.
The Tokyo Olympic Games feature a variety of high-tech robots designed to streamline operations and assist attendees. A black-and-white Field Support Robot makes its debut by playing fetch during track and field throwing events, chasing down hammers, javelins, and other objects. The International Olympics Committee states that this self-driving machine calculates the optimal path to retrieve items, which significantly reduces the time needed to clear the field and limits the amount of human support required.
Toyota and the Games organizers also deploy Miraitowa and Someity, two cartoon-like robots that serve as the official Olympic and Paralympic mascots. These blue and pink machines act as futuristic ambassadors by waving and shaking hands with the public. However, their primary role as welcoming hosts experiences a significant setback because spectator-free protocols severely limit their interactions with the public.
Additionally, taller human and delivery support robots operate throughout the Olympic Stadium to make the Games more comfortable for attendees. These Wall-e-like machines carry food and other items for spectators who use wheelchairs, guide people to their assigned seats, and provide event information. Together, this fleet of robotic helpers showcases a new era of automation in international sports.