Tag Archives: Robot

AI robot touted as future English-learning tool for Japanese kids | The Japan Times

November 20, 2015 By in Education, People, Politics Tags: , , , Leave a comment

This is the top-trending article in the Japan Times today. It’s a must read!

Source: AI robot touted as future English-learning tool for Japanese kids | The Japan Times

The article claims that Japan has long been criticized for its low-level of English, but children could soon become more proficient in the language just by chit-chatting with an artificially intelligent robot.

It looks like this is the end of the road for young English-speaking travellers trying to earn a crust teaching English in Japan and China.

Over the years, I have spent a lot of time trying to learn foreign languages both traditionally with tutors and over the internet. Whilst I recognize that there is a place for AI and robotics to replace the mechanistic part of language training, I think there will always be a place for expert teachers.

Thoughts?

Laundry-folding robot unveiled at Tokyo trade fair | The Japan Times

October 10, 2015 By in Business Administration, Business Strategy, Fiscal Policy, People, Personal Marketing, Politics, Science, Students, Unemployment Tags: , , , , , , , 2 Comments
Shadow Dexterous Robot Hand holding a lightbulb

Shadow Dexterous Robot Hand holding a lightbulb (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Japan Times reports that in a move that takes advantage of image recognition and robotics technologies, a Tokyo-based company is showcasing an unusual home appliance at the CEATEC – it’s a laundry folding robot.

Source: Laundry-folding robot unveiled at Tokyo trade fair | The Japan Times

Rebotics is here to stay and will increasingly replace labour intensive tasks.

Meanwhile, the International Labour Organization reports a bleak outlook for youth unemployment. 

Responsible governments must encourage greater deployment of robotics to increase productivity. But at the same time, governments must deal with the trend of fewer traditional jobs. Surely part of the answer is to encourage micro-businesses with suitable training and fiscal inducements?

Thoughts?