Visitors strolling through Tokyo may have spotted an unusual sight in recent weeks: tourists exploring the city with a small robot perched on their shoulder. The device, known as OriHime, has been developed by Japanese robotics company OryLab to provide guided walking tours across the capital.
The Japan Times reported that OriHime communicates directly into the traveller’s ear while offering commentary on local landmarks. At first glance, the idea of wandering around with a robot strapped to a backpack may seem eccentric. However, the project is breaking new ground by enabling people with disabilities to work as tour guides from the comfort of their own homes.
Equipped with a microphone, speaker, and camera, OriHime streams live footage of the tourist’s surroundings to the remote guide. The operator can then share insights and recommendations in real time, creating a unique, personalised experience. The robot currently supports both Japanese and English, allowing it to cater to a wide range of visitors.
Creating new opportunities
According to OryLab spokesperson Keiko Hamaguchi, the service allows house-bound individuals to engage with others in ways that would otherwise not have been possible. She told The Japan Times that the tours help reduce isolation while also providing meaningful work opportunities.
Each guided session lasts around 90 minutes. The cost is 8,800 Japanese yen (about US$60) for a solo participant, or 3,300 yen (around US$22) per person for two people. The company completed more than 60 trial tours before officially launching the service a few weeks ago, suggesting growing interest in the concept.
OriHime has been in development for over 15 years. The original prototype was unveiled in 2009 and has undergone refinement over time to enhance performance and reliability. OryLab has also introduced a larger model called OriHime-D, which enables remote operators to carry out tasks such as moving objects or assisting customers. With its humanoid design, OriHime-D resembles Pepper, a robot created by SoftBank in 2014 that has since been discontinued.
From personal challenge to global vision
The origins of OryLab can be traced back to its founder, Kentaro Yoshifuji. As a child, Yoshifuji endured serious health problems that left him unable to attend school for several years. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in robotics and focus on creating technology that connects people and reduces loneliness.
Today, OriHime represents both a technological innovation and a social initiative. By turning robots into a bridge between people, OryLab is not only redefining tourism in Tokyo but also offering a sense of purpose and connection to those who are often excluded from such opportunities.
For visitors, the tours provide a novel way to experience the city. For guides, they represent an opportunity to share knowledge, interact with others, and contribute to the community without leaving their homes. As the service expands, OriHime could become a familiar companion on the streets of Japan’s capital, transforming the way people explore urban spaces.
