Avatar Robot Cafe in Tokyo, creating remote work for people with disabilities
Updated: Apr 3
This concept cafe uses robotics to offer work and transform the lives of those who may be bedridden, unable or too uncomfortable to work outside of the home. Redefining remote working with cutting edge OriHime robots, customers are able to interact with staff with health conditions or impairments from their own personal spaces in a fun and non-intrusive way.
We were completely enamoured by this fantastic idea and we could not wait to get there and check it out. We had the most heart warming experience and we are huge fans of everything the team at the Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe and its owners Ory Laboratory are doing. Take a look at how it works, and be sure to pay them a visit and give your support when you are in Tokyo!
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What is an OriHime Robot?
OriHime is a robot that has a built-in camera, microphone and speakers. It is controlled remotely through the internet and the operator can freely move the field of view of OriHime. They are able to talk and communicate in real time via the tablet you see in the front. Operators are also able to move the robot along programmed floor lines, and can also control the eyes and arms. Find out more about OriHime here.
Our Avatar Robot Cafe highlights
On entry we were immediately greeted by our first OriHime robot, operated by the lovely Masako Imai. This first interaction was initially a little awkward, but both Jenn and I became comfortable and natural fairly quickly. Masako was born with SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) and operates OriHime from her home in Osaka.
"I am a typically energetic Osaka born person with a special suit called SMA. Needing assistance by caregivers for almost 24 hours a day, I currently live alone."
In 2015, Masako helped start a group for challenged people called Gururi, aiming to create a culture where diverse people could meet and co-exist in a local community.
"I want to have fun talking to people and discovering and appreciating new things through my alter ego avatar robot OriHime!"
We were really happy to meet Masako and she gave us such a lovely welcome! As we did not make reservations prior, we were unable to have a sit down robot 'service'. So we just ordered two salted caramel lattes and opted for a window seat where we could observe the OriHime and their operators in action.
The café is beautifully presented and we really liked the infusion of green plants and the central tree, complete with its surrounding cushion seat. There is a large screen, a well stocked bar and plenty of tables. There is also free WiFi and charging ports available. The café is split into two sections; seating for online bookings and walk-in customers. For the robot table service you must book prior to arrival and you are required to order a meal.
There are some great workspaces available too although they are limited without reservations. We were actually given a 30 minute time limit although it was fairly quiet so it did not seem like it would be enforced. We really enjoyed the atmosphere here and it felt like such a happy place to be! We do wish we had booked the table service but we will certainly do it next time (there will definitely be one!)
This was the first time either one of us had seen a OriHime robot and it was fascinating to watch it cruise around serving the patrons of the café. Even more so having conversations with the people operating them! We were completely enamoured by the concept and we can most certainly see how this benefits the staff, not just as a job but also on a social level.
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The OriHime Pilot Barista
The tele barista pilot is only available on reservation and again is operated by a café pilot. Despite not having a reservation we were still fortunate enough to have enjoyed some time with Akane after we had finished our coffee. We were invited over to say hello and we both got to play rock paper scissors! Unfortunately we both lost but this was super fun!
OriHime operators are called pilots and there are over 60 staff from inside and outside Japan! With such a warm welcome, fun interactions and great service we have no doubt that the Avatar Robot café will continue to expand and grow. Hopefully it will look beyond Japan too! There are so many who could absolutely benefit from this kind of opportunity.
Read on for more information on how to make reservations, the location of the café and our Avatar Robot Café rating.
Making Reservations at the Avatar Robot Cafe
There is an admission fee for the cafe, which cover access to the diner, bar and cafe. There is a small section of seats that do not require this fee, however they do not include OriHime service or the option for meals (coffee and small snacks only).
⪢ OriHime PASS
● Adult ticket (12 years +) ￥1,500 ($9.97 USD / $13.45 CAD / £7.87 GBP)
● Child ticket (4 - 11 years old) ￥1,000 ($6.65 USD / $8.97 CAD / £5.24 GBP)
● OriHime pass includes one drink
● Free for children under 3 years old
⪢ OriHime Diner
Robot service is called a 'OriHime Diner' and must be booked online. You are also required to order a meal from an exclusive menu. Booking this service removes the requirement to pay the admission fee.
Fee:
● Adult ticket (12 years +) ￥4,000 ($26.59 USD / $35.88 CAD / £20.98 GBP)
● Child ticket ( 4 -11 years old) ￥2,000 ($13.29 USD / $17.94 CAD / £10.49 GBP)
● Free for children under 3 years old
What you get:
● Entrance ticket to OriHime area
● OriHime Customer Service Experience (table service)
● One dish and one beverage from the menu
● Same-day reservations are not accepted
● Reservations can only be made online with credit card payment in advance. Cash payments or phone reservations are not accepted.
● OriHime Diner is available for a minimum of 2 persons
● Service by OriHime starts 30 minutes after reservation time
⪢ Bar Counter
The Bar Counter is open from noon and offers original non-alcoholic cold drinks in addition to alcoholic beverages.
● No advance reservations are required
● Admission fee required, can be paid on the day of your visit
● Alcohol age limit is 20 years old
● 30-minute service will be available when seats are over crowded
⪢ Cafe Seat
OriHime pilots who have undergone barista training will operate the OriHime 'NEXTAGE' robot to serve you your coffee of choice. View the full menu here.
Service Times:
● No reservation required
● Admission fee applicable
● There may be a 30 minute time limit at busy periods
Quoted prices are correct as of February 2024. Please note that these prices may be subject to change at anytime. Please see the Avatar Robot Cafe website for up-to-date information.
Avatar Robot Cafe opening times
The Avatar Robot Cafe is open every day except for Thursday, from 11am to 7pm. The cafe is only open on Thursday if a national holiday falls on this day.
How to get to Avatar Robot Cafe in Tokyo
Tokyo has one of the best public transport systems in the world, and the best way to get to Avatar Robot Cafe is by subway. There are several stations close to it, listed below. You are able to drive there if you have a car, but parking is very limited in the area.
⪢ Nearest subway stations:
● Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kodenmacho Station (4 min walk)
● JR Sobu Line Shin-Nihonbashi Station (Exit 5)
● Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Mitsukoshimae station (7 min walk)
● JR Yamanote Line Kanda Station (10 min walk)
Address: Nihonbashi Life Science Building 3 1F, 3-8-3 Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0023, Japan
Phone: (+81) 03-3527-2136
Email: dawn@orylab.com
Opening times: 11am - 7pm, 6 days a week. Closed on Thursday.
Payments: Non-cash payments only (credit / debit card, QR pay, e-cash)
Website: dawn2021.orylab.com
Instagram: @dawncafe2021
Facebook: @dawncafe2021
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Our Avatar Robot Cafe experience rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
We are rating Avatar Robot Cafe 5 stars because of its purpose, cause and the mission behind the café. It is a great place to spend time with friends and family and the coffee was excellent. It is perhaps a little on the higher end of the price scale but for what you get and contribute, it is well worth it!
What do you think, is this a place you would visit? Is this a concept you would like to see where you are? Let us know in the comments below!
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