Why the West is Losing the Tech War

@Abroad in Japan

Abroad in Japanyoutubethe post

Chris Broad explores the perceived tech war between the West and China, using humanoid robots as a lens to discuss broader issues of innovation, infrastructure, and societal progress, drawing parallels with Japan's past technological boom.

5 places · 1 experience

Experience · 1 place
Witnessing Asimo's Prowess
I'll never forget the day I saw Asimo at the Tokyo Future Museum in Odaiba, the Miraikan. It came out, ran across the floor, and kicked a football. It was all a bit trippy; I thought there was a kid in the suit because it didn't look real. At the time, it seemed like Honda was onto a winner.
1
Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation)
Science museum
4.1 (54)Closed
Creator's voice
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Odaiba, Tokyo, known for showcasing cutting-edge technology and scientific advancements, including past demonstrations of Honda's humanoid robot, Asimo.
Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, 2 Chome-3-6 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
2
Robot Restaurant
Entertainer · Shinjuku City
3.8 (327)
Creator's voice
A famously over-the-top dinner show in Shinjuku, Tokyo, featuring robots, dancers, and elaborate performances. The creator mentions it as an 'ill-fated' example of Japan's robot fascination.
Robot restaurant, B1F 1 Chome-7-7 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
3
Henn-na Hotel
Hotel · New York
4.4
Creator's voice
A hotel chain in Japan known for employing robot dinosaurs and other automated staff for check-in and guest services. The creator notes that the hotel eventually 'dialed down on the robots' due to their impracticality.
Henn na Hotel New York, 235 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001
- Bilingual robot dinosaur check-in — A robot dinosaur awkwardly failed to check me into my room. While the concept was fun, the robots themselves were 'a bit bollocks,' leading the hotel to reduce their use.
4
SoftBank Robotics Cafe
Cell phone store · Shibuya
3.2 (62)Open · until 8 PM
Creator's voice
A cafe in Shibuya, Tokyo, where customers can interact with SoftBank's Pepper robots. The creator describes them as 'fun to look at, but after about 5 minutes, you realize the awkward truth: they're bloody useless.'
Softbank Shibuya, Kiyama Bldg., 27-4 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
- Pepper robot interaction — You can interact with SoftBank's Pepper robots at this cafe. They're fun for about 5 minutes, but ultimately 'bloody useless' in terms of practical function.
5
Gusto
Family restaurant · Shinjuku City
3.5 (684)Open · until 11 PM
Creator's voice
A popular family restaurant chain in Japan. The creator highlights it as a place where the only 'practically useful' robot interaction is an automated trolley that brings cheap hamburgers.
Gasuto Shinjukusanchome (Ten), レミナビル４Ｆ 3 Chome-17-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
- Automated trolley food delivery — An automated trolley that brings you cheap hamburgers. It's described as the only 'practically useful' robot interaction in Japan, getting the job done efficiently.