Robots in Japan are starting to help people shop

A humanoid robot has just been launched for commercial use in Japan, and its main task is to help elderly people shop in supermarkets and convenience stores.

The robot, called Robovie II and created by Advanced Telecommunications Research, will be temporarily deployed at the Seikadai supermarket in Kyoto between now and March next year to test the feasibility of using advanced personal robots in everyday situations.

Robovie wirelessly receives a list of items selected in advance by customers, then carries a shopping basket to buy the suggested items, and even helps merchants promote their products.