For our first week of EDES 200 & 301, we were taught the basics of how to use and program an Arduino. We also learned about design and engineering specific to Japan through site visits, and began brainstorming project ideas that would help improve accessibility in both Japan and America, especially for an aging population.
This would be my third week in Japan, and yet I somehow keep learning something new about Japan’s toilets of all things. For our site visits, we went to the Toto showroom as well as Tokyo Toilet. I’ve probably seen a wider variety of toilets within one day here than I did my entire life in America, and I like these so much more. I especially loved the glass in the Tokyo Toilet – when it is locked from the inside the glass automatically becomes opaque.
We also visited two robot cafes: Lovot and Dawn Avatar. We actually visited Lovot’s museum for a site visit in BUSI 220 – they seem to be a polarizing topic, but I personally think the robots are really cute. If they weren’t so expensive I would get one for myself…
I love the concept behind Dawn Cafe. The robots are merely avatars, while the “personality” or voice behind it is an actual person who cannot physically work there, whether it be a physical limitation or some other reason. It provides a wider group of people opportunities for employment and interaction.
