As a general rule I am not a fan of machines replacing humans. Although convenient, supermarket self-serve checkouts and ATMs are taking jobs away from people and as a society we are losing human connection (just my two cents worth). However, in the case of Avatar Robot Cafe DAWN in Tokyo Japan, the exact opposite is happening. Robots are enabling people with illnesses or disabilities that prevent them from leaving their home and going to a place of work the opportunity to work from home, bed or even a hospital. Given the rate of unemployment within the disability community is so high, I just knew that this was one business I wanted to review on our trip to Tokyo.
Avatar Robot Cafe DAWN review – Tokyo Japan
Like most fabulous accessible and inclusive ideas, the Avatar Robot Cafe DAWN came about through the experience of one person. Creator Yoshifuji was forced to stay home from school for more than three years due to medical reasons and found himself a social recluse due to the isolation. For this reason he came up with the idea of creating a cafe environment where robots, piloted by people who are unable to work in person, serve diners. The novelty of robots serving meals combined with the unique work opportunity for people living with illness or disabilities had me at “hello.” What’s not to love about robots actually connecting people?
There are various ways to experience the Dawn Cafe. We wanted the full experience so we booked the OriHime Diner option. This provided a robot, piloted by someone working from home, to serve our drinks (included) a meal and the chance to chat to another robot at our table that was piloted by a lady working from home in Fukuoka. An iPad beside our robot gave a brief introduction to Miyuu while we waited for our meal. Miyuu explained that she had a condition that prevented her from working outside of her home and that’s why she enjoyed the remote work at the Dawn Cafe. Miyuu listed watching sport (especially baseball), singing and crochet as her interests which provided some hints as to conversation starters. I’m not going to lie, at first it feels a bit awkward chatting to a robot.
For guests short on time or not wanting a meal there is still a good reason to visit the Dawn Cafe with the option to have a non-alcoholic or alcoholic drink at the bar from 12 noon. If you fancy a coffee that is also available and will be created by a barista trained OriHime pilot and served by the NEXTAGE robot (pictured below).
Please keep in mind that Dawn Cafe is a cashless venue so make sure you have a credit card or travel money card with you.
It may all sound futuristic but this cafe is filled with joy and humanity. Dawn Cafe currently offers employment opportunities to over 60 people living with various disabilities. You can meet some of the employees (pilots) on the Dawn Cafe website here.
The cafe also provides a barrier free environment for visitors. Step-free entry, good circulation space within the cafe and an accessible bathroom are thoughtful access inclusions.
The large accessible bathroom with sliding door is equipped with an adult-size change table (no hoist), ostomate facilities (for those using a stoma pouch) and grab rails.
When we travel we always look for opportunities to support businesses supporting people living with a disability. For anyone that feels the same, I highly recommend a visit to the Dawn Cafe. Not only will you enjoy the fun of having robots serve you, but you’ll also have the chance to connect with a local.
You can read more about the cafe, the nearest rail stations and how to make a booking on the Dawn Cafe website.
If you are interested in other businesses we have visited around the world that support people living with disabilities you can read the following reviews –
Hotel Etico Rome – accessible accommodation
Starbucks signing store Washington DC
Mozzeria DC – signing pizza restaurant
Summerland House Farm Alstonville NSW
Breaking Grounds Cafe, Tuggerah, NSW
